Those who do not want to ride their e-bike in heavy rain should keep an eye on the exciting Podbike Frikar. The Norwegian manufacturer has presented a new model that is equipped with a transparent dome. This makes the vehicle at least visually a little reminiscent of a car, but like a classic e-bike, it has a pedal crank including electric drive.
Podbike Frikar: Guaranteed to keep you dry
Yes what is the Podbike Frikar actually? The design speaks with its four wheels and the large, transparent dome for a car. The technology, on the other hand, resembles that of a classic e-bike, because the Frikar, which was introduced back in 2020, uses a pedal crank and an electric drive, just like a normal e-bike.
The dome serves as protection from snow or rain in bad weather and can also be easily removed when the sun is shining. The Podbike Frikar comes to a length of 2.30 m and that with a width of 84 cm. The height, in combination with the roof, is 1.10 m.
It also relies on three motor-generator units. Two of them are installed on the two rear wheels, while the third unit takes up space on the pedals. Thus, a continuous output of 250 watts is realized in the main drive. As is typical for an e-bike, the maximum speed is 25 km/h. Therefore, the Frikar may also be driven on the cycle path in Germany.
Up to 60 km/h downhill
Incidentally, Frikar is a Norwegian neologism of the company and means in German as much as “freed from the car”. The company around founder Per Hassel Sørensen wants to free as many people as possible from the car with the e-bike and blur the lines between e-car and e-bike.
The Podbike Frikar, for example, relies on a chainless drive in which power is not transmitted directly to the rear wheels. The pedals drive a generator that, according to the manufacturer’s statement, also works “beyond 25 km/h”.
Vigorous pedaling can increase the speed beyond the assist speed, depending on various factors such as incline, generator output, efficiency, and rolling resistance. The maximum speed is limited to 60 km/h for safety reasons. However, this should only be able to be realized downhill.
Battery and other features
The battery of the Podbike Frikar has a capacity of 877 watt hours and is supposed to allow a range of up to 80 km. Exciting: the battery can also be charged on the go, while riding.
To do this, the e-bike uses braking energy stored in the two rear-wheel motors to supply the battery with new energy. Particularly in mountainous environments, the range can be increased by up to 40 percent by recuperating the braking energy, according to the company. The use of an additional battery is also possible.
The Frikar’s features:
- Removable hood
- Battery (range up to 80 km)
- Standard battery charger
- USB charging port
- Adjustable seat
- Summer tires
- Pedals with toe cap
- Adjustable pedal generator
- An external exterior mirror
- Direction indicator
- Two front lights
- Two rear lights
- Daytime running lights
- Standlight (not in the version for Germany)
- Rear headlights (not in the version for Germany)
- Warning indicator
- Internal speaker for warnings
- Bicycle bell
- Mobile phone holder
- Prepared for keyless entry kit (kit installable by user)
- Bluetooth interface for free app
Designed the Frikar is a classic single-seater. Optionally, a child seat for children between 6 kg and 22 kg fits behind the driver’s seat. In addition, a range of optional accessories can be ordered. These include, for example, StVO-compliant lighting for Germany, a child seat or windshield wipers including washer system.
Podbike Frikar Plus offers even more
In addition, the manufacturer also wants to bring the Frikar as a boosted Plus variants on the market. This has, for example, a carpeted floor, a fan, interior lighting for the cabin and luggage compartment, a second exterior mirror, a better upholstered seat or an alarm system.
Prices and Availability
Cheap the Podbike Frikar is not, however, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic has increased material costs yet again. The MSRP for the standard model is 7,436.00 euros. For the Frikar Plus 8,210.00 euros are called. A pre-order is already possible with a deposit of 300.00 euros. The delivery is to take place still in this year. First in Norway, then also in Germany.
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