Germany's NOVUS raises €10M to bring its hole-in-the-middle electric bike to the US
What's the deal? German electric motorcycle startup NOVUSDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised €10 million ($11.2 million) to fund its US expansion in 2027 and further European growth. The company says its flagship NOVUS One is already in series production, with European deliveries starting earlier this year.
Why now? The round backs a startup moving from concept to commerce. NOVUS first drew attention years ago; it says design, engineering, and final assembly all happen in Germany, with most components sourced from Europe.
What's the endgame? NOVUS calls the One a "Lightbike," positioning it between a scooter and a motorcycle. Its pitch: low weight, no clutch or gears, and a simple electric drivetrain make two-wheeled transport approachable even for people who don't see themselves as motorcyclists.
The bike: The NOVUS One stands out for its carbon fibre monocoque frame, which wraps around a cavernous opening where bodywork would normally sit. The design comes from founder René Renger, a former VolkswagenDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → lead designer who worked on the Golf and ID. Buzz.
By the numbers: The One weighs just 121kg, with a hub-mounted drivetrain producing up to 25kW (33hp) and a claimed 430Nm of torque. Its 6.2kWh battery is rated for up to 150km of range in city use, with a 0-80% charge in a claimed 90 minutes.
What could go wrong? Price is the catch. The NOVUS One Founders Edition starts at €21,300 before tax — steep for an urban electric motorcycle. A higher-volume second model, the NOVUS Two, is in development for late 2027 at a "significantly lower" entry price.
The signal: NOVUS joins a wave of startups betting that unconventional drivetrains can redefine the electric two-wheeler, echoing peers like Verge Motorcycles and its hubless rear wheel. The One proves such designs can turn heads; the open question is whether NOVUS can turn that attention into riders.
Read more: electrek.co
Image credit: jurvetson
