Munich-based startup NOVUS has officially begun delivering its first production vehicles, introducing what it calls an entirely new category of transportation: the Lightbike. Positioned between e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles, the NOVUS One aims to redefine how urban mobility is designed, experienced, and accessed across Europe.
A New Class of Urban Vehicle
The NOVUS One is not simply an incremental improvement on existing two-wheelers. Instead, it combines the lightweight simplicity of an e-bike, the agility of a scooter, and the performance of a motorcycle into a single platform.
With a total weight of just 121 kg and a top speed of 130 km/h, the Lightbike delivers up to 430 Nm of torque—figures that place it closer to motorcycles in performance, while maintaining accessibility closer to scooters. A key innovation lies in its software-defined architecture, allowing the same vehicle to operate in two performance tiers:
- L1e (50cc equivalent)
- L3e (125cc equivalent)
This flexibility enables riders in many European countries to operate the vehicle using a standard car driving licence, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for new users.
Built in Europe, Designed for the Future
The NOVUS One is manufactured in Germany using predominantly European components, including carbon fiber from Austria, motors from Switzerland, and batteries from Czechia. Its full-carbon monocoque structure integrates all major components directly into the frame—eliminating the need for chains, gears, or traditional body panels.
This design philosophy reflects the vision of founder René Renger, who began conceptualizing the vehicle back in 2010. What started as a sketch in a student apartment has now evolved into a production-ready vehicle delivered to early customers in Munich and Mallorca.
Premium Positioning with Community Ownership
The first 100 units—released as the Founders Edition—are more than just vehicles. Buyers also receive a collective 1% equity stake in the company, effectively turning early adopters into brand partners.
The project has attracted notable backers, including:
- Philipp Schiemer, former CEO of Mercedes-AMG
- Sophia Flörsch, professional racing driver and now shareholder
Flörsch describes the Lightbike as “a vehicle from the future, already on the road today,” highlighting its appeal beyond traditional motorcycle audiences.
Targeting a Massive Untapped Market
NOVUS is targeting a broad and previously underserved audience: urban residents who find cars too bulky, motorcycles too complex, and e-bikes too limited. In Germany alone, around 50 million people hold licences compatible with the Lightbike, with hundreds of millions more across Europe.
By combining ease of use with high performance, NOVUS positions itself between lifestyle icons like Vespa and performance brands like Ducati—creating a hybrid category with both emotional and functional appeal.
What Comes Next
Following the limited Founders Edition, NOVUS plans a broader rollout in partnership with the Doerr Group in Germany, as well as expansion into Spain and other major European cities. International markets, including the United States and UAE, are also on the roadmap for 2027.
The company is already working on its next model, NOVUS Two, which will target higher production volumes and a more accessible price point while maintaining the same design DNA.
The Bigger Picture
NOVUS enters a space where innovation has been relatively slow, especially among European manufacturers. With electric mobility reshaping transportation globally, the startup’s ambition goes beyond a single product—it aims to establish a new standard for urban, non-car mobility.
If successful, Lightbikes could become a defining category for cities looking to balance sustainability, performance, and accessibility in the next generation of transport.
