VM Visit Faissner & Petermeier: €6,500 Cargo Bike Aims to Rock the Market

The engineering service provider Faissner Petermeier Vehicle Technology AG from Garching near Munich has announced the introduction of a heavy e-cargo bike that is supposed to be particularly cost-efficient. Starting at 6,500 euros or 99 euros per month leasing through the partner bank, the FP Cargobike is expected to hit the market as early as spring. It relies on a classic three-wheeled concept with a versatile and pallet-compatible loading platform at the rear. The core element is a frame made from two standardized, massive aluminum tubes in the front, as well as conventional aluminum extruded profiles, where the tubes are mounted and securely screwed. According to co-managing director Martin Petermeier, this could radically reduce costs on the one hand and lower the weight on the other, as he explained during our visit to the development specialist's plant for motorcycles and automotive.

"In the coming years, there will be various drive technologies since different requirements are placed on urban, suburban, and rural mobility. We are up to these requirements and offer our customers innovative concepts and solutions," advertises the trained mechanical engineering technician.

Thanks to the lightweight frame, the bike is expected to weigh just 130 kilos empty, including the battery and the two Heinzmann motors, which are installed in the rear wheels. These are needed to provide sufficient power and torque for the vehicle, which is expected to bear a total weight of around 450 kilos. Thus, it remains within the "bike side" of the segment. The aim was to realize a concept that is neither too complex nor "overengineered", but that does its job and can replace a small transporter in many scenarios, not only for parcel services but also especially in trades, commerce, and industry.

Lightweight frame allows for robust motorcycle components

The lightness of the vehicle also ensures that, according to Petermeier, they can afford the "heavy" motorcycle components that are otherwise installed. These include a heavy-duty suspension fork, derived from the rather exclusive electric enduro FP Speedster, which is being developed in the specially founded FP Mobility division with a completely different target audience. Added to this are motorcycle rims and Conti tires, as well as Brembo brakes (Ducati), which are also generously dimensioned - and much cheaper than delicate parts from the bike range. Petermeier promises that the components are not only designed to withstand high performance in a motorcycle but also the continuous load of a cargo bike.

Patented Loading Platform - Easy Service

Besides the plug-in system of the frame profiles currently being manufactured in Turkey, the loading platform is also ingenious. It is neither too high nor too low, preventing speed bumps from becoming an obstacle. It is made of a robust screen printing floor and, like many aspects of the bike, it is patented. Before the series production starts, bumper strips will also be added to the package on the outside of the frame, which can be individually adjusted in length thanks to standard profiles.

It’s also clever that the wheel can be easily changed or removed, as service-friendliness was another key point in the specification sheet of the Garching-based company. The "chainless" drive via generator, with only a robust motorcycle chain stretched between the pedal assembly and the centrally located power generator that transmits the pedal impulse to the rear e-motors, is also expected to require little maintenance.

Form follows Function: Keep it simple!

Otherwise, they followed the motto: "Keep it simple" and "Form follows Function". They have temporarily dispensed with IoT connectivity, app connectivity, or a keyless start system. "Our bike is focused on reliably completing transport tasks at an affordable price. This is currently lacking; many products are too complex and therefore simply too expensive," says Petermeier, who brings extensive experience from numerous BMW motorcycle and automotive projects as well as the development of the Schaeffler Biohybrid and consulting for many start-ups.

Next to the E-Cargobike parks an E-Scooter

Right next to the E-Cargobike and the FP Speedster, the NAON is being developed—an E-Scooter from a Berlin-based startup, which has also been supported with its development expertise. And above all, Petermeier points to the extensive experience in terms of industrialization and stringent product development of projects: Especially in setting up small series, there is a lot of experience directly at the Garching site—and the necessary tools and equipment, including sheet metal presses, punching machines, 2-D cutting machines, or welding robots.

A full covering of the bike was also omitted, in favor of good accessibility and cost reduction. Otherwise, Plexiglas constructions would again involve enormous effort, also in terms of panel cleaning. Nevertheless, a solution with a roof can be quickly realized if there is greater demand. But Petermeier relies on the resilience of potential customers. He thinks: Why is there outdoor clothing? And besides, delivery drivers are exposed to the weather as soon as they get out of their vehicle anyway.

Stately width, compact length, low entry

This is certainly much easier with the cargo bike from Garching. Although it is relatively wide at 1.10 meters, it maintains a compact length well under three meters. Additionally, the extremely low and massive aluminum tube with side outriggers allows for easy and relaxed access to the saddle. Sitting there, the rider enjoys a mountain-bike-like position and handlebar geometry, offering excellent visibility. And: One can also excellently use the legally required maneuvering mode while standing quite stably on the series' grippy powder-coated tubes, similar to a pallet truck.

The heavy-duty fork cannot turn quite as far as the tricargo Lademeister, but generally, trikes have a clear advantage over quads, which nevertheless are trending. Petermeier promises good and stable handling for the trike, to which the two interchangeable batteries (optionally from AES) behind the rider as well as the low platform and large wheels contribute.