Sources: Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0, Autohaus Image credit: Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0

The LEVA-EU member’s leader, Manuel Messmer, recently gave an insight into the development of the Pocket Rocket electric motorcycle to students at the Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0’s Automotive Forum.

The Zukunftswerkstatt 4.0 is a mobility innovation center which comprises of students from the HfWU and the IfA. SOL Motors’ CEO Manuel Messmer gave a presentation about the journey of the Pocket Rocket, from its first draft, to series production, including challenges faced and milestones, such as the company gaining KBA certification.

Messmer, a trained designer, spoke about wanting to design the Pocket Rocket as a lightweight urban vehicle that sits between bicycles and cars.

“I wanted an electric two-wheeler for the city, just hop on and go, that was really all I needed,”

He also spoke about how he wanted to use a more contemporary design than the retro style that has been adopted by other vehicles in the market.

“It’s a new technology , a new form of propulsion, and in my view, that also needs a contemporary design .”

The Pocket Rocket

The Pocket Rocket is a light electric motorcycle, with a minimalist, industrial design that adopts less weight but more range for everyday urban use.

Including the battery, it weighs 87 kg, and is equipped with a maintenance-free direct-drive hub motor. Its 16 kg battery is integrated into the tubing and can be charged on the go, and also can be used as a powerbank. The vehicle also has the unique feature of an inverter which enables battery charging using the user’s own solar panels on a balcony.

The model is available as 45 km/h and 85 km/h versions, with a range of up to 108 WLTP kilometres.

Where to buy the Pocket Rocket

SOL Motors is using a multi-channel sales approach, with online sales and is actively seeking for dealer partnerships.

“We clearly want to work with retailers and are currently expanding our dealer network in Germany.” says Messmer.

It has signed partners in Germany, with a dealer margin ranging from €500 to €1,200, depending on the model.

Messmer explained that he is also exploring partnerships with car dealers, with the Pocket Rocket complementing the showroom, as a lightweight urban mobility option with low maintenance and operating costs, and minimal wear and tear.

Spare parts, technical support and training are under constant development currently.

SOL Motors using leasing as a sales and marketing opportunity

Messmer recognises leasing, which is used in company bike schemes, as a key lever, with partnerships with Mercator and Kazenmaier to support this. Other opportunities Messmer is considering include fleet applications (for factory transport or employee mobility). Another avenue they can be used for is for advertising, with the option for corporate designs to be used on the vehicles.

When describing the Pocket Rocket’s biggest fans, Messemer said they were in California, USA, with its striking design being well-received there since it was created.