AEMotion, a French e-mobility company, is turning heads with its innovative electric microcar, which promises to revolutionize urban commuting. Dubbed as a "tilting electric motorcycle" or a "microcar," this four-wheeled vehicle offers a unique hybrid experience, combining the lean and agility of a two-wheeler with the enclosed safety and comfort of a traditional car. After a decade of quiet development, AEMotion has recently opened pre-orders, signaling its imminent arrival in the urban mobility landscape.
The Best of Both Worlds: Agility Meets Protection
The AEMotion's most distinctive feature is its tilting chassis, which allows the vehicle to lean into turns by up to 35 degrees, mimicking the dynamics of a motorcycle. This lean is naturally managed by the rider using a handlebar, offering an engaging and intuitive driving experience that feels far removed from typical four-wheeled vehicles. This "bending" capability is designed to enhance maneuverability, allowing the AEMotion to navigate congested city streets and tight corners with ease, much like a motorcycle.
Despite its motorcycle-like agility, the AEMotion prioritizes safety and protection. Its fully enclosed cabin provides shelter from the elements, a significant upgrade over traditional motorcycles. Inside, it boasts automotive-grade safety features, including four-point safety belts for both driver and passenger (seated in tandem), crash-tested structural elements, and EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) bumpers and interior designed to cushion impact in the event of a collision. AEMotion claims this offers a safety profile comparable to a positive airbag system, significantly reducing the risks associated with two-wheeled transport.
Design and Performance Specifications
The AEMotion is remarkably compact, with a width of just 79 centimeters (approximately 31 inches), making it ideal for urban environments where parking and lane filtering can be challenging. It seats two people in a tandem configuration, with the rear seat being modular to provide additional cargo space (150-200 liters) when folded down – enough for groceries or two large luggage pieces.
Powering this innovative microcar is an electric drivetrain derived from motorcycle technology, delivering instant torque for quick acceleration. The AEMotion can reach a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph). It offers two battery options: a swappable battery pack providing approximately 70 km (44 miles) of range for short city hops, and a fixed long-range battery extending the autonomy to 200 km (124 miles) per charge. The vehicle weighs around 230 kg (507 lbs) with batteries.
Urban Mobility Redefined
AEMotion envisions its vehicle as a solution for modern urban challenges, offering a sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable alternative for daily commutes. The company emphasizes the vehicle's robust, repairable sub-assemblies and its European manufacturing (over 80% added value in France), contributing to local reindustrialization efforts.
While official pricing for purchase is yet to be confirmed, reports suggest AEMotion might offer the vehicle primarily through a leasing model, potentially starting around €200 per month in France. The first units are expected to hit French roads later this year, with broader European availability under consideration. The AEMotion represents a bold step towards a new era of personal mobility, promising to redefine how we navigate our increasingly crowded cities.