NOVUS was founded in 2019, but its roots date back to a university project in 2010, when founder René Renger and lead developer Marcus Weidig set out to “create the coolest electric light motorcycle” for a joint bachelor’s thesis.
“Our concept from the beginning was to combine the advantages of the bicycle world with those of the motorcycle world. The lightness and agility of an eBike combined with the performance and sovereignty of a motorcycle, combined with an electric drive and a design that finally feels like the future.”
They both went on after university to eventually work as designers at Volkswagen, but continued to hold on to the idea of a “new kind of light bike,” and after some 9 years of working part time on the design of the NOVUS, they brought a prototype to CES 2019. Soon after, the company was founded, and René and Marcus each left their previous positions and have been working toward their vision ever since.
The NOVUS One is based on a carbon fiber monocoque frame that weighs just 6.9 kg , which is claimed to be lighter and more rigid than conventional steel or aluminum frames, as well as being more “visually appealing.” Driving the rear wheel is a high torque , which has “unequalled torque density and efficiency,” and when paired with the 5.4 kW battery, it delivers a driving performance that “easily surpasses comparable 125cc machines.” A fast charger option can bring the battery from 0-80% in 1.
Derek lives in southwestern New Mexico and digs bicycles, simple living, fungi, organic gardening, sustainable lifestyle design, bouldering, and permaculture. He loves fresh roasted chiles, peanut butter on everything, and buckets of coffee.