Rethinking Urban Mobility Through Cargo Capacity
European cities remain heavily dependent on cars despite recent shifts toward micro-mobility. Belgian startup Any aims to bridge the gap between traditional motorcycle performance and the storage needs of daily life. The company recently unveiled its first vehicle, the LUV1, which aims to replace the utility of a car trunk with a two-wheeled form factor. It features 120 liters of storage capacity while maintaining a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour.
Most current electric bikes sacrifice power or range to accommodate cargo. Any designed the LUV1 to handle real-world tasks like grocery runs or weekend trips without leaving behind personal belongings. The motorcycle uses a modular frame that supports custom attachments such as racks, windshields, and protective panels for pets or equipment. This focus on physical storage serves as the company's primary market differentiator against established electric motorcycle manufacturers.
Design Pedigree and Engineering Standards
The LUV1 stems from the creative direction of Lowie Vermeersch, a former design lead at Pininfarina. His involvement helped generate immediate interest during the vehicle's debut at Milan Design Week in May 2026. Vermeersch now acts as an investor and creative director, working alongside co-founder and CCO Erik de Winter to define a new product category they call life utility vehicles.
Engineering leadership reflects the company's ambition to compete with major automotive brands. The team hired Alessandro Mangano, whose resume includes stints at Ferrari, Aprilia, and the Piaggio Group. This talent pool focuses on technical specs that include dual swappable batteries capable of reaching a range of 87 miles per charge. The vehicle requires only an A1 license, making it accessible to a wide demographic of commuters beyond traditional motorcycle enthusiasts.
Market Traction and Future Growth
Consumer response arrived quickly following the Milan exhibition. Any secured over 600 preorders within the first 100 days, with each reservation requiring a 49 euro refundable fee. The company has raised a total of 2.75 million euros in funding to date, drawing support from automotive sector advisors. CEO Pieter Van de Velde now leads the startup as it transitions from prototype phase to full-scale production.
The broader industry faces a transition period. The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers projects the two-wheeler market will shift toward electric power by 2030. Any intends to capture this market share not just with the LUV1, but by building a portfolio of future vehicles. Plans for these future designs include potential three-wheeled models and specialized configurations for last-mile delivery services.
Production scale-up currently stands as the primary obstacle for the startup. Any is now seeking 10 million euros in Series A funding to prepare for customer deliveries expected later this year. The company must prove its production capabilities to satisfy early adopters while competing against legacy players like Harley-Davidson. Future success depends on whether urban riders value cargo capacity as much as the company expects.