NOVUS secures eight-figure funding to take its electric Lightbike from Germany to California

Mobility firm NOVUS successfully raised an eight-figure sum, led by investors 468 Capital from Berlin and San Francisco. NOVUS One is a lightweight electric two-wheeler that bridges the gap between e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. Designed for everyday urban travel, it combines the simplicity of e-bikes with the speed and performance of motorcycles, all without a clutch or conventional gears.

Founded in 2019, the company began selling vehicles in Europe in spring 2026. Co-founders René Renger, CEO, and Hannes A. H. Krieger, Chief Strategy Officer, shared insights on the company's journey.

Renger, a former Volkswagen designer, grew up riding a motorcycle and developed a passion for design. His university project, Lightweight Future Mobility, laid the foundation for NOVUS. Rather than focusing on a mass-market commuter vehicle, NOVUS aimed to create a premium product for customers who prioritize design along with mobility. The company targets not only motorcycle enthusiasts but also car drivers and first-time riders who haven't owned a powered two-wheeler.

The NOVUS One boasts performance comparable to a motorcycle, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in under two seconds, delivering up to 430 Nm of torque and 25 kW (33 hp) of peak power. Its 6.2 kWh battery provides a claimed range of up to 150 km and can charge from 0 to 80% in just 90 minutes. Featuring a self-supporting carbon frame, hub-mounted drivetrain, and various riding modes, the vehicle is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.

Most first-time riders can grasp the basic controls in approximately three minutes. The NOVUS One Founders Edition begins at €21,300, excluding tax.

NOVUS faced significant challenges during its early stages, including securing a high-performance motor for the vehicle. With the help of neighbors who were battery and CAD engineers, the team managed to overcome the financial hurdle of approximately €1.5 million quoted by Bosch. The company's relatively simple architecture, closer to that of an e-bike than a conventional motorcycle, has simplified manufacturing, enabling mass production close to Volkswagen's headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

NOVUS has attracted over 30 investors from various industries, including technology, automotive, fashion, consumer goods, and venture capital. Notably, no established two-wheeler manufacturer is among its investors.