JackRabbit, the San Diego-based micromobility company that made its name on tiny, featherweight, pedal-free “micro e-bikes”, is taking a big swing with something entirely new. Today the company announced is new line of “Micro Hauler” rides. Think of it as a portable, modular, utility-focused small EV that can haul people, gear, and a surprising amount of ambition without the bulk of a full-size e-bike or the limitations of a scooter.
We saw this coming from a fairly revealing teaser last week, and it looks like JackRabbit delivered on the promise of a small-format two-seater. But in a surprise reveal, today’s launch actually features two different models that are built on JackRabbit’s new MG platform. In addition to the two-seater, known as the MG Doble, there’s also a cargo and off-road focused single-seater known as the MG Renegade.
The MG Doble and the MG Renegade are each aimed at riders who want small but mighty electric machines that can go places bigger e-bikes can’t, and can actually fit in the back of a hatchback, RV, or even a boat locker.
JackRabbit CEO Jason Kenagy says the Micro Hauler idea came from a desire to build something more versatile than a bike but still light enough to lift with one hand.
“People don’t need or want just another clunky bike,” Kenagy explained. “They need a smarter way to get around. Something powerful and modular yet lightweight, low maintenance and easy to ride.”
The models follow a similar ethos to JackRabbit’s famous little self-styled “micro e-bikes”, even if they’re technically more of a scooter format due to the lack of pedals.
But with most major components borrowed from the bicycle world, including the wheels, handlebars, and saddles, JackRabbits have always snuck their way into the bike end of the micromobility spectrum.
Meet the MG Doble and MG Renegade
The MG Doble is JackRabbit’s two-up version, built for carrying a passenger without feeling like you’re piloting a heavy motorcycle. It packs a cargo-tuned 749W motor into a 52 lb (23.5 kg) package, folds flat for storage, and has “over 10 accessory attachment points” for racks, bags, or whatever mission you’ve got planned.
While 52 pounds might not sound lightweight, especially compared to the smallest JackRabbit’s 25 lb weight, consider that most moped-style e-bikes, which commonly feature bench seats and passenger foot pegs for two-up riding, typically weigh closer to 100 pounds.
The MG Renegade is the more rugged, solo-focused sibling. It offers a bigger-frame, off-road-ready tires, and still weighs in at a relatively light 44 lb (20 kg). Designed for “big dudes everywhere,” as JackRabbit puts it, it’s built to handle heavy payloads, climb steep hills, and bounce down trails without feeling like a workout just to load it in your car. If you’re looking for real numbers, the weight capacity includes big dudes up to 325 lb (147 kg)… or smaller dudes and dudettes plus enough cargo to hit that limit.
Both models share a mullet-style wheel setup – larger 24×2.8″ tire up front for rolling over bumps, smaller 20×2.8″ tire in the back for easy mounting – along with hydraulic brakes, a bright color display, a top speed of 20 mph or 24 mph in Off-Road Mode (32 or 38 km/h), and up to 48 miles (77 km) of real-world range. Like all JackRabbits, they skip the pedals and chain entirely, going for a clean, modular frame that’s compatible with dozens of accessories built just for the JackRabbits (and plenty that fit other bikes, too).
What is a “Micro Hauler”?
JackRabbit admits that these aren’t e-bikes in the traditional sense, and also says that they’re definitely not scooters. According to the company, they’d rather think of them as small electric utility vehicles – light enough to toss in a trunk, capable enough to replace a car for short trips, and adaptable enough to haul groceries, camping gear, or even tow a trailer. Considering I towed a fully loaded kayak with a smaller JackRabbit KG Pro, I believe it.
It seems like whether you’re commuting, campus-hopping, or just grabbing tacos with a friend, the idea is to make the trip more fun and less of a hassle. And that definitely fits with the original goal of JackRabbit, which started as an alternative type of vehicle for college students to better navigate campuses and urban areas, while still being small enough to stash in an apartment or under a dorm bed.
Both the MG Doble and MG Renegade are available starting today for $2,499.99 in a never before seen silver colorway (though more colors apparently coming soon) through JackRabbit’s website and select retailers.
Electrek’s Take
JackRabbit has always had a knack for making tiny EVs that punch way above their weight class, and the MG Platform looks like a natural evolution. By going after utility without abandoning portability, they’re targeting a gap in the market that most brands ignore – somewhere between a heavy cargo e-bike and a scooter that can’t carry your stuff. In this case, you get the power and the cargo/passenger capability, but in a portable package.
If the MG Doble can really carry two people comfortably while still folding flat, and the Renegade can back up its “big dude” claim without losing its lightweight edge, JackRabbit might have just carved itself a whole new micromobility niche.
Of course, the downside is the price, since you can of course find cheaper two-seaters or cargo e-bikes than $2,500 bucks. But then you’re back to big, heavy e-bikes that can’t fit easily in the back of a car or behind a couch. You pay a premium for JackRabbit, but you get something unique that no other company has. And I for one definitely respect their innovation and uniqueness, especially now more than ever, as we continue to see cookie-cutter OEM e-bikes roll out with a different sticker on them each week.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
