While European cities are famous for pedestrian-friendly zones, passenger cars remain the default mode of urban transport. Belgian mobility startup Any is looking to disrupt this reliance on four wheels by introducing a vehicle designed to handle the practical demands of daily life. The company’s debut product, the LUV1 (Life Utility Vehicle), bridges the gap between traditional two-wheelers and passenger cars by offering massive storage capacity without sacrificing speed or range.

Designed by renowned automotive designer Lowie Vermeersch, former design director at Pininfarina, the LUV1 features a highly modular frame capable of holding up to 120 liters of cargo. This unique design allows riders to customize the vehicle with open or closed panels to transport groceries, luggage, work equipment, or even pets. On the performance side, the LUV1 reaches a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and delivers a range of up to 87 miles via two swappable batteries. Crucially, the vehicle is designed to be accessible, requiring only an A1 license in most jurisdictions.

Priced starting at €7,000 (approximately $8,150), the LUV1 positions itself as an affordable alternative to cars and a competitive option against high-end electric cargo bikes. The startup has already generated significant consumer interest, securing over 600 fully refundable preorders within its first 100 days. Led by CEO Pieter Van de Velde and Head of Engineering Alessandro Mangano—a veteran of Ferrari and Piaggio—Any has raised €2.75 million ($3.2 million) to date.

To transition from prototype to mass production, Any is currently seeking to secure a Series A funding round of €10 million ($11.65 million) by the end of the year. While the European two-wheeler market is rapidly electrifying, with expectations of near-total electrification by 2030, Any believes its focus on utility and cargo space will set it apart. Beyond individual commuters, the startup is also targeting the last-mile delivery sector and plans to expand its portfolio to include multi-wheeled utility vehicles in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Belgian startup Any has introduced the LUV1, a modular electric motorcycle combining the cargo capacity of a utility bike with a top speed of 62 mph.
• Designed by former Pininfarina design director Lowie Vermeersch, the vehicle offers 120 liters of storage and a customizable frame for diverse urban needs.
• The company has secured over 600 preorders and is seeking a €10 million Series A funding round to scale production.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The urban mobility sector is undergoing a massive transition, driven by congestion, emissions regulations, and the push for electrification. While electric bicycles and standard e-scooters have seen widespread adoption, they often fall short for consumers needing to transport cargo, groceries, or equipment. Any’s LUV1 addresses this critical gap by creating a new ‘Life Utility Vehicle’ category. By blending the speed of a light motorcycle with the utility of a cargo van, the startup targets both everyday commuters and the booming last-mile delivery market. However, scaling hardware production is notoriously capital-intensive. Any’s success will heavily depend on securing its targeted €10 million Series A funding and navigating supply chain complexities to deliver on its initial 600+ preorders in a highly competitive European market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the top speed and range of the LUV1?
A: The LUV1 can reach a top speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and offers a range of up to 87 miles on a single charge using its two swappable batteries.

Q: How much storage space does the LUV1 offer?
A: The vehicle features a modular cargo area that can hold up to 120 liters of storage, which can be customized with different panels to carry groceries, luggage, pets, or work gear.

Q: What license is required to ride the LUV1?
A: In most jurisdictions, the LUV1 is designed to only require an A1 license, making it highly accessible to a broad range of riders.