Now operating in the Carvoeiro area, the fully electric The PoolCar has transformed pool maintenance for both hotels and private properties. With a 200 km range, 80 km/h top speed, up to 600 kg capacity, and 4-7 hour charging time, it offers a simple, convenient user experience.
With the health of workers, sustainability, and a more practical and effective service in mind, Dutchman Bart Hoogwerff Eikelenboom, who has lived in the Algarve for over a decade, did not hesitate to invest in this innovative business.
Also focused on quality and durability, in partnership with the Dutch factory Spijkstaal – given that there are no Portuguese factories and he received no response from brands such as Fiat, Skoda, and Dacia – Bart managed the production of the vehicle he had envisioned, with a solid cargo platform and a manoeuvrable structure.
Besides being quiet and allowing air circulation, as well as preventing the concentration of chemicals from the products used, The PoolCar, with a capacity for two people, has a rear camera system, a touchscreen with infotainment, radio, Bluetooth, and other features designed for the comfort and well-being of its users.
The idea originated when Dário Vieira, owner of a pool maintenance company in the Algarve with more than a decade of experience, was servicing Bart’s private property. Through their long-standing acquaintance of 11 years, they exchanged opinions and suggestions, leading to a partnership that combined their creativity and shared drive for innovation.
In the past, small pickups were used, which were most of the time replaced by impractical closed vans. When Bart saw the pool maintenance employees struggling with their “unsuitable cars for the job”, that was the fuel needed for the birth of The PoolCar.
“I was really motivated to do something different, and I believe it will be very beneficial in the Algarve, given the number of swimming pools there are here,” reveals Bart, founder of The PoolCar, emphasising that he believes “strongly in the success” of this project.
However, “it was a long and challenging journey, as a result of the requirements imposed by the Portuguese government for the legalisation of cars purchased abroad,” laments Bart. As The PoolCar already had a European licence to drive in the Netherlands, is electric, and falls into the quadricycle category, the process became easier.
“Fortunately, the process to get a licence for Portugal was not too difficult as the base of the car in various versions had already European approval. The fact that it is fully electric made things easier as well,” Bart clarifies.
Hence, the challenge of marketing The PoolCar now begins, which is already in the hands of Dário Vieira, a native of Carvoeiro, founder and manager of the company Dário Vieira – Manutenção de Piscinas, Unipessoal Lda.
“The car fulfils its purpose and is helping us to do a better job. I am very satisfied, and so are my employees,” explains Dário Vieira, highlighting the car’s easy maintenance and his intention to gradually replace his 13 vehicles with these.
A versatile vehicle that will bring many new features. In addition to the service it provides, it can also be used for other purposes and adapted as needed. With a promising future ahead, Bart already has other ideas in mind, such as a closed car equipped for grocery delivery, with a cooling system.
The presentation will take place at FATACIL, running from August 22 to 31 in Lagoa, where The PoolCar will be on display. It should be noted that it can be purchased by individuals or companies for less than €20,000, with a two-year warranty and the possibility of a lease agreement.
