The Hopper is a pretty unconventional e-bike from a German company that has reportedly entered mass production. From a regulatory perspective, this vehicle should be classified as an e-bike in most countries. The bike can’t go faster than roughly 4 miles per hour by itself, so riders must pedal in order to hit higher speeds.
While pedaling, the motor is active until the Hopper hits about 16 mph and in most countries, this electric bicycle should not require a driver’s license, insurance or registration. It also has three wheels, which should result in good stability.
Furthermore, the e-bike features a digital gear shift and a reverse gear. It’s 83.5 inches long, weighs a whopping 265 lbs and has a turning radius of under 6.5 ft. The 1,400Wh battery is removable and supposedly lasts for up to 37 miles on a full charge. Furthermore, the trunk is lockable and the Hopper is equipped with a display, while the headlight hits up to 160 lux of brightness.
In addition to some protection against rain, it also has a windshield heater with passive ventilation. A parking brake and a PIN-secured immobilizer are onboard, along with an ignition lock. Hopper Mobility has announced that it cooperates with Little John Bikes in order to manufacture its latest e-bike. The variant called "Passenger Hopper" can accommodate two adults and is priced at €11,900, while the "Cargo Hopper" carries an official price tag of €12,300. This is German pricing including 19% VAT.