Discover the Karbike: France's eco-friendly electric bike with car features

It's not a car, it's not a pushbike... it's a Karbike! "The concept is essentially urban," says Karbike co-founder and president Lucas Vançon. 

"It is a bike which can fulfil many of the functions of a car. The technology is cutting edge, with reverse gear and even automatic gears. Also, it can be locked, just like a car. We have taken concepts from cars and integrated them into a bicycle." 

Because Karbikes have electric motors, they are easy to pedal up hills, and can transport up to 150kg in the boot. The professional version can carry a total weight of up to 330kg, including cargo and driver. The domestic versions have seats for two people and there is even a three-wheel version which can carry two adults and a child. 

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"Karbikes do not require a driving licence,” says Mr Vançon. “Legally, they are not allowed on bike lanes in France, although they can in other countries such as Belgium and Switzerland. The seats are one behind the other rather than side-by-side, so the Karbike is very slim. It counts as an electric bicycle."

He says the aim is to make using a bike possible for people transporting shopping, children or pets. It also offers a solution for people with mobility problems. It is designed to be practical all year round, with a lightweight, waterproof cover meaning it can be used in the rain or even snow.

Mr Vançon adds: "It is already on sale, and we are constantly improving the design. Orders placed now will be delivered this autumn. The Karbike is conceived and built in France, mostly in Alsace.”

Prices start at €10,990 (excluding VAT) and €149 a month for lease-hire. 

Mr Vançon says he and co-founder Gaëlle Richard came up with the idea a decade ago. As pushbike users in Alsace, they were fed up with getting wet when it rained, so started designing rain protection systems. It grew from there. 

He says: "With 80km of autonomy (or 100km if you don't use the motor very much), it is now a realistic alternative to the car in urban areas. In France, it can be driven by anyone over 14 but there is no lower age limit in other countries. 

“It can be recharged anywhere because it just uses a normal power socket. You can either plug it in while parked in your garage or simply lift the battery out and take it up to your flat."

Insurance is the same as for an electric bicycle, ie. starting at around €12 a month for comprehensive cover. However, for people with third-party cover included in their house insurance, it is not strictly necessary. 

Karbikes currently come in black and white, but are sometimes repainted in a company’s livery. 

"We have 12 models, and we are developing new ones to be used as taxis or for larger deliveries, and even very tiny single-seater models. 

“We encourage people to buy a second battery (€1,000) in order to double their autonomy, and we are setting up a new manufacturing plant."

The company is in talks with various European cities about establishing public hire Karbikes. They also plan to add windscreen wipers to deal with snow. 

"It is stable in those conditions. It does not skid and people cannot fall off. Karbikes are delivered with very solid tyres but snow tyres could be fitted, as they are in Nordic countries."

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Karbikes currently employs three people, and is hoping to expand as sales grow. 

"There is competition in Germany, the UK, Norway, and Belgium as well as projects all over the place, but we are in the lead when it comes to selling Karbikes on the open market," adds Mr Vançon.