With the award for the joint stand "Bayern Das Innovationsland" (Hall B2, Stand B11), the Garchingers have stepped on the gas again: Faissner and Petermeier will present at the IAA Mobility in Munich the series-driven development of their e-cargo bike, with which they want to unlock additional user segments for the cargo bike from 2026. Why? For one thing, because it is practical. For another, because it is finally an affordable cargo bike for commercial users who have already balked at prices of at least 10,000 to 20,000 euros for using bikes in operation. When it costs as much as a small car, the debate often ends before you even consider the advantages of heavy bikes.
There are many advantages for FP Bike: the bike can carry at least around 300 kilograms of pure payload, technically much more would be possible. It can shoulder a Europallet at a width of one meter on the now somewhat higher loading surface, which is still bike-path- and bollard-friendly. It is easily accessible and
equipped with airline rails for flexible and stable load securing. On the trade-show bike there was even a Power-Cube mounted, which should simulate a mobile charging station for electric cars or light e-mobiles.
AES battery under the loading area, central e-axle
Under the loading area, instead of the great but expensive Heinzmann motors, a central electric axle with differential provides reliable propulsion from the rear. The pedaling impulse is transmitted via a belt-driven generator, which should yield a low-maintenance and durable combination. Here, however, in series production there can still be changes; the range of cheaper and good Chinese suppliers in this area is very rich, as Martin Petermeier explained to us at the stand.
Steel frame in the 2D cutting process
For the frame, they now rely on steel profiles that are manufactured in-house using a 2D cutting process and welded together so that they form a torsionally stiff and durable combination. In addition, the bike shines with a super-low entry, which is definitely a relief at many delivery
points. The ride stability should be very good despite the trike concept; Martin Petermeier does not place much faith in the trend toward the quad, simply because you would move the bicycle segment in the direction of automobiles. Moreover, naturally the turning circle grows and costs as well as complexity increase. A "pure cargo bike" without much "frills," is, after all, the maxim of the FP makers. Weather resilience of the users is simply assumed.
Motorcycle components: robust and affordable
Component-wise, the motorcycle-technology-experienced company draws heavily from the repertoire of the E-enduro bike FP Speedster, also presented at the stand, which is intended to combine great stability with affordable prices. Motorcycle rims in solid cast, motorcycle tires, a sturdy twin-crown suspension fork, thick brake discs, robust brake levers, standard, sturdy round mirrors are therefore mandatory.
One quickly finds one's bearings in the cockpit, equipped with a plain but functional display. A red button engages the handbrake, a safe solution and better than the method of adjusting the brake lever. A
proven AES battery, now almost standard, sits in an easily swappable compartment under the loading area and should provide enough range. On the other side there is room for a storage compartment—or a second battery.
Cheaper than any transporter
In general, with robust drive and vehicle technology of the "Kleinslasters," they aim to achieve very low operating costs, with which the FP Cargobike outperforms every small transporter in the field, a weighty argument for businesses. From next year, they plan to enter small-series production at the company's site, as Petermeier proudly emphasizes. Here they have all the necessary tools and facilities for component manufacturing for the automotive and motorcycle industries. "Made in Bavaria," that would then be the cherry on top of the bike from Munich-North. Thus, with the cargo bike from Garching, an entire category of transport could take off. In any case, a hot candidate for our next issue of the "Cargobike of the Year" award, which will then be tied to the next IAA, IAA Transportation in
