The Matra Civis trolleybus has been designed as 100% low floor with a step height of 290mm. This is due to the use of hub motors. They are due to enter service at Clermond-Ferrand at the end of this year, Rouen next.. The Neoplan N6121 entering service now in Lusanne also uses hub motors and are thought to be 100% low floor. This is unlikely to be possible on diesels, and allows for wheelchair access, without kneeling, when used with low platforms approximately 100-150mm above pavement (sidewalk) level. There is nothing conceptually difficult with this arrangement or in terms of engineering, and it would seem to favour electric buses in a way no other PSV can claim.
This page last updated 29 JL 2000
