Following on from its eye-catching Panorama gravel e-bike last year, Ebi is back with another unusual-looking electrically powered bicycle. This time the Swiss-based company is taking aim at multi-function, person- and thing-toting bikes with the EBI-Cargo, described as a “modular urban tandem.”

Ebi’s design takes its cues from recumbent-upright tandems, such as the Hase Pino, in which the rear rider takes an upright position, while the front rider reclines as if they’re in a recumbent bicycle. Unlike traditional tandems, this gives both riders panoramic views, instead of the rear rider being cheek-to-cheek with the stoker.

But the EBI-Cargo isn’t just for two-person trips. According to the company, it can switch between passenger, cargo, and pet modes in seconds without the need for tools. The ‘tandem’ pedals use a chainless system which can detach easily, although it’s not all that clear how this works. As we’ve only got Ebi’s Kickstarter promo pic and the grainy video above to go off, there’s also no indication of what pet mode involves, and whether there’s room for our office Bengal tiger…

While it may lack the refined, bombproof design of popular longtail cargo e-bikes such as Tern’s ubiquitous GSD, the EBI-Cargo’s form factor is said to feel safe as it keeps the centre of gravity low, while its slimmer profile makes handling urban environments a breeze. 

There’s also a lot to be said for a recumbent seat, which makes cycling more accessible to people with back and neck issues, and positioning cargo in front of the rider makes it easier to negotiate narrow spaces with wide loads.

EBI Cargo Kickstarter promotional image
EBI Cargo Kickstarter promotional image (Image Credit: EBI)
EBI Cargo Kickstarter promotional image, by EBI

The caveat here is Kickstarter. Ebi is launching the EBI-Cargo on the notoriously fickle platform, which means it may become a reality or could be destined to never see the light of day. Encouragingly, Ebi is promising test units to reviewers (and we will try and get our hands on one), and that lengthy video does show the bike hurtling down a Japanese hill without falling apart.

If it does materialise, then we will inevitably have a lot of questions, such as how it feels to ride when laden and unladen, its price, the type of motor and battery it uses (Ebi says it uses a direct-drive motor), and how the stoker’s input interacts with this – if their pedalling fills the battery or drives the motor electrically then it could be very cool indeed.

The EBI-Cargo could drastically shake up the cargo e-bike sector, or it could simply vanish in a puff of smoke. We’ll keep you posted either way.