Teenage Engineering, long celebrated for turning everyday electronics into design-forward objects of desire, has now stepped away from its audio roots to craft something entirely unexpected: an electric bike. Known for cult-favorite devices like the OP-1 synthesizer, Rabbit R1, and the OB-4 magic radio, the Swedish design firm has built its reputation on creating gadgets that blur the lines between art, engineering, and play. In collaboration with Vässla, a Swedish urban mobility company, the brand has unveiled its first-ever electric vehicle, the EPA1, marking a bold detour into personal transport while staying true to its signature minimalist and modular design language.
The EPA1, or Electric Pedal Moped A, is an electric moped built for slow-speed urban commuting and designed under Sweden’s EPA moped classification. Weighing under 30 kg and equipped with a 250W motor, the EPA1 offers pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. The removable 48V battery, which powers the entire system including the integrated lighting, delivers a maximum range of up to 100 km. Engineered with everyday use in mind, the battery is easily chargeable from standard power outlets and housed in a compact, durable casing, a hallmark of Teenage Engineering’s product precision.
Designer: Teenage Engineering and Vässla
What truly sets the EPA1 apart is its highly modular design. The steel frame is clean and unobtrusive, but designed with purpose. Mounting points allow users to attach accessories or modify components such as fenders and cargo racks without tools. The lighting system is seamlessly integrated, and the handlebar interface (also designed by Teenage Engineering) offers an intuitive, tactile experience that aligns with the company’s tradition of thoughtful UI design. These features are not just aesthetic; they reflect a philosophy of user empowerment and adaptability.
Teenage Engineering’s influence extends far beyond the styling. The design was conceived to be simple, repairable, and customizable. The EPA1’s construction makes it easy to replace or upgrade parts, encouraging longevity in contrast to the often-disposable nature of modern consumer electronics. This approach reinforces the brand’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and smart design, core values seen in their previous collaborations and signature products.
Though this electric bike may seem like a sharp pivot, it fits squarely within Teenage Engineering’s broader goal: to reimagine how we interact with the objects around us. In this case, the company has applied its expertise not to sound, but to motion—redefining urban commuting through an object that’s as functional as it is beautiful. The EPA1 is priced at around €1,800 (approximately US$2,100), making it a competitive entry in the e-mobility market while being more affordable than some of the brand’s premium synthesizers.
Pre-orders for the EPA1 have already launched, with shipping expected to begin later in 2025. For a brand that has built its identity around surprise and delight, Teenage Engineering’s move into electric transport doesn’t feel like a departure, but rather an evolution, one that brings its cult-like following along for the ride.
