The Sanka Cycle BOB is a compact, electric-assisted quadcycle designed as an alternative to a household’s second car, particularly for those living in rural and peri-urban areas. Developed in France, the vehicle addresses a mobility gap where traditional public transportation is often limited and using a car for short trips may feel excessive.
At its core, the BOB is a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with electric assistance, offering stability, safety, and everyday usability. It features a 250-watt motor and delivers 130Nm of torque, providing pedal assist up to 25 km/h—well within legal limits for e-bikes in most European regions. This allows riders to comfortably manage inclines or cover short commutes without undue effort.
The quadcycle is built to accommodate two adults, or an adult rider with two children. In addition to passenger space, there’s room to carry groceries, bags, or other daily essentials. Its protective canopy shields occupants from wind and rain, making it viable for year-round use. Safety features include front and rear lights, brake lights, and turn signals to enhance visibility in traffic.
Measuring approximately 2.2 meters in length, 1 meter in width, and 1.6 meters in height, the BOB is compact enough for use in cycle lanes but large enough to feel secure on the road. Its structure includes a lightweight but robust chassis to handle uneven roads often found in rural areas.
Sanka Cycle is promoting the BOB as a realistic second-car replacement—not just for short errands, but for school runs, trips to local markets, or even commuting to nearby workspaces. “Our goal is to offer a credible, sustainable mobility solution where none currently exist,” said the company in its project overview. “We want to show that another form of mobility is possible, and desirable.”
Instead of outright sales, the company is focusing on long-term rentals and community partnerships, especially in regions like Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Burgundy. This approach helps local governments test and integrate the BOB into existing transportation ecosystems while gathering feedback on usability and demand.
Early reception has been positive, particularly among families looking for safer, weather-resistant options that don’t rely on fossil fuels. While it won’t replace a long-distance vehicle, the BOB is being positioned as a capable solution for short, frequent trips that account for a large share of daily driving.
For now, the Sanka Cycle BOB is only available through selected French communities as part of local pilot programs. More widespread availability may follow as adoption grows and infrastructure adapts to support such vehicles.
Source: Sanka Cycle
