Hopper
Urban mobility is constantly evolving, and new types of vehicles are emerging as a result. One such innovation is the bike-car hybrid, the latest model of which is the Hopper. This compact, lightweight and fully enclosed tricycle promises efficiency, comfort and practicality.
As the modern world grapples with various environmental challenges, city dwellers are increasingly looking for sustainable and energy-efficient mobility solutions for their daily commutes. Many are ready to give up their gas-guzzling cars in favor of greener transportation options, but they still want the comfort and stability that a traditional e-bike may lack.
The Hopper could be an excellent companion for city dwellers looking for a sustainable and efficient commuting solution that allows them to navigate the city without sacrificing comfort. This tricycle/car hybrid from German mobility startup Hopper Mobility is designed to offer the best of both worlds – the flexibility, agility and sustainability of an e-bike combined with the enhanced comfort and stability of a compact car.
First introduced as a concept in 2020, the light electric vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle with two comfortable seats, a roof, and a large windshield with open sides. While its seats, steering wheel, and controls are similar to those of a car, the manufacturer classifies the Hopper as a bicycle, allowing it to be used on bike lanes as well as regular city streets.
Thanks to its partially enclosed exterior, it offers weather protection and greater road safety compared to bicycles. It is also more environmentally friendly and practical than an internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
At 212 cm (6 feet 11 inches) long and 115 cm (3 feet 9 inches) wide, the Hopper is compact enough to easily navigate between traffic lanes, reducing traffic congestion and environmental impact. It features a tadpole trike configuration with two 20-inch bicycle tires in the front and a 10-inch scooter tire in the rear. The rider/driver enjoys a comfortable and relaxed seating position similar to that of a car, with space in the back for either a passenger or cargo.
The eco-friendly propulsion system combines muscle power and an electric motor. The 250-watt rear hub motor allows the e-trike/car hybrid to reach a top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph), which meets e-bike/pedelec regulations. The motor is powered by a 30 Ah, 48 V, 1,440 Wh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that provides a range of up to 40 miles (65 km) per charge. The battery is removable and can be charged from any household outlet.
The Hopper can be optionally equipped with a roof-mounted solar panel to increase its range. According to the Hamburg-based company, this solar energy can provide an additional 5 km (3.1 miles) of range for every hour of sunlight. Energy is also recovered during downhill driving and braking.
The hybrid vehicle features rear-wheel steering and uses Mando’s robust Pedalrite chainless drive system, which requires significantly less maintenance due to fewer wearing parts than a traditional chain drive. Rear wheel steering provides a turning radius of 2 meters (6.5 feet), and the Hopper also includes a reverse gear. A display integrated into the steering wheel provides control data.
Hopper Mobility plans to begin mass production of the first edition of the Hopper e-bike/car hybrid in mid-2024, which it believes has the potential to revolutionize urban transportation. The company has already built 30 units with European Union funding, which have been distributed to pilot customers, including individuals and businesses, to gather real-world feedback for the commercial version of the vehicle.
The German mobility company plans to produce two versions of the Hopper: the Passenger version, which includes a second seat for an adult passenger or two small children, and the Cargo version, which features a lockable 300-liter cargo compartment behind the driver’s seat. The Passenger version is ideal for taking friends, grandparents or children on a joyride, while the Cargo version is designed for functionality, allowing easy transport of shopping bags, sports equipment, beverage crates and more. Both versions have a maximum passenger/load weight of 160 kg (353 pounds).
Some of the vehicle’s standout features include a comprehensive lighting system (including two 550-lumen headlights), a parking brake and wheel immobilizer, a windshield defogger, and USB ports for charging mobile devices.
All in all, while the Hopper isn’t a full-fledged car, it’s a promising transportation solution for city dwellers. Its combination of practicality and eco-friendliness makes it an excellent option for those looking to replace traditional cars in urban environments.
Production of the First Edition series is expected to begin in the coming months. German customers can already pre-order at a base price of €13,500 (approximately US$14,677). A minimum of 60 units will be produced in the initial run, with deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2024. Availability is expected to expand to other countries.
