Portuguese startup Amble, co-founded by design veterans from Audi and Apple, has revealed the One, an open-air electric microcar
The L7e-homologated buggy features a 15kW motor, a 62-mile range and a top speed limited to 40mph
Priced around £24,000 GBP (approx. $32,000 USD), initial deliveries will target luxury hospitality partners in 2027 before expanding to general consumers in 2028
Portuguese startup Amble has unveiled its debut vehicle, a street-legal electric buggy designed to disrupt the microcar segment. Dubbed the Amble One, the sub-450kg off-roader is the brainchild of Julian Hoenig, a designer known for his work on the original Audi R8 and the Apple Watch, alongside Cowboy co-founder Adrien Roose. Originally conceived as a premium golf cart alternative for luxury resorts, the project quickly evolved into a fully homologated L7e heavy quadricycle built for versatile, short-distance travel. By stripping away conventional automotive barriers like doors and sealed cabins, the brand aims to foster a stronger connection between passengers and their surrounding environment.
Visually, the vehicle takes heavy inspiration from the 1971 NASA lunar rover, mixed with the utilitarian charm of a Series I Land Rover and a vintage Ford Bronco. The engineering is left deliberately exposed, featuring a skateboard-style platform and an aluminum frame detailed with oversized orange screws to highlight its modularity. Designers specifically selected materials intended to age gracefully rather than wear out, equipping the open-air cabin with a cork steering wheel, marine-grade canvas and leather seating.
Performance metrics align with the buggy’s relaxed, adventure-focused ethos. Powered by a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 15kW rear-wheel-drive motor, the vehicle delivers a respectable 62-mile range. While European L7e regulations permit speeds up to 56mph, engineers capped this model at 40mph to optimize torque. This specific tuning allows the lightweight machine to easily scale 25 percent inclines at a steady 9mph. Owners can fully replenish the battery in roughly five and a half hours using a standard household outlet.
Three primary configurations will be available at launch to accommodate different use cases. Buyers can select a standard four-seat passenger layout, a pickup variant that swaps the rear seats for an open load bed or a cargo model featuring a lockable storage locker. The modular design underscores a growing cultural shift toward minimalist, application-specific transport, offering a highly functional alternative to oversized SUVs for local errands and hospitality fleets.
Prices for the Amble One will start at approximately £24,000 or (approx. $32,000 USD). Initial production runs are strictly allocated for luxury hospitality partners, with early units heading to locations like Amangiri in Utah and the island of Mustique in 2027. General consumer deliveries will follow in 2028. For those seeking a less breezy commute, the company has already confirmed development on a more enclosed second model tailored specifically for colder climates.
