This is the funky electric bike that got Himiway sued for copying its design

In the fiercely competitive realm of e-bike innovation, pioneers frequently coexist with imitative developers who build upon established concepts. When Himiway launched its Pony micro e-bike several months ago, the distinction between imitation and inspiration seemed starkly apparent to JackRabbit, which claims that Himiway borrowed the design of its stylish electric micro e-bike without permission.

Five years ago, JackRabbit burst onto the micromobility landscape with its innovative electric two-wheeler concept.

Notably distinct from traditional e-bikes by virtue of its pedal-less design, the JackRabbit features a bike-inspired seating position atop a shortened wheelbase and a remarkably compact overall form.

The $999 micro electric bicycle’s 24-pound (10.9-kilogram) weight and exceptional agility make it a rival to scooters, yet its journey posture delivers the comfort and stability typical of most e-bikes. As the JackRabbit’s throttle-operated speed reached 20 miles per hour and its airline-approved battery allowed riders to travel by air with the bike, this innovative vehicle quickly gained popularity across North America.

Following its crowdfunding triumph, followed by the successful launch of its second innovative technology product, JackRabbit has cultivated a significant and loyal community of enthusiasts who rave about the unique brand’s unparalleled comfort compared to other e-bikes and e-scooters.

As news spread, some may wonder about the JackRabbit team’s dismay when they woke up to discover that their concept seemed strikingly similar to a newly introduced e-bike model from competitor Himiway, just a little over a month ago.

Assessing the two facets individually, their likenesses become readily apparent. While many e-bikes and e-scooters seem to exhibit convergent evolution driven by industry trends, the JackRabbit took a distinct path with several pivotal design choices that set it apart. With its remarkably short wheelbase and compact tubular frame, the JackRabbit boasts an impressive combination of features that define its unique appearance, ride quality, and travel-friendliness – a trifecta of characteristics that have earned it widespread recognition.

Himiway’s striking similarity to JackRabbit’s design has prompted the latter to file a lawsuit against the former in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging patent infringement and trade dress violation.

In a lawsuit filed by JackRabbit Mobility, the company claims that the Himiway Pony electric bicycle infringes on the intellectual property rights of its JackRabbit micro e-bike, allegedly violating Section 15 of the United States Code. § 1125(a) and allegedly infringes JackRabbit Mobility’s registered Design patent, No. D964,218, amongst different claims.

The JackRabbit workforce contends in the lawsuit that they created a novel product, distinct from any previous design, which – until copied by Himiway Pony – visually stood out and demonstrated impressive performance, despite initial skepticism from certain industry professionals who predicted efficiency issues due to its unconventional appearance. Until now, this innovative JackRabbit stands out for its pioneering design featuring two 20-inch diameter wheels in a compact wheelbase configuration, where the rear wheel is powered by electricity, accompanied by fold-down foot pegs instead of operable pedals, a rectangular main body space, and a single rear brake. Throughout an extensive creative process spanning numerous years, in-depth journey testing and interviews consistently yielded a distinctly unique product with regard to both impression and performance.

I must confess that I have personal experience and direct knowledge of the JackRabbit’s capabilities through my own hands-on use of it. I’ve witnessed riders more daring than myself, who’ve boldly tackled micro e-bikes on dusty hill drops, executing daredevil stunts that left me agog at the bike’s astonishing capabilities – only witnessing them in action could have prepared me for such feats.

While unconventional, this design has yielded remarkable success, producing an astonishingly portable experience?

As JackRabbit’s CEO Jason Kenagy put it:

JackRabbit Mobility is taking immediate action to protect and enforce its valuable intellectual property rights by filing suit against those responsible for promoting or providing to promote the Himiway Pony, which we believe infringes on JackRabbit Mobility’s trade dress and patent rights.

This litigation aims to halt Himiway’s alleged infringement and serves notice to others that we will resolutely defend our intellectual property rights, utilizing all available legal recourse as necessary to protect our interests.

Electrek’s Take

I have limited or no formal education or professional experience in the field. Let’s let the courts decide the outcome once and for all then. As a seasoned stalwart within the electric bicycle community, uniquely positioned to gauge the pulse of the industry, I can confidently attest that JackRabbit’s credentials are impressively fortified.

While subtle nuances exist between the two designs, the prevailing fact remains that the JackRabbit simply offers more choices. While the Himiway Pony appears to borrow design cues from the JackRabbit, it surprisingly doesn’t simply copy all its innovative features – such as the miniature airplane-style battery or the clever mechanism by which the handlebars snap onto the frame’s sides to enable a more compact folding configuration?

Given widespread acknowledgement of the Himiway Pony’s unveiling in my original article, it’s little surprise that this development didn’t catch anyone off guard.

I’ll be keenly interested in the outcome of this case, and I’m confident that your team will rectify the situation once you’ve received additional guidance.

As I wait, I’m compelled to watch this captivating video of an exceptional rider effortlessly executing daring tricks on a JackRabbit, leaving me with goosebumps and sweaty palms.