Call It a Capable Back Country Utility Vehicle
I have to admit; when I first laid eyes on the La Bagnole, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. It’s got the familiar boxy shape of a Jeep, with the bonus of a pick-up truck bed in the back. But don’t let its unassuming looks fool you — this is a capable small transportation vehicle.
The La Bagnole is the brainchild of French startup Kilow, poised to become one of the most popular small vehicles on the market. That’s because the La Bagnole was designed to be a utility machine from the ground up. It’s got a capable electric engine that can take you anywhere at a speed of 50mph (80 km/h), plus a set of beefy tires that make light work of even the most challenging terrain. Add a set of comfortable seats for two people, and you’ve got yourself a perfect vehicle for taking on adventures. Call this a step up from a motorcycle or off-road scooter.
With a range starting at 43 miles (70km) from the included 5.6kWh, you have a vehicle with off-road capabilities (Just not too extreme). You can recharge on regular household power within 3 to 4 hours. If you want to double the range to 86 miles(140km), an optional additional battery pack is available, allowing you to go longer between charges.
The vehicle's payload is 150kg (330lbs), with the vehicle coming in at a relatively light 771lbs or 350kg. The interior is minimalistic in that there are few bells and whistles. You get a steering wheel and a speedometer with battery strength readout.
Of course, this off-roading goodness comes at a somewhat reasonable price, starting at $9900. Something tells me once you take this clever little ride for a spin, you will be sold on it.
Conclusion: So there you have it, the La Bagnole is one heck of a machine. If you’re looking for a vehicle that can take you just about anywhere you want to go, this is the one for you. It most certainly will not take the place of your everyday urban ride but will enhance your back-country experience. You can expect to take delivery in the first half of 2023, with pre-orders taking place now.
