MotoVeloZavod plans to assemble M1NSK quadricycles - a review of the new model

Minsk "MotoVeloZavod" recently demonstrated a fundamentally new technique of its own assembly. Before that, the company produced motorcycles, but then they swung at a four-wheeled quadricycle.


However, about “they did it themselves” is too loudly said. LLC "MotoVeloZavod" is the successor of the Soviet "Motovelo", which still exists, renting out space.

The enterprise where M1NSK motorcycles are assembled does not differ from a number of similar ones in Russia. Chinese bikes are brought here in shipping boxes, and then they are simply assembled. M1NSK stickers and nameplates are a bonus from partners from China. They are ready to order motorcycles as you like.


On the other hand, everything is not so bad, even though they collect bikes - this is already better than nothing. Recently, MotoVeloZavod pleased with a novelty - the M1NSK electric quadricycle. In the range of the company, this is the first sample that looks more like a small car than a motorcycle.

What is a quadricycle anyway?

You need to understand what is meant by such a technique. There are quad bikes and quadricycles. The first are all-terrain vehicles equipped with motorcycle controls. The second is predominantly urban transport. It looks more like a car.

Quads rarely develop more than 20 horsepower. With. They look like mini-cars for the city. But the same Smart is definitely not a quadricycle, but a full-fledged car. And the equipment from MotoVeloZavod can be called a motorized carriage, when compared with Soviet counterparts.


ATVs are different, the average model has a 500 cm3 engine with a power of under 40 hp. With. There are more expensive options, which have power units with a working volume of about a liter.

This technique is utilitarian, suitable for hunting, fishing, tourism and household work. There are models that are not intended for public roads.

Price

We figured out the name of the class, now let's consider the technique declared by MotoVeloZavod as our own, in more detail. The quadricycle is presented in a single copy, apparently, to study demand.



"MotoVeloZavod" promises to bring the quadricycle to order after drawing up a direct contract of sale. It is clear that the equipment will be delivered from China. As a bonus, it is possible to be present at the assembly.


Maybe it would be easier to order such a quadricycle from China on your own? It will obviously cost less, although, without a guarantee. On the other hand, what could go wrong there?

Appearance and equipment of the quadricycle M1NSK

The technique looks pretty nice, especially from afar. It may well compete with the old Smart Fortwo I in appearance. Of course, passive safety, like a German car, is basically not here - Smart has a real "birdcage" that can protect the driver and passenger in a collision at high speed.

If you get closer, you can see that the workmanship is lame - some screws are rusty, the gaps are walking. But that's if you're really picky.

But in the cabin reigns an unusual luxury for this class:

✅ Artificial leather
✅ Large electronic panel
✅ Washer for selecting driving modes, instead of a traditional lever

As in appearance, inside, if you look closely, you can see the budget hidden under the glossy finish. The LCD screen glares in the sun, there is no "parking" mode and start from the button. But there is a rearview camera, air conditioning and power windows.


Theoretically, the M1NSK quadricycle is four-seater, more or less comfortably you can only fit in the front. Behind the sofa is frankly uncomfortable, hard and small. But if necessary, you can move around the city like that.

There is practically no trunk with a rear seat, but you can fold the seat, after which a cargo compartment is formed.

Features

The quadricycle is not certified not only in Russia, but also in Belarus, where it is planned to be assembled. In theory, you can drive on public roads, although the technique is more likely for the city. The speed limit is 60 km/h.

The engine is declared for 4 kW, the power reserve is an average of 140 km. This is on a test copy - if customers show interest, then it is possible to supply energy-intensive batteries.

Pendants are simple - spring. The pneumohydraulic brake system draws on itself. For a technique of this class, this is at least unusual. There are disc brakes in the front, drums in the back.


The weight of a quadricycle for a car is small - 463 kg. But if you consider that this is in fact a motorized carriage, then somehow it turns out a lot. Belonging to the class of electric cars obliges - running batteries are heavy.

The wheels feel small even considering the size of the M1NSK-R12 quad. This promises problems with finding rubber in the future.



A quadricycle can be charged from a “home” socket in 6-8 hours – it’s like a standard electric scooter. Another question is that it will not be possible to bring such equipment into an apartment.

How this miracle manifested itself on the go

M1NSK quad bike ride is available to the buyer. Another question is that for this you will have to go to Belarus, to the city of Minsk, to the MotoVeloZavod enterprise. Ride will be allowed only on the territory of the plant - the equipment is not certified.


The driver's seat is comfortable for people with a maximum of average height and build. Those who waved taller and bulkier will have to put up with some discomfort. A large driver will definitely have nowhere to put his left hand.



Representatives of MotoVeloZavod LLC assure that they will finalize their production models. This will consist in ordering new running batteries and removing the limiters. The chassis allows you to do this. But how much will it raise the cost? Although the manufacturer promises that the price will be reduced when large quantities of quadricycles start to come from China.

Power steering, although the "steering wheel" in place is spinning hard. There are no complaints about the rest of the design elements.

Cons

If for a Chinese quadricycle they ask for an amount of almost $ 10 in equivalent, then you expect build quality from it. On closer inspection, body gaps, terrible coloring, raw welds are striking.

The price definitely doesn't match the quality. There is an opinion that this is another "brilliant" business project - to order quadricycles in China, then its final cost with delivery is multiplied by two.

Who needs a new M1NSK?

In theory, the technique may be suitable for delivery services and private couriers. Although, it is unlikely that the latter will be able to lay out such an amount - as a rule, they do not get a job because of a good life.


Quadricycles can also be suitable for residents of the suburbs - for short trips up to 50 km one way. For urban operation, the promised 150 km of run will not be enough. In winter, they will decrease to hundreds.

Well, the price is too high. For half the amount, you can buy a new BAJAJ MAXIMA diesel cargo tricycle from an Indian manufacturer. We will also talk about this technique in one of the following articles.

So far, the M1NSK quadricycle is just another “Chinese” with a nameplate from the Belarusian assembler, nothing more.