Norwegian E-Bike Startup Gets Second Chance at Life

Sometimes the best ideas just need a second chance to shine.

The Frikar, a sleek four-wheeled electric bike that looked like something from a sci-fi movie, is rolling back onto the scene after its original maker went bankrupt last year. Norwegian company Phase Energy just bought all the assets and relaunched it as the TwoZero Classic.

The vehicle is basically a weather-proof bicycle on four wheels. Riders pedal to generate electricity that powers two rear wheel motors, with a battery pack providing extra juice. It tops out at 16 mph and can travel up to 37 miles on a single charge.

What made it special was the complete package. The enclosed cabin kept riders dry and warm, with features like a windshield wiper, mirrors, turn signals, and even a carpeted interior. There was room for 160 liters of cargo or a child seat behind the driver.

So why did the original company fail? The math just didn't work. Podbike presold bikes for about $6,600 each but ended up spending over $9,000 to make each one. Supply chain problems and rising costs meant they couldn't deliver on their promises, leaving frustrated customers empty-handed.

Phase Energy CEO Erik Solberg saw potential in what was left behind. His team found 20 fully assembled bikes sitting in storage, plus enough parts to build 160 more. They launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund this limited run, pricing each bike at about $8,200.

The first 20 bikes should ship as early as March, with the rest following in June. After that, Phase Energy is permanently retiring the Classic model to focus on what comes next.

The Ripple Effect

This rescue mission is just the opening act. Phase Energy plans to launch 15 new models starting in 2027, all built on a single unified chassis. Five models coming next year will stay in the bike category, requiring no driver's license or registration. Ten more powerful models will follow in 2028.

The company learned from Podbike's mistakes. Future versions won't have the expensive bubble canopy that cost nearly $1,000 to manufacture. They're also designing vehicles that riders can repair themselves, cutting down on maintenance headaches.

This second chance could help solve real transportation problems. For short city trips, these vehicles offer weather protection and cargo space that regular bikes can't match, without the cost and environmental impact of cars.

Not every innovation gets a do-over, but this one earned it.