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What are MoonBikes?
Expertly designed and crafted in France, they are simply the world’s first electric snowbike. MoonBikes are fun, silent, and have no operational footprint. They are easy to ride, store, and transport. They are three times lighter than a snowmobile. This makes them a great choice for decarbonized mobility at ski resorts.
They are also a fantastic alternative for snow sports fun while being environmentally friendly. They are lightweight and provide an entirely new way to experience winter magic. The powertrain is designed for maximum efficiency and provides an available range of over 35 miles when equipped with an optional dual battery.
MoonBikes could be used as an adrenaline trail ride, backcountry travel aid, or just for commuting. The top speed is 26 mph, and the battery can last up to three hours with the larger 5-kilowatt hours dual battery on eco mode. The bikes use zero gas or oil and require very little maintenance and upkeep. Prices start at $8,900.
They are quickly gaining popularity at ski resorts in Europe. For the last two seasons, major resorts in France (Avoriaz, Val Thorens, and Chamonix) have successfully integrated them into their daily operations. Now, five more operations are adding the machines to their fleet. They are Samoëns, La Rosière, and Isola 2000 in France, along with Unterammergau in Germany and Brokke Alpinsenter in Norway.
MoonBikes have made their way to the US as Boyne Mountain Resort became the first North American ski resort to partner with the company in late 2022. They purchased ten MoonBikes and use them for guided forest tours to offer their guests a new way to explore winter.
Will they take the place of snowmobiles?
Although their utility and commercial solutions are appealing, MoonBikes are not a complete game-changer. Due to limited power and battery life, they are not an option to fully replace gas-powered snowmobiles. However, they can be ideal for management and maintenance of beginner areas, patrolling Nordic skiing or snowshoeing trails, and commuting staff from one part of the mountain to another.
You may start seeing more Moonbikes at your local mountain or backcountry area soon. For now, they are simply a nice eco-friendly complement to other snow travel options.
