You may be familiar with the French car brand Renault and its wide selection of compact cars. And while the brand is indeed a well-known name in the automotive world, it is only just beginning to expand into the mobility sector.
At the recently concluded Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS), Renault unveiled some interesting concepts that would catch the eye of motorsport enthusiasts.
To make things even more interesting, Renault teamed up with five French startups to create five unique electric mobility products. The whole project was called “5 Movements”, which encompasses mobility on all types of terrain – water, snow, asphalt and off-road. Let’s talk about the one we were most curious about, the Moonbike.
Renault has teamed up with Nicolas Muron, CEO and founder of MoonBikes, for the Moonbike of the same name. It is therefore little more than a “rebadge”.
However, the Moonbike is not a bicycle, but a compact snowmobile, aptly named a snow scooter.
With a caterpillar-type rack at the back and a ski at the front, the Moonbike can make quick work of slushy snow, reaching a top speed of 40 km/h. Thanks to its beltless and chainless design, the Moonbike requires little maintenance, making it a reliable option for winter mobility.
Executive Editor Jonathon Klein’s friend Jake Richmond has tested the Moonbike before, although he wasn’t too effusive, saying: “I had fun, don’t get me wrong. If it cost 2,500 dollars, it would be a good option. If it cost $2,500, I’d buy one. But at $10,000 after tax for the standard battery, why not buy a Sur-Ron with a sled kit or a low-end Ski-Doo 2024?”