eBikeGo, an electric two-wheeler mobility firm, has acquired the rights to manufacture Velocipedo, an electric trike in India from Spanish automotive company Torrot.

With this, eBikeGo will enter the premium electric three-wheeler industry and aims to manufacture these scooters. The Velocipedo electric trike, which has won the RedDot Design Award, has two front wheels and one rear wheel and a carbon fibre roof that serves as a roll cage for its two occupants.

eBikeGo claims that the Velocipedo is designed in such a way that it combines the comfort and safety of a car with the quickness of a motorbike; but with greater stability than a motorcycle, thanks to its two front wheels. This fully electric three-wheeled vehicle is named after Velocipedes, the pioneer who initiated the move towards horseless transportation.

eBikego says Velocipedo will be produced in three models: a personal vehicle, Trick Taxi and a cargo vehicle, in Pune by early-2022. The basic model can accommodate two people, has a full cab and seatbelts; helmets are not required. The vehicle has a top speed of 95kph, 200km range per charge and a kerb weight of 180kg.

It will take 1.5 hours (on 220V outlet) to fully charge the Velocipedo and a regenerative braking feature could add 10-20% to the range. The 155 kg Velocipedo-C, which is intended for commercial use, has room only for the driver along with luggage space to accommodate 70kg of cargo. This model has a basic windshield and will require a helmet to operate.

Dr. Irfan Khan, founder and CEO, eBikeGo said: “We are extremely happy to have acquired one of the leading international automotive companies for the manufacturing of electric trike Velocipedo in the Indian market, pertaining to the requirement of domestic consumers and infrastructure. This acquisition will put the Indian EV industry on the global map. The future of mobility is electric and the post-Covid world presents an opportunity for us to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility globally. With electric, digitally connected capabilities, three-wheelers will further emerge as the most preferred urban mobility paradigm around the world and will empower every consumer.”

The e-scooter is being touted as a 'connected' vehicle, with its on board unit (OBU) monitoring its performance, location, and driver behaviour, as well as enabling security and anti-theft features. All these features will be controlled via a dedicated app. It will be available in a variety of colour schemes. The first units are expected to be delivered to customers in September 2022.