[LOS ANGELES/FRANKFURT] – When a Californian grandfather's homemade video of his Chinese-made electric trike ("Sanbengzi") exploded on TikTok last year, few predicted it would ignite a revolution. Today, a new breed of vehicles dubbed "Car-ebikes" – blending motorcycle handling, car-like cabins, and e-bike efficiency – is poised to dominate urban mobility.
Europe leads adoption with regulatory frameworks (EU L6e/L7e) and subsidies accelerating demand:
- France offers €4,000 grants for Car-ebike purchases
- Germany exempts road tax + funds charging infrastructure
- 20 U.S. states now permit low-speed vehicle (LSV) street access
Unmet Market Needs
"Current e-bikes fail families needing weather protection and adult passenger capacity," notes Dr. Elena Müller, Berlin Mobility Institute. Car-ebikes fill critical gaps:
- Child transport: 68% of EU parents cite "rain-safe school runs" as top priority
- Aging populations: 55% of over-65s seek car alternatives after license expiration
- Tourism: Mediterranean islands replace gas-guzzlers with rentable solar-charged fleets
Future Battleground
With Norway's City Q gaining cult status via YouTube and France's KarBikes winning design awards, local players face a squeeze.