Orders Open for Very Low-end Jeep Model

Pedalling sucks, but so too does shelling out tens of thousands for a new Jeep. The off-road brand’s solution is an exercise in badge-engineering that dispenses with two wheels, an internal combustion engine, and all manner of cocoon-like safety.

It’s the Jeep e-Bike, and it can be yours for a price topping that of entry-level Japanese motorcycles.

Made possible by a partnership with rugged e-bike maker QuietKat, the Jeep-branded bike is a takeoff of its existing line, sporting the same solid frame, tubular battery and chunky off-road tires. Yes, you can pedal, but you’re at least provided the option of switching on the juice. A 750-watt electric motor provides a range of around 40 miles (officially, 30 to 60), which could be commuting distance for some in-shape Millennial office types.

You saw it first in that delightfully nostalgic Super Bowl ad with Bill Murray and the groundhog and Ned.

Now that it’s available for ordering (due to reach customers in June), we can tell you it carries a price of $5,899 — pretty steep for a pedal-powered contraption you could just steal under the cover of darkness later today, but not too far off other high-end e-bikes. QuietKat’s non-Jeep lineup takes the price up past $5k, so it’s within range. You’re buying a badge, too.

For this sum, you’ll be treated to a beefy front and rear suspension and four-piston disc brakes. Airbags are whatever stuffing you can jam into your jacket. Frontal protection is provided by the helmet you’ll buy separately.

While it’s strongly advised that you not pick up a date in this vehicle, you could, assuming your combined weight doesn’t exceed 300 pounds. Try not to get frisky.

The Jeep e-Bike’s price range tops out just under $6,200, which seems astronomical considering a new Yamaha V Star 250 will set you back $4,349. Then again, you can’t hit the bike trails on one of those, and you’d need an appropriate license. Nor can you charge it at home, or park it in your living room.

If Jeep didn’t feel there was a market for this, it wouldn’t have tapped QuietKat for the honor. The e-Bike is what it is, and it’s on the market now.

[Image: Jeep]