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Podbike’s covered four-wheeled e-bike future-proofs commutes

Podbike represents the next generation of electric bicycles. The Podbike Frikar e-bike has four wheels, a protective cover and electric support for speeds up to 25 km/h, making work commutes more enjoyable and comfortable.Published 21 Mar 2023 (updated 7 Feb 2024) · 3 min read

Passenger cars account for 60 per cent of total carbon emissions from road transport in Europe. And, according to the OECD, local emissions from fossil fuel vehicles kill 250 000 Europeans every year.

The majority of daily transport by passenger cars, meanwhile, are short journeys from home to work or school. In Norway, for instance, trips under 15 km account for more than 80 per cent of all car rides.

Such short trips are the easiest to replace with alternative, emission-free modes of transport. But still only few people use electric bicycles, or e-bikes, for their daily transport needs. To encourage more people to take up emission-free transport modes, more attractive alternatives are clearly needed.

Four-wheeled e-bike with full weather protection

The Podbike Frikar e-bike is intended to replace short car trips. Podbike Frikar merges the comfort of cars with all the benefits of cycling, making cycling both more accessible and more attractive for a larger group of people.

Podbike Frikar is a four-wheeled e-bike with a protective cover, or pod, ensuring the cyclist is shielded from the weather and other elements. Under the cover, it seats one adult and one child. It may also tow a bicycle trailer for two additional children.

Podbike Frikar is built on patented technology. It is designed in accordance with EU regulations for pedelecs – “pedal electric cycle” – and Electrically Power Assisted Cycles (EPAC). As a pedelec, the Podbike is permitted to ride wherever regular bicycles are allowed, and it is only slightly wider than a regular bicycle trailer.

Podbike Frikar is not yet on the market, but is available for pre-order in Europe and selected other markets. It is designed for manufacturing at large volumes.

Further down the line, Podbike’s technology can be developed for autonomous operations.

Podbike driving

Concrete benefits

The Podbike Frikar e-bike is comfortable and can be used year-round. It is flexible and can be ridden on bike paths and roads. It is practical as well, combining the benefits of both a car and a bike.

Podbike Frikar is also fun and safe to ride, offering high visibility, excellent stability and better safety than regular e-bikes.

As a new mode of transport, Podbike Frikar connects people and places in a unique way, providing a practical and healthy alternative to cars in urban areas.

Market potential

The Podbike Frikar e-bike targets the private car market, particularly in urban areas, as well as the existing market for e-bikes.

In 2018, 15.6 million new passenger cars and 2.3 million new e-bikes in Europe. A 2 per cent market conversion would lead to an addressable market of 350 000 units per year.

Based on market research into end-users’ prioritised characteristics for a personal transport vehicle, the Podbike Frikar e-bike outperfoms state-of-the-art solutions in these market segments. For cars, Podbike Frikar offers a better price, environmental profile and transport effectiveness. For regular e-bikes, Podbike Frikar offers better safety, comfort and weather protection.

Podbike AS was founded in 2016 by a team of experienced engineers and creative enthusiasts.

At a glance

  • Fully covered cycle with electric pedalling support
  • Four wheels for safety and stability
  • Affordable, zero-emission alternative to cars in urban areas

Solution status

Soon available

www.podbike.com

PODBIKE AS

PODBIKE AS

Heiamyrå 1, 4031 STAVANGER, Norway

Website

Janet Usken

Marketing Manager

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Industry, innovation and infrastructure

9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure

About the goal


The Podbike can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from road transport by replacing short-distance car transport with e-bikes.

Sustainable cities and communities

11. Sustainable cities and communities

About the goal


The Podbike can be part of smart transport systems in cities, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

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