City streets are a battleground. Finding a spot to park feels like winning the lottery. Traffic crawls, and gas prices sting. People once thought electric scooters were a strange idea. Now, thousands zip around on two wheels, changing how we move. So, what’s next for getting around town? Could a four-wheeled electric vehicle like the ZET be the answer?
Think about it. We’ve seen electric cargo bikes trying to replace cars. We’ve also seen velomobiles, those sleek, covered pedal-powered machines. But the ZET electric quadricycle, from the German company ZETmobil, aims to blend the best parts of both. It could carry your family, act as a mini delivery van, or just be your everyday ride.
The ZET name stands for Zero Emission Transportation. For years, this idea has been brewing. Traditional cargo bikes can feel wobbly when loaded up. Velomobiles, while fast, often sit so low that other drivers don’t easily see them. The ZET tackles these problems head-on. It has four wheels for extra stability and keeps you in a higher, more visible spot. Plus, it gives you a wide windshield and a roof, keeping you dry from light rain and wind. You can use it on city roads or bike paths.
Even with its open sides, the ZET offers smart protection for your things. You can add a rear box with a seat and a clear cover for wet weather. Need to haul more? The ZET can turn into a pick-up style vehicle. It even offers a large, lockable cargo box that holds 670 liters, perfect for urban deliveries. You can pick different seating options to fit your needs.
You sit up high with an extended handlebar, pedaling away. An electric hub motor kicks in, helping you reach speeds up to 25 km/h. This speed keeps it in line with European rules for assisted bikes. You can choose from four battery options, giving you a range of 50 to 130 kilometers on a single charge. The ZET has disc brakes on all four wheels for quick stops and rides on 20-inch wheels with fenders. It also comes with built-in lights and turn signals, plus rearview mirrors. This vehicle is pretty compact, measuring 225 or 245 cm long, 80 cm wide, and 156 or 168 cm tall.
This isn’t just a concept drawing. ZETmobil says their prototypes have already passed tough tests, like driving 100,000 kilometers. They are now building pre-production models, with full-scale manufacturing coming soon. You can even reserve one today on the ZETmobil website with a €300 deposit. Prices start at €7,790, and they expect to start deliveries by the end of the year. Want more? You can add accessories like child seats or a sun cover.
The folks at ZETmobil have a clear vision for their creation. They point out that cities are choked with traffic, high costs, and pollution. Finding parking is a nightmare. Even for short trips under 10 kilometers, many people still use their cars. Why? According to ZETmobil, it’s because there wasn’t a good choice between a bicycle and a full-sized car—until now. They say their electric, four-wheeled cargo vehicles are the answer. They don’t need a special driver’s license, they’re easy to steer, efficient, and just right for daily city life.