Schaeffler is finally to begin production of its “Bio-Hybrid” - a four-wheeled vehicle which the firm says, “combines the freedom and agility of a bicycle with the transport volume and weather protection of a small car.”
We first heard about a Schaeffler four-wheeled e-bike concept in July 2016 and later that year reported on actor Robert Llewellyn’s test ride/drive of it.
Bike-eu.com reports that production will begin in the second quarter of 2021.
The firm’s going to operate under the name Bio-Hybrid GmbH, having recently been sold off.
Bio-Hybrid GmbH Managing Director Gerald Vollnhals says they are hoping to sell over 1,000 vehicles in 2021 and are hoping to start taking orders by the end of the year.
The website currently lists ‘passenger’ and ‘cargo’ models of the Bio-Hybrid.
Both versions feature a 250-watt motor and 1.2kWh battery.
The passenger model can accommodate two people with another 12 litres of storage space.
The cargo model comes as a pick-up or with a cargo box or with various different types of container. (A promotional video features one decked out to sell coffee.)
The blurb says the Bio-Hybrid Cargo has a capacity of 1,500 litres and can carry up to 200kg of goods – although it’s worth pointing out that they’re still describing prototypes here, so all of these details are subject to change.
