Karbike is designed to protect its riders from wind and rain providing a stable and secure form of transportation with its four wheel design and robust chassis.
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In the ever evolving urban transportation landscape mobility companies are increasingly focusing on developing environmentally friendly solutions for navigating through bustling cities In a bid to cater to the needs of city dwellers looking for sustainable and efficient commuting solutions French startup Karbikes has introduced a new electric vehicle concept that stands at the junction between bicycle and micro car This innovative new vehicle features four wheels, two seats, designer headlights, a windshield and complete bodywork which makes it look just like a miniature car However it is an electrically assisted cargo bike whose 250 Watt electric motor is only triggered through pedaling As such with an ingenious blend of practicality and eco friendliness the Karbike promises to offer both the benefits of an electric bike and the enhanced stability and comfort of a compact car which means it could turn out to be a perfect companion for urban commuters Karbikes is a new player on the mobility scene having been founded in April 2022 by Gaelle Richard and Lucas Vançon two eco driven engineers who have left their previous jobs to embark on this bicycle car project As the saying goes necessity is the mother of invention, and this unconventional design is also the result of a need Built with a steel frame, an aluminum roof, a windshield made of unbreakable polycarbonate and rigid lockable doors yet to be installed this novel ebike is designed to protect the rider from wind and rain while also providing enhanced stability and security According to statistics 75% of cycling accidents happen due to a loss of balance on the part of the rider Karbikes promises that its vehicle’s robust chassis and four wheeled design will contribute to a lower risk of accidents Moreover riders will have better visibility similar to that of a city car while additional features like lockable doors, an alarm system, a horn, a stop lamp and flashers will enhance safety Designed with weather protection in mind the car bike is equipped with a partially convertible bodywork What this means is that you get complete protection in rainy or windy conditions but the roof, windows and trunk door are retractable if you want to enjoy the open air, feel the breeze in your hair and be closer to nature on sunny days especially if you’re riding down a scenic road In terms of dimensions the Karbike is three times more compact than a standard car It measures just 31.5 inches in width which makes it thinner than even a three wheeled cargo bike This ensures easy maneuverability and makes it perfectly suited for the urban environment both on cycle paths and roads The rider propels the hybrid vehicle using both pedals and a 250 watt mid mounted Valeo motor The electric motor is assisted by a 750Wh battery that promises an initial range of 75 km However the inventors say riders can get more than that thanks to the aerodynamic bodywork, an optional solar panel and the energy recovery system utilized during braking In terms of performance the karbike is limited to 25 kph and its torquey engine will deliver around 130 Nm meaning it can climb hills even while transporting heavy loads The startup plans on offering two versions of the hybrid vehicle a single seater model focused on utility with a configuration that accommodates the rider in front and cargo space in the back and a family oriented model that can transport an adult and two children along with groceries or other goods The variant aimed at professionals offers one cubic meter of storage capacity and 200kg load capability Showcasing the creators commitment to creating a sustainable product and contributing to a low carbon world this vehicle’s components are sourced from local manufacturers As such the chassis is made in Hochfelden the windshields in Mulhouse and the Valeo engines in the Lyon region with everything being assembled in the company’s workshop in Strasbourg For now the product is in the prototype stage but its two Alsatian inventors plan to develop it in series and are currently looking for financing to launch production If everything goes to plan they say the first Karbike units will be delivered to their owners during the summer of 2024 With its convenient mix of practicality, safety and functionality this hybrid vehicle is certainly an interesting way of getting around town without getting soaked by rain
2 Comments
75% of accidents caused by loss of balance? It's the other cars that are the real danger – drivers opening their doors on bicyclists, etc.
Too big for a bike lane, too slow for a road lane.Quadracucles are allowed in some cities in France and Spain, but not in most of the world. My 14" tire mini e bike has more power, 400 watts and a larger battery 15 amp hours, and goes 35 kilometers per hour vs 15 on this at a cost of less than $600 delivered.