Self-service: Wheels electric mini bike coming soon to Europe

At Autonomy, American startup Wheels is showcasing its ambitions for Europe, where it is announcing first deployments in the coming weeks. In an effort to stand out from the competition, the operator offers the car halfway. between the bike and the electric scooter.

So far, Wheels has focused on the North American market, and now they are targeting Europe. The car-sharing startup currently has a presence in six US cities – San Diego, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Scottsdale, Arizona – where it offers a self-service mini electric bike for last mile rides.

Building on the success of these first domestic implementations, Wheels now wants to expand its concept internationally. The expansion, funded by a recent fundraiser, raised $ 87 million for the startup.

Showcased at the Porte de la Villette at Autonomy, the startup unveiled the machine at the heart of its concept: an electric mini-bike, which it presents as a viable alternative to the scooters offered by most industry operators.

Convincing arguments

More stable than a 14-inch scooter and easier to handle thanks to a low seat that allows the user to easily place their feet on the ground, the small electric bike from Wheels is presented as an alternative to safer and easier handling. than conventional electric bicycles and scooters.

On the operational side, the startup also planned everything. The battery built into the seat tube can be removed in just a few seconds. Enough to ease the work of juicers, those people who charge cars at night, and avoid major fleet movements.

In practice, the device works just like any other service. With the help of the mobile application, the user can find and reserve the nearest car. You can also scan the QR code on the machine to check its usage.

First deployments by the end of 2019 in Europe

It remains to be seen how the operator will manage to address the regulatory issue. Wheels' pedalless electric mini bike is a complete departure from European electric bike legislation.

« We are working to find a solution »Indicates one of the representatives of the startup met at Autonomy. In the meantime, the operator will target markets where the legislation is most flexible. In Europe, first deployments are expected in the next few weeks. It is not surprising that France will not participate in it ...