Revolutionizing Urban Transport: The Rise of Electric Two-Wheelers and the Cargo Space Challenge

The Rise of Any: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility with the LUV1 Electric Motorcycle

Embarking on a journey to Europe often entails embracing a culture of extensive walking, yet the predominant mode of transportation remains cars. Despite this norm, innovative entrepreneurs are challenging the status quo, aiming to understand and redefine urban mobility.

Belgian startup Any is at the forefront of this movement, advocating for the increased use of two-wheelers by prioritizing practicality and design. Their philosophy revolves around creating vehicles that are “designed for real life,” offering ample storage capacity without compromising speed, range, or versatility.

Their flagship product, the LUV1 modular electric motorcycle, embodies this ethos. With the storage capacity of a cargo bike and a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph), the LUV1 fills the void left by traditional car trunks, boasting a storage capacity of up to 120 liters.

Any’s approach is rooted in addressing the essential needs of daily life, catering to tasks such as grocery shopping, weekend getaways, or transporting work equipment. The versatility of the LUV1 extends to customizable features, including open frames, panels for different purposes, and optional accessories like a windshield, racks, and rain ponchos.

The brainchild behind this innovative design is Lowie Vermeersch, former Pininfarina design director, who serves as the creative visionary at Any. Collaborating with the startup, Vermeersch aims to introduce a new category of vehicles known as “life utility vehicles,” with the LUV1 leading the way.

Priced at €7,000 (approximately $8,150), the LUV1 offers a cost-effective alternative to cars and aligns closely with the pricing of high-end electric cargo bikes. Furthermore, its licensing requirements are simplified, making it accessible to a broader audience without the need for specialized permits.

Customers can personalize their LUV1 experience through Any’s configurator, tailoring the vehicle to their preferences. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with over 600 reservations secured within the first 100 days of the preorder campaign.

To support its growth and production capabilities, Any has secured €2.75 million ($3.2 million) in venture capital funding, enabling them to expand their operations and reach a wider market. The startup’s strategic hires, including industry experts from renowned companies like Aprilia, Ferrari, and Piaggio Group, emphasize their commitment to excellence and innovation.

With a range of up to 87 miles per charge and two swappable batteries, the LUV1 competes with established electric motorcycle brands, positioning itself as a formidable player in the evolving market. Any’s focus on cargo capacity sets them apart, appealing to diverse customer segments beyond traditional motorcycle enthusiasts.

Looking ahead, Any plans to introduce a diverse range of vehicles, catering to various urban transportation needs. Their ambitious vision includes potential collaborations with last-mile delivery services and the development of additional vehicle models, such as a three-wheeler.

As Any prepares for the next phase of growth, they are actively seeking additional funding through a Series A round, aiming to raise €10 million ($11.65 million) by the end of the year. This financial support will fuel their production capacity and innovation efforts, solidifying their position as a trailblazer in the urban mobility sector.

Images: Any