Skip to main content

Elektro Frosch’s Moto-Glamping Tricycle Might Be the World’s Greenest Camper

In the world of RV’ing, bigger is often perceived as better: More amenities, more tech conveniences, more room to spread out. One German company is bucking the trend with a so-called “moto-glamper” that might be the world’s greenest — and smallest — vehicle camper.

Berlin-based Elektro Frosch (which translates to “electric frog”) takes a decidedly different approach to car camping. Its all-in-one tuk-tuk camper combines the rugged adventurousness of motorcycle camping with the green sensibilities of an electric-assist pedal bike. The two-piece camper consists of the electric-powered tricycle and a miniature truck bed that together make up a complete, if minimal, camping setup.

Elektro Frosch

The truck bed is load-tested to more than 1,000 pounds. It features a standard “rooftop” tent and ladder that deploys over the storage bed with enough room to sleep two comfortably. The collapsible camp kitchen includes all the essentials to cook a meal for four, plus a modest weather-resistant awning. The compact unit stows neatly in the truck bed and slides out to reveal a single-burner stove and a small dining table. There’s even a built-in storage compartment for dishes, cookware, cutlery, and seasonings.

The trade-off for Elektro Frosch’s portability and eco-conscious footprint is a range of around 40 miles. The 3.4-horsepower motor is capable of propelling the vehicle to a blistering top speed of 25 miles per hour. This is not a camper designed to cover America’s vast open roads. It should, however, reward slow travelers who appreciate the journey more than the destination.

An Elektro Frosch representative told Lonely Planet its perfectly fine with that. “People smile at it, as it looks so small, but when it comes to the facts, people tend to find it interesting. There is one customer who plans to go all the way from northern Germany down to south Italy with this camper in 60-kilometer sections. This is really slowed down tourism. It lets you discover the country in way more intense way instead of if you would just rush through.” Because the tricycle fully recharges in six to eight hours, patient campers could potentially slow travel the country in bite-sized chunks while recharging it each night.

Elektro Frosch

The entry-level “Big” version of Elektro Frosch’s tricycle camper starts at €3,990 (around $4,300). For €4,990 ($5,400), customers can upgrade to the “Pro” model, which adds a closed cabin with heat and USB charging ports. Delivery is just €199 ($215) within Germany, and the company also works with international customers looking to ship across the pond.

For a unique alternative to standard rooftop tent camping, check out Hitch Hotel, the “world’s first expandable wheel-less trailer.”

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Buyer beware: The least reliable cars you can buy in 2024
Know the car reliability ratings of these bad buys
Front end angle of 2021 Ford F-150 parked on a dirt trail in front of a red barn and trees.

According to statistics, car sales grew by about 75.3 million globally in 2023, up from the estimated 67.3 million units sold in 2022. Evidently, buying a car is a big purchase, like buying a home, that many people want to achieve during their lifetime. 

Unfortunately, much like houses, cars have become increasingly more expensive in recent years. This is why people want to ensure they are buying a reliable car that isn't going to break down on them a few months to years down the line. The bottom line is drivers want reliability now more than ever. 

Read more
How many teams are there in Formula 1 in 2024?
!0 teams and 20 drivers compete for the World Championship,
Aston Martin Formula 1 race car driving directly toward the camera.

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix winner's stage Nate Swanner / DTMG

In the current FIA Formula 1 season, ten teams each field two drivers to vie for the highest Grand Prix World Championship points among all competitors. The 2024 F1 schedule has 24 Grand Prix racing events, including six that include a shorter F1 Sprint race.
Why F1 teams matter in the sport

Read more
What engines do Formula 1 cars use?
F1 engines will be carbon neutral starting in 2026
Lewis Hamilton (44) driving for Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team during The Australian Formula One Grand Prix Race on April 02, 2023, at The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Albert Park, Australia.

F1 race cars routinely exceed 200 miles per hour during Grand Prix races, which begs the question, "What engines do Formula 1 cars use?" If you expect to hear that F1 race cars use exotic V16 or V12 engines, you may be surprised to learn that they don't even run with V8s. All F1 race cars have a power unit comprising a 1.6-liter V6 hybrid internal combustion engine (ICE) with two on-board electrical energy recovery units. Like almost everything in Formula 1, the engines teams can use in their race cars are strictly defined by the FIA F1 Rules and Regulations.
Why Formula 1 car engines matter

Formula 1 is considered the pinnacle of elite motorsports, which puts the organization in a powerful position to influence other competitive automotive groups. Also, in 2019, F1 committed to being carbon-net-zero by 2030. F1 race cars currently have hybrid gas and electric power units, but starting in 2026, all F1 cars will run on biofuel, a renewable energy source with significantly lower carbon emissions than petroleum-based fuels.
What engines do Formula 1 cars use today?

Read more