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Urban Mobility Startup Hopper Rolls Out Production Model

Hamburg-based startup Hopper Mobility has unveiled its new urban mobility solution, the Hopper, a unique electric three-wheeled vehicle designed to provide the comfort of a car with the sustainability of a bicycle.

Launched in 2021, Hopper has developed the Hopper as an alternative to traditional cars for city driving. Classified as a pedelec under traffic regulations, the Hopper can reach speeds up to 25 km/h and utilize bike lanes without requiring a driver's license or vehicle registration.

"We wanted to create a vehicle that is not only practical and sustainable, but also fun to drive," said Torben Müller-Hansen, Hopper's co-founder. "The Hopper is meant to be a real alternative to cars for urban commuting."

Hopper has already delivered 30 vehicles in a pilot run in 2024, and the company says it has sold around 100 units since its founding. Production is now ramping up, with plans to deliver 60 more Hoppers this year and increase output to 150 units annually starting in 2026.

The two-seat Hopper features a sleek, enclosed cabin design providing weather protection and comfort. A cargo variant with up to 300 liters of storage space also targets commercial customers. Hopper has worked closely with technical universities in Hamburg and Aachen to optimize the vehicle's lightweight composite body structure.

According to industry sources, the Hopper is priced competitively with high-end electric bicycles, though the company did not disclose specific pricing. With its unique positioning, the Hopper aims to capitalize on growing demand for flexible, eco-friendly urban mobility solutions.

"Urban transportation is facing some major challenges, and we believe the Hopper can be a real game-changer," Müller-Hansen said. "It combines the best attributes of different mobility modes into one practical, fun-to-drive package."

Hopper currently employs 12 people, with four dedicated to production. The startup has received early-stage funding, though details of its investors and valuation have not been publicly disclosed.

The launch of the production-ready Hopper comes as cities worldwide grapple with congestion, pollution, and the need to reduce carbon emissions from transportation. Innovative urban mobility solutions like Hopper's offering could play a key role in the transition to more sustainable, livable cities.