MoonBikes’ electric snowped looks like a toy. It’s a refrain the French startup’s founder and CEO Nicolas Muron has heard countless times, especially from snowmobilers. Yet once those people experience the small machine’s instant acceleration and innate agility, Muron claims their skepticism typically turns into enthusiasm.
Admittedly, we were also skeptical when MoonBikes invited us to sample one at Boyne Mountain ski resort in northern Michigan. Boyne is the largest U.S. resort where customers can rent them, with two-hour tours starting at $129. Following an obligatory safety talk from our guide and short familiarization period, we set out on the snow-covered golf course and surrounding trails. Just like Muron said, we went from skeptic to advocate.
Entertaining at Any Speed
There’s a memorable scene in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi where Luke and Leia are on speeder bikes chasing scout troopers through a forest on the planet Endor. Although the MoonBike’s speeds were dramatically slower, and the sound of firing blasters was replaced by a subtle whir from its 10-inch track clawing over soft powder, driving the electric snowped felt like the movie came to life.
Even after an hour-plus of riding, the novelty never wore off. Instead, our confidence grew by the minute—mainly thanks to the MoonBike’s sure-footed stability. While this author has driven motorcycles and snowmobiles (including an electric one), most novices should also have a small learning curve. The biggest hurdle is understanding that cornering requires leaning rather than turning the handlebars, so skiers and snowboarders familiar with the concept of “carving” will have an edge.
First-timers who want a figurative set of training wheels will select the Eco drive mode, which limits power output and maximizes regenerative braking. The latter quickly slows the machine when the thumb-operated accelerator lever is released, even without using the handbrake, which automatically cuts power when squeezed. These baked-in safety features could save poor souls from crashing face-first into a tree. We might’ve picked bark out of our skin early on too if it weren’t for the MoonBike’s strong regen and unerring resilience to remain upright.
Eco mode was still enjoyable, but the excitement rises in Normal and climaxes in Sport. It unlocks the full potential of the direct-drive 6.0-kW electric motor; peak output is 8 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Thankfully, the accelerator isn’t overly sensitive, because pinning it rockets the MoonBike to its 26-mph claimed top speed lickety-split. While take-offs are instantaneous, speed builds rapidly rather than uncontrollably. Still, we think newcomers and veteran riders alike will be entertained by the EV snowped.
More About MoonBikes
While it’s billed as an electric snowbike, we think snowped is more accurate, considering its light weight (about 192 pounds with a single standard battery) and relatively compact size. MoonBikes measure roughly seven feet long from tip to tip, with a seat that’s nearly two feet six inches high off the ground. The handlebars stand about a foot taller and connect to a set of adjustable front forks with a wide ski at the end. That combined with its boxy rear half makes it look like a bicycle, a moped, and a snowmobile had a baby.
Cute design aside, it’s a capable machine that can be ridden in up to one foot of snow. It has a max payload of 265 pounds, including the rider. Beneath the seat is an easily accessible battery box with a heated pad. The battery is said to require the most maintenance, as we’re told it must be stored at 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer to avoid reducing its lifespan.
There’s a 2.5-kWh Standard pack (28 pounds) and a 3.2-kWh Performance pack (35 pounds). The company estimates the smaller version provides up to 90 minutes of riding time; the bigger one is claimed to deliver up to two hours. A second Standard pack ($1900) can be equipped—raising the estimated riding time to three hours. The optional 2.2-kW charger ($490) is claimed to refill the Standard battery in two hours and 20 minutes and the Performance battery in three hours. Without it, charging requires four-and-a-half hours or five hours and 45 minutes, respectively.
Those details are only important to models purchased for personal use, but that’s apparently the majority. The company, which has been selling MoonBikes in America since 2021, claims about 75 percent of sales are direct to customers. Prices currently start at $8900, and there are lease-to-own options starting at $275 per month.
MoonBikes aren’t a substitute for traditional snowmobiles, but they’re not trying to be. Their niche is providing an approachable and eco-friendly way to explore wintry locales. We think anyone who can ride a bike can ride a MoonBike, and now we know snowmobilers will be entertained, too—once they realize it’s more than a cute winter toy.
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.
Source: Reviews - aranddriver.com
