JackRabbit, the San Diego-based micromobility firm that made its title on tiny, featherweight, pedal-free “micro e-bikes”, is taking a giant swing with one thing totally new. In the present day the corporate introduced is new line of “Micro Hauler” rides. Consider it as a conveyable, modular, utility-focused small EV that may haul folks, gear, and a shocking quantity of ambition with out the majority of a full-size e-bike or the restrictions of a scooter.
We noticed this coming from a reasonably revealing teaser final week, and it seems like JackRabbit delivered on the promise of a small-format two-seater. However in a shock reveal, right this moment’s launch really options two completely different fashions which can be constructed on JackRabbit’s new MG platform. Along with the two-seater, often known as the MG Doble, there’s additionally a cargo and off-road targeted single-seater often known as the MG Renegade.
The MG Doble and the MG Renegade are every aimed toward riders who need small however mighty electrical machines that may go locations larger e-bikes can’t, and might really match at the back of a hatchback, RV, or perhaps a boat locker.
JackRabbit CEO Jason Kenagy says the Micro Hauler thought got here from a want to construct one thing extra versatile than a motorcycle however nonetheless gentle sufficient to elevate with one hand.
“Individuals don’t want or need simply one other clunky bike,” Kenagy defined. “They want a better solution to get round. One thing highly effective and modular but light-weight, low upkeep and simple to trip.”
The fashions comply with an analogous ethos to JackRabbit’s well-known little self-styled “micro e-bikes”, even when they’re technically extra of a scooter format as a result of lack of pedals.
However with most main elements borrowed from the bicycle world, together with the wheels, handlebars, and saddles, JackRabbits have all the time snuck their means into the bike finish of the micromobility spectrum.
Meet the MG Doble and MG Renegade
The MG Doble is JackRabbit’s two-up model, constructed for carrying a passenger with out feeling such as you’re piloting a heavy motorbike. It packs a cargo-tuned 749W motor right into a 52 lb (23.5 kg) bundle, folds flat for storage, and has “over 10 accent attachment factors” for racks, luggage, or no matter mission you’ve bought deliberate.
Whereas 52 kilos may not sound light-weight, particularly in comparison with the smallest JackRabbit’s 25 lb weight, contemplate that almost all moped-style e-bikes, which generally characteristic bench seats and passenger foot pegs for two-up using, usually weigh nearer to 100 kilos.
The MG Renegade is the extra rugged, solo-focused sibling. It gives a bigger-frame, off-road-ready tires, and nonetheless weighs in at a comparatively gentle 44 lb (20 kg). Designed for “massive dudes all over the place,” as JackRabbit places it, it’s constructed to deal with heavy payloads, climb steep hills, and bounce down trails with out feeling like a exercise simply to load it in your automobile. If you happen to’re in search of actual numbers, the load capability contains massive dudes as much as 325 lb (147 kg)… or smaller dudes and dudettes plus sufficient cargo to hit that restrict.
Each fashions share a mullet-style wheel setup – bigger 24×2.8″ tire up entrance for rolling over bumps, smaller 20×2.8″ tire within the again for simple mounting – together with hydraulic brakes, a shiny coloration show, a prime velocity of 20 mph or 24 mph in Off-Highway Mode (32 or 38 km/h), and as much as 48 miles (77 km) of real-world vary. Like all JackRabbits, they skip the pedals and chain totally, going for a clear, modular body that’s appropriate with dozens of equipment constructed only for the JackRabbits (and many that match different bikes, too).
What’s a “Micro Hauler”?
JackRabbit admits that these aren’t e-bikes within the conventional sense, and in addition says that they’re positively not scooters. In line with the corporate, they’d fairly consider them as small electrical utility automobiles – gentle sufficient to toss in a trunk, succesful sufficient to switch a automobile for brief journeys, and adaptable sufficient to haul groceries, tenting gear, and even tow a trailer. Contemplating I towed a completely loaded kayak with a smaller JackRabbit KG Professional, I imagine it.
It looks like whether or not you’re commuting, campus-hopping, or simply grabbing tacos with a pal, the thought is to make the journey extra enjoyable and fewer of a trouble. And that positively matches with the unique objective of JackRabbit, which began as a substitute kind of car for school college students to raised navigate campuses and concrete areas, whereas nonetheless being sufficiently small to stash in an house or beneath a dorm mattress.
Each the MG Doble and MG Renegade can be found beginning right this moment for $2,499.99 in a by no means earlier than seen silver colorway (although extra colours apparently coming quickly) by JackRabbit’s web site and choose retailers.
Electrek’s Take
JackRabbit has all the time had a knack for making tiny EVs that punch means above their weight class, and the MG Platform seems like a pure evolution. By going after utility with out abandoning portability, they’re concentrating on a niche out there that almost all manufacturers ignore – someplace between a heavy cargo e-bike and a scooter that may’t carry your stuff. On this case, you get the facility and the cargo/passenger functionality, however in a conveyable bundle.
If the MG Doble can actually carry two folks comfortably whereas nonetheless folding flat, and the Renegade can again up its “massive dude” declare with out shedding its light-weight edge, JackRabbit might need simply carved itself an entire new micromobility area of interest.
In fact, the draw back is the worth, since you possibly can after all discover cheaper two-seaters or cargo e-bikes than $2,500 bucks. However then you definately’re again to massive, heavy e-bikes that may’t match simply at the back of a automobile or behind a sofa. You pay a premium for JackRabbit, however you get one thing distinctive that no different firm has. And I for one positively respect their innovation and uniqueness, particularly now greater than ever, as we proceed to see cookie-cutter OEM e-bikes roll out with a distinct sticker on them every week.
