The Frikar, a pedal-electric quadcycle from Norwegian company Podbike, is now making its way to more European cities, including Vienna, Brussels, and Berlin, alongside its earlier presence in Norway and Germany. The company recently confirmed that the vehicle is now also available in Austria and Belgium, with customer deliveries expected before July this year.
Originally introduced as the Podbike back in 2017, the Frikar was first unveiled as a physical prototype, showcasing a fully enclosed, four-wheeled pedal-electric design aimed at bridging the gap between bicycles and cars. Since then, the concept has been refined, and Podbike—formerly known as Elpedal—has now started manufacturing the Frikar commercially.
The Frikar operates on an unusual pedal-electric system. Instead of using a traditional chain or belt drive, the vehicle utilizes a generator system. As the rider pedals, the generated power is sent directly to a pair of hub motors located in the rear wheels. This setup offers a seamless cycling experience while eliminating the mechanical complexities of standard drive systems. The assistance from a removable battery allows the Frikar to reach an electronically limited top speed of 25 km/h (16 mph).
The estimated range on a single battery remains at 60 kilometers (37 miles), but the vehicle has provisions for multiple battery packs to extend the range. With a total weight of 100 kg (220.5 lb), the Frikar can carry a maximum combined load—rider, cargo, and optional child seat—of up to 230 kg (507 lb).
In terms of features, the Frikar offers several comfort and safety elements not typically found in standard bicycles. These include a fully enclosed cabin with a windshield wiper and interior defogger fan, dual side mirrors, and a full lighting system with turn indicators. The cabin also comes with carpeting for added comfort. Additionally, the canopy can be removed during warmer weather for a more open ride experience. Behind the rider’s seat, the Frikar offers 160 liters of cargo space, or users can opt to install a child seat in that area.
Podbike emphasizes that the Frikar is designed strictly for European streets at present. Due to its four-wheeled design, it does not qualify as an e-bike in North America under current regulations, meaning the company has no immediate plans to launch it there.
Pricing for the Frikar starts at €10,916, which is roughly equivalent to US$12,245. Podbike expects early buyers in Austria and Belgium to receive their vehicles in the coming months, expanding its urban-focused pedal-electric footprint further across the continent.
Source: Podbike
