The newsletter of Podbike is out, with an update on the FRIKAR and its future developments. There is further information on new cooperations between Podbike and partners and on the delivery of pre-ordered Frikar’s. Podbike has also been selected for Entepreneurial Marketing New York.

Adjusting weight goal
LEVA-EU Member Podbike’s target has always been to keep FRIKAR light enough to be used without electric assist, if necessary. Their aim is to make sustainable and cost-efficient products, avoiding using energy-intensive materials that are not reusable (for instance epoxy and carbon fibre composites).
It is challenging to keep their covered e-bike slim, although the long-term goal is to keep it under 70kg. Unfortunately, due to cost, the first generation of Podbike FRIKAR will have to use heavier versions of many parts. The current prototypes weigh around 90 kg and Podbike assume the first series-produced FRIKAR e-bikes will be that weight as well. 

Assembly partner
It has always been Podbike’s plan to outsource their large scale series production. They have now signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a preferred vehicle assembly partner in the EU. More information about this partner is to follow later. Many vital parts will be made in Scandinavia, including the driveline and the chassis.

Delivery
Delivery of FRIKAR to their patient pre-order customers will start early 2021. A total of 2,500 are now preordered, with around 1,000 of these in Europe. As a result, new pre-orders will get delivered in 2022. Podbike hopes to scale up production faster but, it is better to under-promise than to over-promise.

PODBIKE selected to participate in EMNY
Entrepreneurial Marketing New York (EMNY) is a special program by Innovation Norway. They only invite a few start-ups which they believe have international potential. During an eight months program, Podbike will get advice on how to scale their business. The mentors are international experts and at Podbike, they are very excited.
Learn more about EMNY here!