F1 Engineer Builds Weather-Proof E-Bike That Seats Two

Imagine zipping through city streets in a vehicle that protects you from rain, carries a passenger, and parks in a bike spot.

British Formula 1 engineer Tamara Ivancova has built exactly that with the Elecy, a four-wheeled electric-assist vehicle that bridges the gap between bikes and cars. Unlike typical e-bikes that still leave riders exposed to weather, this innovative quadcycle wraps passengers in a weatherproof cabin while maintaining the legal status and parking privileges of a bicycle.

The vehicle seats one adult up front and a child in back, plus offers 300 liters of cargo space for groceries or gear. Its removable aerodynamic canopy can come off on sunny days for open-air riding, and air vents keep things comfortable inside.

Built largely from recycled and renewable materials, the Elecy uses standard bicycle parts wherever possible to keep costs down and repairs simple. It reaches speeds up to 16 mph with electric assist and travels up to 50 miles on a single three-hour charge. The battery pops out for easy charging at home or work, and riders can add a second battery for longer trips.

At just 99 pounds, the compact vehicle measures about 8 feet long and 2.5 feet wide. That small footprint means it can legally ride in bike lanes and park anywhere bicycles are allowed, solving one of urban driving's biggest headaches.

The Elecy comes equipped with GPS tracking, full LED lighting including turn signals and brake lights, and a mid-mount motor that can be disengaged for manual pedaling. A lockable hood protects belongings, and an optional climate control system is in development.

Why This Inspires

Ivancova's creation shows how innovation can honor what we love about cars while ditching what harms our planet. She's not asking people to suffer through rain-soaked bike commutes or give up transporting their kids. Instead, she's reimagined urban transport to keep the convenience while cutting the environmental cost.

Her company, Amara Automotive Ltd, plans testing and certification over the next 12 to 18 months. Preorders should open later in 2026, with pricing to be announced. Ivancova will take the prototype on a world tour this year to demonstrate its capabilities.

"I love cars and transport, and I've created Amara Automotive Ltd so we can keep enjoying the vehicles we love but without the impact," Ivancova explains. "The Elecy is just the beginning."

One engineer's vision might just make car-free living feel less like a sacrifice and more like an upgrade.