French company Pony intends to launch its two-seated e-bike called The Double Pony in Brussels next year. It is the world's first and only two-seater e-bike specifically designed for shared use.
Pony, which has been present in the Belgian capital with its recognisable turquoise-coloured shared e-scooters since 2021, plans to launch the Double pony at the start of 2024. This two-seater electric bicycle is designed like a motorcycle so two people can travel together comfortably for up to 100km at speeds of up to 25 km/h.
"As part of a call for tenders launched by Brussels Mobility, we are offering, in addition to our e-scooters, our two-seater electrically assisted bicycle. This e-bike has been successful in France, where approximately 70% of our users having already experienced it as a passenger," Guillem Leroux, the company's spokesperson, told The Brussels Times.
Credit: Pony
Every model of The Double Pony is designed to last 20,000 km and to withstand harsh outdoor conditions for several years. Maintenance and reuse are planned from the design phase, making the vehicles more sustainable, as all parts can be reused on other Pony vehicles or simply recycled.
Pony is not only shaking up the shared mobility world with different vehicle shapes but also with an entirely new model with the 'Adopt a Pony' programme. It is the first to decentralise ownership of its vehicles, making it possible for riders to buy their own Pony vehicle through the Pony app or on its website.
They can then put it up for sharing on the company's app, with the revenue of each ride then being split between them and the company.
"This model transforms the experience. Rather than borrowing an anonymous bike, you now enjoy a ride provided by your neighbours," said Leroux. "The earnings from each ride no longer flow to a distant headquarters; instead, they circulate within the local economy, contributing to the resilience and vitality of the community."
