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They have a compact design, are electrically operated and could make car sharing in large cities more attractive.
So-called e-pods or cabin scooters fit into the smallest of parking spaces, have a rainproof roof and offer more storage space than a scooter.
In Germany, two start-ups want to bring their own sharing offer with e-pods to the streets.
The new providers are trying to fill a niche between cars, e-scooters and bicycles.
This also includes Yoann Loetscher and Luca Placi.
You founded the start-up Enuu in Switzerland in 2018 and previously developed your own vehicle.
The E-Pod weighs 180 kilograms and can travel around 50 kilometers on one battery charge.
It can be driven on the street with a class M moped driving license and may use any parking area.
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For comparison: about four Enuu fit in one parking space.
The E-Pod is produced in China.
In May Loetscher wants to distribute the first 150 vehicles on Berlin's streets.
Similar to the competitors Emmy or Tier Mobility, a minute is charged - in a similar price range at 19 cents.
Compared to the e-scooters, however, there should be no start or activation fee.
Enuu has European approval for light electric vehicles.
“That's why we don't need any further approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority.
However, we have obtained a confirmation from the Berlin Senate for the commissioning of our service ”, Loetscher told“ Gründerszene ”.
The vehicle may not be used or parked on the cycle path or pedestrian path.
E-pods are as fast as a bicycle
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First of all, that suits the cities.
In the past, there were repeated problems with rental bikes and e-scooters that were improperly parked or hindered other road users.
An Enuu travels a little faster than a bicycle at 30 km / h.
The start-up raised the equivalent of 1.3 million euros (1.4 million Swiss francs) from Varsavsky Axel Springer Ventures (VAS) in 2019.
In 2020, the round was increased to 3.2 million euros by VAS and together with Swiss business angels.
In Basel, the start-up had to contend with vandalism, among other things.
In 2020, there were still more than a hundred vehicles in operation in Switzerland.
According to Loetscher, the Swiss vehicles have meanwhile been sold to B2B partners.
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Also due to the coronavirus, the start-up has withdrawn from the sharing business in Switzerland and only wants to work with business partners.
Loetscher also justifies the step by stating that he sees more potential in major German cities.
Especially in connection with multimodal platforms such as Jelbi or Free Now.
Ennu should also take to the streets in Munich and Hamburg when it comes to Loetscher.
The Hamburg model by subscription
In Hamburg, the Swiss could meet Flizzy.
The young Hamburg entrepreneur Jan Hauke set up the company of the same name in 2020 and also wants to take a more compact approach to car sharing with light electric vehicles.
However, this is supposed to be a subscription model.
Instead of offering vehicles based on minutes or kilometers, a monthly flat rate is planned.
With a twelve-month commitment, Flizzy is expected to cost 30 euros, with flexible termination according to the current plan, 99 euros per month.
To this end, Hauke plans to distribute around 200 vehicles in Hamburg over the course of the year.
Similar to Enuu, a model is to come onto the streets that is 45 km / h and can be driven with a class M driving license.
The other vehicle with about 80 km / h has more space to offer, but then you need a regular driver's license.
Hauke financed the first vehicles out of pocket and with loans.
Hauke is currently in talks with potential investors for further acquisitions.
At Flizzy, Chinese vehicles from the Zhejiang Today Sunshine brand are used for the larger version and Jiayuan for the smaller model.
French car maker is planning a small sharing car
The French car manufacturer Renault recently presented its own light electric vehicle as a prototype with the Mobilize brand.
The small e-pods will largely consist of recycled and recyclable materials and will be specially developed for car sharing.
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The French are currently in contact with municipalities and mobility providers, according to a media report.
Based on the existing requirements, the Mobilize brand is to be brought to market maturity.
Toyota has also announced an ultra-compact vehicle, the C + pod.
Until then, Enuu and Flizzy can try out their vehicles as sharing providers and analyze whether customers are ready to switch from cars and scooters to e-pods.
Note: Axel Springer is a partner in Business Insider Deutschland GmbH, the media company of "
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