Ebiketips has featured EAV four-wheeled e-cargo bikes several times over recent years. Now a similar looking (but under the skin quite different) machine from Estonia is looking to give them a run for their money. VOK four-wheeled e-cargo bikes are available to buy internationally and are also available to rent in London.

VOK have actually been around for a while, just under the radar whilst EAV have been making all the headlines. However, their four wheeled, electric cargo delivery vehicle – legally speaking an e-bike (so it can go in bike lanes and the rider does not need a driving licence) – boasts some interesting technology.

Most notably, there is no direct chain drive between the pedals and the wheels. This is a so-called serial hybrid drivetrain whereby pedal power is converted into electrical energy via a small generator along with battery power, avoiding the need for a direct chain or belt drive. This sounds a neat idea but in the past they have proved rather inefficient.

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VOK3 (Image Credit: VOK)

There are two models of VOK, the Standard and the XL, the former having 420 litres of cargo space and a 150kg payload and the latter 2,000 litres cargo space and a 200kg payload. There are powerful hydraulic disc brakes with ABS, indicators and a windscreen wiper. Respective purchase prices are €8,990 and €13,490. VOK say rental prices are on application.

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VOK 2 (Image Credit: VOK)

VOK already have a commercial track record; they have been piloted by Estonian postal service Omniva and Stuart delivery in London is offering its couriers Vok’s electric cargo bikes through an on-demand short-term rental model. French food delivery company Ziticity have also been using VOK vehicles. In early 2021 VOK received €800,000 in pre-seed funding from various investors.