VM Test Drive Report Hopper: Master Hopper drives so clean ...

Quiz question: How many Hoppers fit into a standard parking space? Exactly four of the compact and clever city vehicles can fit into one standard space. And with that, two people and luggage can be comfortably transported. Where the Schaeffler Bio-Hybrid once folded, Hopper Mobility from Augsburg continues: personal transport by bike. But in a completely different way. Because the concept of a rear-wheel-steered and three-wheeled pedelec deviates significantly from the norm and the general trend. Currently, the trend for heavy e-cargobikes is clearly towards four wheels, setting aside pioneers and classic trikes like the tricargo Lademeister or Radkutsche Musketier.

However, the makers of the Hopper from Augsburg are less targeting professional commercial uses in logistics, and more looking at private customers, small business owners, or services like care services, as PR and Marketing Director Sebastian Weber explained to us when meeting with the pre-series model beneath the Bavaria statue in Munich. Incidentally, he cycled from Augsburg, which was less enjoyable than he had hoped due to the (partially existent) bike infrastructure...

The digital drive cuts off radically at 25 km/h

Which brings us straight to the point: Although the Hopper is allowed to use bike paths with its still relatively slender 1.05 meters width (including mirrors), as emphasized in bold letters on the windshield, it becomes tight at bollards and one should be careful to navigate through. But because the sharp info display indicates a firm cut-off at 25 km/h, you might often feel like an obstacle for faster gravel or commuter bikers with muscle power.

The "digital drive" with a Mando generator at the front and a characteristically quietly whining Heinzmann motor in the steered rear wheel does not allow for more speed than what the legislator currently permits. This makes it quite unsuitable for the road. Unless the Minister of Transport finally resolves to a 30 km/h speed limit and then even adjusts the pedelec regulations. Ok, dream on...

Weatherproof: The Hopper even withstood hail

The Hopper is not a dream but is set to become a reality soon. Especially for all cyclists who value a certain level of weather protection. The coated Plexiglas windshield allowed rain to bead off nicely during the test day, and the front can be cleaned with a hand wiper that can be quickly unlatched from the roof and then operated by turning a lever. An original solution. There’s even a windshield heater with air blowers. Though, using it eagerly might impact the energy reserve in the AES battery pack under the seat, which is supposed to provide pedal support for up to 60 kilometers. If the 1.44-kWh battery is empty, the Hopper will also come to a standstill—one drawback of the chainless, but low-maintenance drive system. At least the 11-kilo battery pack is easy to swap.

Another drawback is the synthetic pedaling feel of the drive system, which can be modulated in two still somewhat underdifferentiated stages (hard, slightly easier). While you can get going quite well, in terms of feeling, as they say in football parlance, it's a different sensation than when pedaling a chain. Clearly, the effort to guide a chain to the steered rear wheel, which is equipped with a fat Conti roller tire, would be immense, with minimal benefit apart from the "emergency mode." At the front, Schwalbe Pick-up bike tires supposedly provide “unpuncturable” service.

Already solidly built in pre-production

Overall, the build quality already appears robust even in its pre-production state, barely allowing any creaking to emanate from the plastic structure as it traverses the bumpy Theresienwiese. The suspension comfort is respectable, including for the "second person" in the rear who, even at 1.90 meters tall, finds ample space. And is quite easy to access as well: after all, the driver's seat can be completely folded forward like in a "real" car. However, even without the folding trick, one can decently slide onto the backseat.

The steering feel is somewhat synthetic, with the rear wheel this time steering up to 90 degrees via a chain, which should be avoided while driving to prevent the 135-kilo Hopper from truly "hopping." Those who handle the steering wheel normally will appreciate a surprisingly stable road grip. And at low speeds, a sensational turning radius of two meters. The Hopper turns on the spot like a compass, as if the Oktoberfest, which is currently being dismantled, had extended the bumper car operation.

Trunk: Space in the rear

So parking is a breeze. And then you fetch your luggage from the not-so-small 126-liter trunk. A cargo variant offers up to 216 liters, but does not provide such a pleasant passenger experience. Even in the two-person version, it accommodates, as Weber announces to the disbelieving editor, several beverage crates, which was the "original measure" for developers and remains an important criterion for all motorists. Incidentally, a trailer option is also being considered for the Hopper.