From the start the MoonBikes Snowbike is not a bike. By the most liberal definition, it’s a snow motor-bike. But seriously, this things is pretty rad, so I couldn’t really resist digging more into it.
What it actually is… a reimagining a lighter, smaller & more eco-friendly motorized tracked snow machine for blasting around all winter – from backyard to backcountry.
MoonBikes Snowbike lightweight electric snowmobile
Compared to a traditional gas-powered snowmobile, it is three times lighter. Also 3x smaller, too. That means it should travel easily over soft snow – up to 30cm deep & up groomed gradients as steep as 40% – think ski slopes. But also that it’s easier to travel with. MoonBikes says you can load it onto a hitch carrier platform on the back of your car, instead of needing a trailer.
But most importantly, this lightweight electric snow machine is world’s quieter than old school snowmobiles, and doesn’t pollute the environment you are trying to enjoy!
“My goal was to utilize my experience as an aerospace engineer to create a unique way to explore winter with an ultra-light electric vehicle, that is easy to use, quiet, sustainable, and above all, fun to ride,” comments Founder and CEO Nicolas Muron. “If we can cut emissions from snowmobiles and off-highway vehicles on the trails and backroads and move to a more eco-conscious option, that’s a step in the right direction.”
Tech details
The nuts & bolts of the Snowbike are a damped front ski attached to a mid-travel suspension fork up front, and a traditional rear track drive that give you handling similar to an ebike, with motorcycle-like power out back. The whole thing is powered by a 3kW, 170Nm direct-drive electric motor built by Bosch – quieter than anything with a chain or belt-drive.
Run time is a claimed 1.5 hours or 30km on the single built-in battery – even in sub-zero temperatures. But you can also double that with an optional dual battery setup.
Base weight is 87kg / 192lb – not light for a bike, but light for either a motorcycle or ultralight for a snowmobile. It also gets a strong LED headlamp for night ‘skiing’ and 4-piston MTB rear disc brake to keep your speed in check.
MoonBikes Snowbike – Pricing, options & availability
The MoonBikes Snowbike is made entirely in France, but now also available in the US through a new North American headquarters in Boulder, Colorado. It doesn’t come cheap though, and it still seems a bit hard to get ahold of.
The first run of the original fun of Snowbikes sold out super fast, but some more are becoming available in time for this winter’s snows. And now 200 of this limited edition Black Snowbike are available to pre-order for $8900 / 10,680€ – half coming into the US.
Deliveries are slated for later this month in November 2022, so snap one up quickly if you want to get rad in the snow or get around your local ski resort this winter!
