Podbike Announces for the Frikar: Germany, Here We Come!

Long awaited by many, the delivery of the Podbike Frikar to Germany is now finally on the horizon. As the manufacturer announced on Monday, the first units of the ebike are expected to arrive this year. There is talk of the end of 2023. What exactly that means, however, remains open.

Those of you who pre-ordered one of these fully enclosed recumbents might have discovered some pleasant news in your email inbox earlier this week. Podbike wrote to pre-orderers. They were to confirm within seven days whether they were still interested in buying the Signature model. After receiving all responses, Podbike would then like to plan further steps.

Podbike Frikar recumbent bike with electric assistance

Future service of great importance

Podbike is still working on the optimal strategy for delivery. What is already clear is that the manufacturer wants to work its way up in Germany step by step. The plan is to start in the region where most pre-orders are concentrated and where a partner company has already been found to act as a contact point for future service questions and orders. However, if most reliable enquiries come from a region where Podbike is still looking for partners, another region would be given preference. Therefore, the receipt of this week’s mail does not mean that delivery will happen quickly in every single case. The company would like to announce in detail how things will proceed later on in one of its next newsletters.

Courageous decision paid off

The fact that a delivery date for Germany this year is still an issue at all is thanks to a course correction Podbike made in May 2023. At that time, it was decided to switch to small series production instead of the planned traditional series production. Apparently, this decision is now bearing fruit. Podbike reports that ten vehicles were produced in this way in August, which is probably a record so far. A total of 180 units of the Signature series are to be produced.

With this final design, the Podbike Frikar now goes into small series production.

The very first of these have already been rolling through Norway since May. More precisely, in the vicinity of Stavanger and Bergen. That’s where Podbike delivered its first bikes. Currently, the next Frikars are leaving the factory in the direction of Oslo. In October, it will be the turn of the region around Trondheim.

Founder takes on new role

So, while things are humming along in the workshop, there have also been changes in the company’s management. Founder Per Hassel Sørensen has taken on new responsibilities that are a bit removed from the daily business. With his experience from the past seven years, he will contribute his expertise in the areas of research, development and technology as a consultant in the future.

Henry Khov, a member of the current team, will follow in his footsteps. The Frenchman joined Podbike in July 2022 and was initially responsible for the engineering team as Head of Engineering. Later he was promoted to technical director. Since 1st September, he has been accompanying the position of Chief Technical Officer. His area of responsibility primarily includes overseeing development and production.

Podbike founder Per Hassel Sørensen moves into the second rank and hands over the technical management to the new CTO Henry Khov (right).

Pictures: Podbike AS