Welcome to our FAQ
We have compiled the questions most frequently asked by our customers to help you get the information you need quickly and easily.
If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
The story of Karbikes
How was Karbikes created?
In 2014, Lucas Vançon was a young engineer, passionate about sport, and determined to replace his car with his bicycle for his daily commute. The 30 km round trip separating him from his job in the Jura mountains quickly turned into a series of hassles.
Summer evening storms, recurring autumn rain, snow and black ice in the darkness of winter mornings—not to mention sharing the road with cars.
The easy solution would have been to go back to using the car, but that is where it all began for Lucas, when he had the idea of putting a “roof” on his bike and challenged himself to build it himself.
After various prototypes of tricycles, recumbent bikes and bamboo bikes, the task proved complex, and Lucas told himself that if he was going to do it, he might as well do it properly and offer it to those looking for an alternative to the car.
At the end of 2019, with more professional experience and a few years riding a recumbent bike and a velomobile, Lucas decided to leave his research job to pursue a master’s degree at a business school and bring his project to life. It was while writing a marketing thesis that the outlines of the Karbikes concept began to take shape.
What is Karbikes’ mission?
Karbikes is the fusion of the bicycle and the car!
We believe it is possible to pass on a healthier world to future generations, and our mission is to transform your travel habits to reduce their impact through our light vehicles. Our ambition is to create an entire range of vehicles whose objective is clearly to reduce weight and diversify energy sources.
What is Karbikes?
Karbikes is an evolution of mobility towards greater frugality. By combining the codes of the bicycle and the car, we offer unique vehicles approved as electric-assist bicycles that combine the comfort, safety and practicality of a car, while remaining true to our commitment to the planet by being powered by pedalling and electric assistance.
Our 4-wheel electric cargo bikes, fitted with bodywork, are designed with high-quality materials to ensure performance, durability and enjoyment of use. Whether for professionals or private individuals, Karbikes is here to support the transition to more responsible mobility.
Who developed Karbikes?
Karbikes was born from Lucas Vançon’s need to pedal while being protected from the weather, but it was the work of an entire team motivated to develop a credible alternative to the car that made it a reality.
Lucas partnered with Gaëlle Richard, an engineer in industry, to build the first prototypes and secure the necessary funding, then entrusted the design of the production model to Edène Pisson, Christopher Santerre and Guillaume Bouton, while following an iterative development process.
What problems do Karbikes solve?
Air pollution causes the death of several million people every year. According to some studies, 1 in 6 people would die prematurely from it, and our travel is directly responsible. It is colossal. This pollution also affects the rest of the environment and is only the visible part of a society that is destroying life.
That is why we decided to use the bicycle every day, to do our part in respecting the environment and others. Yet the reality is that there are still too few of us cycling daily. The car remains by far the main means of transport: it is comfortable, practical and reassuring. Whereas on a bike, you may lack weather protection, safety and carrying capacity. Electric-assist bicycles now make it easy to get around and even to transport people or equipment for professionals. Karbikes therefore offers electric-assist cargo bikes with the distinctive feature of providing weather protection and adding safety elements thanks to the 4 wheels, signalling equipment and the protective bodywork.
Why is Karbikes unique?
Karbikes stands out for its design, which combines modularity, comfort and minimalism. Each feature is inspired by the simplicity of the bicycle and the practicality of the car to offer you a unique experience.
Our ambition is to help make our lifestyles more sustainable, and our commitment to the environment is comprehensive: ultra-local design and production in France, use of sustainable materials, vehicle robustness, repairability…
Buy a Karbike
Why choose Karbikes?
Still hesitating between the bicycle and the car? Choose Karbikes!
By choosing Karbikes rather than a car, you save fuel and money, you get exercise, you park easily, you contribute to a more environmentally friendly world, and you treat yourself.
You also support innovation made in France. You benefit from the quality and robustness of French know-how, combined with the latest technological innovations in the cycling world, all with a clean, modern design, and in complete safety for your daily journeys.
How to buy?
You can configure your vehicle and make a reservation directly on the website here. This reservation confirms your order and makes it possible to schedule delivery of your Karbike.
When production begins, an additional deposit will be requested, followed by the final payment before delivery.
Which equipment is included and which is optional?
Each Karbike is equipped to ensure an optimal user experience. We offer a complete, satisfying model with no unexpected additional costs. Options include the chainless drivetrain, an additional battery, solar charging and bodywork customisation. For professionals, different cargo box models are available and bespoke developments are possible.
What are the reservation conditions?
In which countries are Karbikes available?
Karbikes can be delivered in Europe by road and beyond by ship. The vehicles are delivered fully assembled and ready to use.
What is the delivery time for a Karbike?
Karbikes production started in September 2024 in a workshop in Strasbourg. In May 2025, Karbikes moved near Strasbourg Airport to a new workshop with a capacity of 400 Karbikes per year.
The current lead time between order and delivery is 6 months. We therefore invite companies looking for a fleet to plan their acquisition project in advance in order to schedule deliveries.
Warranty and maintenance
Are Karbikes covered by a warranty?
Karbikes are carefully designed and assembled in our Strasbourg factory by our teams of engineers and technicians. 80% of the vehicle is French, and 50% is manufactured ultra-locally around the assembly workshop.
For direct sales, Karbikes are covered by a 2-year warranty from delivery so you can fully enjoy your vehicle. This warranty covers all structural components such as the chassis and bodywork, as well as electrical components: the motor, battery and wiring harnesses.
How do I maintain my Karbike?
We provide a maintenance booklet with explanations of the preventive maintenance to be carried out. If you purchased your Karbike in a shop, contact your retailer directly for servicing and maintenance. If you ordered on the website, you will have a direct line to contact us if needed, receive spare parts, and receive a visit from one of our technicians if necessary.
What should I do if I need assistance?
If you purchased your Karbike in a shop, contact your retailer directly for servicing and maintenance. If you ordered on the website, you will have a direct line to contact us if needed, receive spare parts, and receive a visit from one of our technicians if necessary.
Technical specifications
What are the dimensions of Karbikes?
Karbikes chassis are 80 cm wide and 2.25 m long. With the cabin, they are 1.50 m high, and models with a cargo box can measure up to 1.80 m.
What is the carrying capacity?
The GVWR of Karbikes is 330 kg with the Valeo motor. With an unladen weight of 120 kg, you can therefore carry a total of 210 kg. Seats and loading areas have their own load limits: 120 kg per seat, 150 kg for the rear loading area and 20 kg for the roof bars. It is recommended to place loads as low as possible to ensure vehicle stability.
What is the maximum speed?
Karbikes are electric-assist bicycles, and the assistance cuts out at 25 km/h. It is possible to pedal beyond that, but in practice the vehicle’s weight limits the ability to go faster. Conversely, the weight increases the ability to go faster downhill. The maximum downhill speed is 35 km/h. Beyond that, an error code is displayed on the screen and, in the event of misuse, the warranty will no longer apply.
Is a 45 km/h version planned?
No.
There is a category of bicycles capable of reaching 45 km/h: speed bikes. However, this category applies only to 2-wheel bikes, not to tricycles and quadricycles. A Karbike exceeding 25 km/h would be considered a licence-free car or a light motor quadricycle (L6e).
This type of vehicle requires registration and therefore a licence plate, a registration certificate, an AM licence, mandatory insurance, and must meet standards that make vehicles heavier. We have seen L6e quadricycle prototypes at 200 kg end up at 400 kg in the production model after major investments to pass type-approval tests.
Finally, this type of vehicle does not allow the use of greenways, carrying 2 children (as it is limited to 2 people), free parking on pavements, or weaving between cars.
How does the Karbike handle in corners?
Karbikes draws as much inspiration from the bicycle as from the car. Karbikes geometry is similar to that of a German sedan, and the suspension architecture to that of an American pick-up. The series of Karbikes prototypes made it possible to validate these technical choices as well as road holding in real-world conditions of use. With its centre of gravity lowered as much as possible, the Karbike can handle all types of corners at 25 km/h. Its road holding has been praised by all the riders who have tested it.
How does the Karbike perform uphill?
Karbikes are powered by the strength of your legs and by motors specifically designed for cargo bikes for the most demanding professionals. They deliver high torque and can climb slopes of up to 15%.
The maximum slope and uphill speed will depend on the load being carried.
A single person will be able to climb slopes of up to 5% at 25 km/h. Beyond that, speed decreases.
A fully loaded vehicle (GVWR of 330 kg) will be able to climb 5% slopes.
To optimise climbing performance, it is recommended to use the manual mode of the gearbox so you can downshift and use the full potential of the motor uphill.
Are Karbikes suitable for my height?
Karbikes are compact but offer plenty of space inside. The seats and handlebars are easily adjustable, making them suitable for people from 1.50 m to 2.00 m. The 60 cm-wide rear bench seat allows you to carry 2 children, even older ones.
Are Karbikes suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Karbikes offer great stability thanks to the 4 wheels. People with balance issues can therefore rediscover the pleasure of pedalling.
The seats are at a height of 50 cm, making access easier for people with reduced mobility.
Wheelchair users can sit easily on the rear bench seat, and a folded wheelchair can fit in the boot or on the driver’s side.
We have not developed a hand crankset. Adaptations are possible, notably with the generator crankset that simplifies the drivetrain, but we recommend calling on a vehicle adaptation specialist.
Motor and battery
Which motors are available?
Karbikes are powered by Valeo. This French industrial group has developed a solution specifically for electric-assist bicycles, with the distinctive feature of integrating car elements such as an automatic gearbox, reverse gear and a Bluetooth locking system. In addition to being light and compact, this motor was developed for cargo bikes for professionals and provides the torque needed to carry heavy loads even uphill. The motor propels you via a chain transmission to the rear differential.
We will also offer a chainless drivetrain from 2026. Pedalling generates electricity via a generator, which is then sent directly to a rear motor.
Which batteries are available?
We offer two lithium-ion batteries with the Valeo system: 650 Wh and 1240 Wh.
These two batteries recharge in 4 hours and 8 hours respectively to go from 0 to 100%.
How is the Karbike recharged?
The Karbike battery can be recharged in two ways. You can plug the vehicle in directly, or remove the battery and plug it into a 115 to 230-volt mains outlet. The included charger looks like a laptop charger.
Is there reverse gear?
Yes. It allows you to reverse up to 6 km/h, without pedalling, thanks to the start-assist trigger.
Is there regenerative braking?
The Valeo Cyclee motorisation kit does not allow this yet. The battery that will be available in 2026 will allow it.
Is there a solar panel?
The Valeo Cyclee motorisation kit does not allow this yet. The battery that will be available in 2026 will allow it.
Security and anti-theft measures
Which safety equipment is provided?
Your safety is our priority. To get started, we invite you to read the user manual in detail. Karbikes are designed for your safety with the stability of 4 wheels and protective bodywork at the same height as that of a standard car.
Karbikes include a complete signalling system (position lights, headlights, indicators, brake lights, horn, reflectors), a highly efficient braking system and a connected locking system. When your Karbike is locked, the pedals are disconnected from the wheels and a password is required to unlock it. You can also unlock it remotely with your smartphone.
Finally, the rear bench seat is equipped with harnesses to secure child passengers, as well as handles to hold on to.
What are the safety recommendations?
For safe use, it is essential to comply with traffic regulations and to carry out regular maintenance on your vehicle.
How do I install children?
The harnesses provided with the rear bench seat are mandatory for children, as is wearing a helmet, which is mandatory up to the age of 12 in France. In other cargo bikes, children can quickly feel cramped. This is not the case with a Karbike, because the bench seat is wider and the cabin is more spacious.
How do I park on public roads?
Karbikes are very easy to park because they are allowed to park on public roads free of charge, including on pavements. It is also possible to park perpendicular to cars, as the length of a Karbike is close to the width of a car, making it possible to park at least 4 Karbikes in a single car parking space.
When parking on a pavement, it is important to respect other users. There is no official rule, but we encourage leaving a 1.50 m passage to avoid causing obstruction.
When parking, make sure to lock your vehicle and secure it to a fixed point using an approved lock, ensuring that the chassis and one wheel are secured.
Which standard do Karbikes comply with?
There is a European standard dedicated to cargo bikes, including electric ones. Karbikes are approved as electric-assist cargo bikes throughout Europe because they comply with this European standard.
Regulations
What do the regulations say?
All our vehicles are approved as electric-assist bicycles throughout the European Union and comply with safety and performance regulations.
Is insurance required?
Insurance is not mandatory for electric-assist bicycles that comply with European standards (limited to 25 km/h and 250 W power). In the event of an accident, your home insurance public liability cover applies. However, we can only recommend that you check that your insurance covers you and take out comprehensive insurance to cover theft, damage and breakage.
Is a licence required?
No, you do not need a licence to ride an electric-assist bicycle that complies with European standards. Unlike a “licence-free car”, which does require an AM licence (formerly BSR) to use public roads.
From what age is it possible to ride a Karbike?
The minimum age to ride an electric-assist bicycle varies in Europe. In France and Germany it is 14, whereas in Belgium there is no minimum age requirement.
Can I derestrict my Karbike?
No, any modification that increases power or speed beyond legal limits would make your bicycle non-compliant with regulations and could void the warranty. In addition, it could result in fines or penalties, and you would not be compensated by your insurance in the event of an accident.
