In the past few years, micromobility has become a deeply crowded segment, with innovative new electric vehicles on two, three, or four wheels popping up almost daily. An increasing number of urban commuters are rolling on the small size of personal transportation, but with so many options available, manufacturers need to come up with something truly unique to stand out from the crowd.
Middletown-based startup Vook Bike hopes to snatch a slice of the micromobility pie with a funky, low-riding, long-range e-trike targeted at urban commuters looking to make their daily travels through bustling city streets a little more fun.
The electric mobility company has spent the last couple of years working on its e-trike, exploring and testing out cutting-edge technologies that would redefine the way people experience urban transportation. With the aim of "creating a greener and more enjoyable world that combines top-notch engineering with a reasonable price tag," the team came up with a three-wheeled machine capable of offering a range of up to 110 miles (177 km) per charge and packing dual 3-kW rear-drive brushless hub motors.
"Vook was born out of our desire to revolutionize personal transportation while fostering sustainability," declared Vook's co-founder Henry Miller. "There was a lack of innovative, versatile, and stylish electric trikes in the market that could cater to a wide range of users. Our dedicated team combined their expertise and creativity to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and comfort in every aspect of the vehicle aiming to bring pure joy and excitement to all its riders."
Photo: Vook
The new electric trike is a unique machine that is sure to turn heads around town with its peculiar design that looks like a low-hanging chopper from the front and an elaborate hoverboard from the back. It offers all the advantages of an e-bike but puts the rider in a comfortable seat and provides increased stability thanks to the extra wheel.
Built around a sturdy aluminum-alloy frame that ensures strength and low weight, the e-trike boasts a bespoke bucket seat made of fiberglass and eco-leather and will be made available in various color options. A custom-made LED headlight enhances visibility up front and is accompanied by a LED braking taillight. The total weight of the three-wheeler is 88 pounds (40 kg), with a total load capacity of up to 264.5 pounds (120 kg).
A 20-inch fat front tire takes care of steering, while two hub wheels wrapped in 6.5-inch tires trail behind. All three wheels are off-road ready and flat-resistant, endowing the e-trike with the ability to ride on any terrain, including park trails, wooded trails, dirt tracks, and beaches. Of course, the low ground clearance and the lack of a suspension mean the Vook has its own off-road limitations, but it compensates through improved safety and stability due to the three-wheeled format.
Photo: Vook
Hydraulic disc brakes front and back ensure the three-wheeler comes to a halt when necessary. The rear brakes also incorporate an on/off motor brake system.
The Vook has no pedals, so there is no self-propulsion for the rider. Instead, the e-trike is propelled by an optimized battery system and an electric motor. Customers can choose between 30Ah 62V or 50Ah 62V batteries, offering 80 miles (128 km) and 110 miles (177 km) of range, respectively, with a claimed top speed of 40 mph or 65 kph.
The Li-ion battery pack is housed inside a fiberglass trunk at the rear of the machine, which offers enough space to also carry other items like a 14-in laptop. This means it can be easily removed for charging indoors, and it can also be used as a mobile power bank to charge gadgetry.
There are four drive modes from the two hub motors to ensure the e-trike can adapt to any riding situation: the safe drive mode for up to 10 mph (17 kph), an eco mode that limits the speed to 15 mph (25 kph), a sport mode that tops up at 20 mph (32 kph), and the boost mode that unlocks the vehicle's full potential. For rider convenience, an optional reverse gear and a BatteryCruise control feature are also available.
Photo: Vook
The long-range electric trike is fairly well optioned, too, boasting a water-resistant LCD monitor attached to a metal arm and offering essential e-trike info such as battery life, speed, distance, GPS location, ride history, and more. Front and rear cameras are also part of the package and allow riders to stay aware of their surroundings at all times. The front one doubles as an actioncam for recording ride videos and the unit at the back works with onboard sensors to ensure rider safety.
Keyless access via the Vook Smart app or by scanning fingertips, smartphone integration, and vehicle-to-load charging are also offered as standard features.
The novel Vook e-trike is currently available on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, with the 30Ah battery version offered for $2,300, while the 50Ah battery option can be ordered for $2,500. Deliveries are expected to begin in December 2023. Considering the e-trike's cool design and comfortable seating, cruising through town on this machine won't feel like commuting.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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