E-Cargo Bike Mocci from CIP Mobility: It Also Works without a Chain.

What makes a bicycle a bicycle? For many of you, probably a crank with pedals, two, sometimes even three or four wheels, a handlebar, a mechanical power transmission via chain or belt to the rear drive axle. In the case of pedelecs and ebikes, there is also a motor and battery. So, what if the mechanical coupling between the crank and the drive axle is eliminated?

Pedals, yes. Bicycle, no.

That is precisely the case with the vehicle called Mocci. That is why the manufacturer calls its innovation the Smart Pedal Vehicle, or SPV for short. Of course, the Mocci cannot do without mechanics. However, the conversion of muscle power into propulsion works completely differently here. There is still a chain, but it is more a digital one. The energy you put into the crank while pedalling drives a generator. The founders of the project, Yao Wen and Dimitrios Bachadakis, call this the pedal generator. It converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy. This drives a motor integrated in the rear wheel hub. Therefore, it is a serial hybrid drive. You might have heard of it in regard to ebikes. The Citkar e-cargo bike, for example, uses this principle.

Manufacturer CIP Mobility calls the Mocci a smart pedal vehicle.

No chain, no belt, no chainrings and no pulleys – that automatically means less wear. A component that is saved cannot break. In return, of course, other defects can occur. And in the case of the Mocci, these cannot be solved with a crank puller or chain tool. In principle, however, such a hybrid promises a long service life with low maintenance. There is simply no drivetrain that has to withstand corresponding mechanical stresses every day.

Interesting for businesses

For businesses, such features sound particularly tempting. In fact, the manufacturer, Munich-based CIP Mobility, is targeting this customer group. Reliability, however, is only one of the decisive factors. The Mocci should also score points with its possibilities as a smart vehicle. Networked with other communication systems, it is supposed to warn of dangerous situations in road traffic, point out other participants who are in the blind spot or automatically reduce speed if a traffic jam is detected ahead. The next upcoming check at the workshop will appear in the app. And if your vital signs while driving indicate that you are not reaching your normal form today, the electric drive will push you a little harder than usual. At least that’s how CIP Mobility outlines the SPV’s capabilities.

The digital solutions also extend to an optional transport box for the rear carrier. This can apparently be operated as a cooler. It is supposed to recognise the contents and automatically set the right temperature for transport. In comparison to this, the announced anti-theft device with its connection to the system control almost sounds like a matter of course.

Not all options feasible

In order to be considered a real cargo bike, as CIP Mobility presents the Mocci, the bike lacks a bit of load capacity in our opinion. The rear carrier is designed for a maximum load of 40 kilograms. That is absolutely fine. An announced trailer is even supposed to be able to carry 50 kilograms. However, the Mocci is only approved for a maximum weight of 160 kilograms. A little less than 40 of that is already used for the bike itself. If you include your body weight in this calculation, it becomes clear that the trailer and rear carrier can hardly be used together in a meaningful way. For comparison: A compact and quite minimalist e-cargo bike like the e-Yoonit can carry a load of 75 kilograms, while at the same time you can weigh up to 100 kilograms as a rider.

A cargo bike “Mady in Germany”

CIP Mobility manufactures the polyamide frame and other components of the Mocci directly in Germany. The high-performance plastic is recyclable and is therefore considered relatively environmentally friendly. In terms of shape, the frame most closely resembles a low-step. It will probably be available in only one size. According to the manufacturer, people between a body height of 155 centimetres and 195 centimetres will find a comfortable seating position on it. A distinctive feature of the Mocci are its wheels with massive aero spokes. The wheel is made in one piece together with the spokes, again using polyamide.

Automatically ride in the right gear ratio

As mentioned, the bike comes without a mechanical power transmission from the pedal to the rear wheel. This also means that the gears can only be changed electrically. Here, it is even solved as an automatic. The Mocci’s software selects the gear that the profile, surface conditions, load, etc. require. We did not find out whether the target value is a cadence that you can determine yourself, or whether CIP Mobility uses other methods.

The battery is located in the bulky down tube. Its capacity should be sufficient for a range of about 80 kilometres. The manufacturer does not specify under what conditions. What is clear is that, as with any other pedelec or ebike, you can continue cycling with this SPV if the battery is completely exhausted. In addition, the Mocci can generally be ridden without the energy source. Just draw on your own power reserves.

If you pedal particularly hard with the battery installed, you can actually increase your range. The extra energy generated then flows into the battery. At the same time, the motor acts as an electric brake in the bicycle. By braking, you also recover energy.

Possible sales launch in autumn 2022

At the beginning of next year, a select few will find out how well this works in practice. That is when an important test phase of the Mocci will begin. If all goes well and no unexpected problems arise as a result, the SPV should go into series production in the third quarter of 2022 – together with the trailer. With regard to prices, the manufacturer is still keeping a low profile. According to Nico Mischke, Head of Marketing at CIP Mobility, reliable information can be expected in the spring. Currently, the favourite is probably a leasing plan for commercial customers.

The final price will depend on which configuration future customers want. Colours, the application of company logos, printed coverings, the choice of different transport solutions from a box for food to a large toolbox, individually tailored software – CIP Mobility apparently offers a number of options. The company also does not currently rule out a later expansion to the market for private customers.

For the moment, selling to private consumers is not high on CIP Mobility’s list of priorities.

Pictures: CIP Mobility