Cities across Europe looking to reduce congestion and pollution by imposing limitations to car traffic will be faced with a potential solution this year. In response, mobility tech start-up CityQ is ramping up production of its ‘car-like e-bikes’.
CityQ’s four wheeled e-bikes are unique because they retain true car like capabilities whilst being considerably lighter, more manoeuvrable, and more sustainable than an EV.
For cities, car-like e-bikes help cut pollution and congestion and for consumers and require no license, insurance, or vehicle registration.
CityQ’s CEO Morten Rynning said:
“Cities don’t need to wait for autonomous vehicles, flying drones or new infrastructure to get less car traffic and pollution. This will come naturally by welcoming the innovation within downsized electric vehicles such as micro cars, micro mobility and CityQ.”
Charging at home without reliance on public EV infrastructure and providing an alternative to automobile ownership. Compared to EVs, CityQ e-bikes are allowed in bike lanes.
When comparing total carbon footprint (from vehicle construction and emissions from a lifetime of use) CityQ e-bikes are reportedly 90% more sustainable than ICE vehicles and 80% more sustainable than EVs.
Their top speed is 25 km/h, typical for e-bikes due to regulation laws.
According to the European Environment Agency, approximately 40% of EU urban dwellers are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution, primarily caused by road transportation. It is also estimated that each year, congestion costs in Europe amount to €100 billion, about 1% of the EU’s GDP. Without effective action, the problem could worsen, with congestion costs projected to increase to €200 billion by 2050. Experts like McKinsey expect that such super light, small electric vehicles can transform urban mobility, representing a $100bn global market by 2030.
CityQ’s e-bikes boast car-like seating, weather protection, safety features and a reverse gear for improved portability. Equally suited for delivery services, maintenance crews, shared platforms, families or daily commuters, the versatile e-bikes are simple and convenient to use.
The initial launch markets are Germany, Benelux, UK and Scandinavia and pre-orders are now open.
