From Augsburg comes the Hopper, an e-mini car with a roof that can be driven on cycle paths like an e-bike. Sales have now started. There is a discount at the start.
The Hopper can ride anywhere that bicycles can ride. (Source: Hopper Mobility)
- The Hopper is intended to combine the best features of a car and a bicycle.
- The covered electric tricycle has a maximum speed of 25 km/h, is legally considered an e-bike and is allowed to ride on cycle paths.
- When sales start, there is a discount until the end of the year.
Covered e-bikes, which are legally registered as bicycles and can therefore be ridden anywhere, are becoming a trend. The Podbike and Canyon projects have recently made a name for themselves. The start-up Hopper Mobility from Augsburg, which has been working on the transport transition for years and whose product, the Hopper, is now ready for the market, is taking a similar approach. Compared to the originally planned variant, some technical details have apparently fallen victim to red pencil. There is no longer a solar roof in the “First Edition”.
Introduction to Hopper
Visually, the Hopper doesn’t have much in common with a classic e-bike or, more accurately, Pedelec – and that’s exactly why it could move even more people away from automobiles and towards more environmentally friendly solutions.
No insurance, no license plate, no driver’s license
Like the AllWeatherBike, the concept offers complete weather protection, but can be ridden on cycle paths and in car-free cities without insurance. You don’t need a driver’s license either.
According to the manufacturer, the range is up to 65 kilometers, depending on driving style and selected support level. You have to pedal yourself, but there is a starting aid that works up to 6 km/h. The technical data of the First Edition, which is now available, at a quick overview:
- Motor: 250 W continuous rated power (1350 W maximum power) | maximum torque of 112 Nm | Pedal assistance up to 25 km/h | Driving aid up to 6 km/h
- Battery: AES Powerpack with 1440 Wh (30 Ah/48 V) | Lithium iron phosphate battery (LiFePO4) | Range up to approx. 65 km | can be easily removed and charged from a household socket | min. 2500 charging cycles (approx. 8 years with daily use)
- Dimensions: 212 cm length | 105 cm width without mirror, 115 cm width with mirror | approx. 126 l (passenger version) or 216 l (cargo version) trunk | Rear seat for one adult or two children in the passenger version
The battery can be removed with one hand and charged at the home socket. The manufacturer has apparently now moved away from the solar modules integrated into the roof surface. In good conditions – i.e. in full sunlight – you should generate five bonus kilometers every hour. According to an announcement in January 2022, 70 percent of all typical journeys should be independent of power sockets.
Photo gallery
E-bike cars for cycle paths
E-bike cars for cycle paths
A reverse gear makes maneuvering easier. In any case, the electric speedster is very maneuverable thanks to a rotating rear wheel. The turning circle is just two meters! No small car can keep up with that.
Up to two people can travel
In contrast to e-bikes or cargo bikes, large purchases can also fit into the vehicle’s storage space. It was designed for two adults or one adult who can take up to two children with them. Alternatively, a pure cargo version of the Hopper is available.
Price and availability
Anyone interested in the concept can buy the Hopper at a reduced price here. With the early bird discount, the e-bike with a roof costs 12,900 euros until the end of the year. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2024. Some Hopper models are already in use on public roads.
We will introduce you to further e-bike innovations here. We have collected more e-bikes with a roof for you here.
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