VM Road Test: City Hopper - Tricycle for Traffic Jam Neurotics

“We are anticipating a significantly growing demand for environmentally friendly and practical concepts for individual mobility in the city. Although there is only a test model at the moment, we have already received inquiries for more than 200 vehicles,” outlines Martin Halama, co-founder and project manager of Hopper Mobility GmbH right at the beginning. The compact and futuristic prototype stands in the garage of the Augsburg tech startup. Many concepts of e-bikes with bodywork either resemble handicapped-accessible e-mobiles or are streamlined, flat cabin scooters, such as the Podbike from Norway. The design of the City-Hopper is already quite unique — two wheels at the front transition directly into the covered, but side-open cabin – at the rear, the cabin is supported by a single wheel.

First Exciting Drive in Augsburg

During our test drive in the prototype, the assistance already worked very well, allowing effortless and swift travel. Of course, some aspects of the prototype were not yet perfect. The steering wheel was a part made from a 3D printer, the interior cover for the battery was still missing, and - there were no brakes yet. On our test track along the banks of the Lech, we didn't miss the absent stoppers, as the Hopper immediately recuperates as soon as you stop pedaling.

The unusual design of the Hopper with two "fixed" wheels at the front and rear-wheel steering allows for a very compact construction and provides generous legroom in the front footwell. However, the handling of this compact city vehicle can be somewhat unusual. While it remains inconspicuous when driving straight or in gentle curves, more abrupt directional changes give the sensation of the "rear end being pulled away." Yet, one quickly gets used to the somewhat unique handling. Moreover, the rear-wheel steering offers the advantage of an extremely small turning circle of just two meters.

City-Hopper Can Also Meet Its Own Energy Requirements

Even in its early stages, the vehicle's workmanship is very convincing. The driver’s cabin made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (GFK) makes a solid impression, and in the series production, the large front window will feature a "pearling" Lotus effect. The creators estimate the battery’s range to be 60 kilometers, with an optional second battery doubling that range. The approximately eight-kilogram battery packs can be removed and recharged in three to four hours using a standard power outlet. Solar cells on the roof are expected to generate an additional electricity for up to 25 kilometers per day, meaning that the Hopper might almost never need to be plugged in for (electrical) power.

“Our target group will surely be out and about on their bikes during good summer weather. However, our Hopper stands ready as an environmentally-friendly and weather-protected alternative to the car,” argues Georg Schienen, one of the founders of Hopper Mobility, in favor of the concept.

The City-Hopper can accommodate a second adult or two children on the back seat - and also has a lockable trunk with a capacity of about 70 liters. The prototype did not yet feature the announced movable rear wall, which would increase the storage space to up to 220 liters, though then without a passenger. A cargo version without the rear seat is in planning and is likely to be of interest to city suppliers and delivery people. The Hopper is designed to offer comfort on colder days with a heated seat and even a heated steering wheel. Safety is provided by the lighting concept with front and rear LEDs, turn signals, and brake lights.