Tiny off-road vehicle with game-changing features: startup says it looks amazing

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• How Exotek is reshaping accessible outdoor mobility
• Control systems built for quadriplegic users
• Chassis, comfort, and ride improvements
• Powertrain, battery and real-world range
  • Charging and operating costs
• Traction, seasonal use and add-ons
• Price positioning and market alternatives
• Why this matters: independence, environment, and accessibility
• From personal experience to product development

Outdoor exploration can be off-limits for people who rely on wheelchairs, but a Norwegian startup is redefining what’s possible with a compact electric off-roader designed for real-world trails.

How Exotek is reshaping accessible outdoor mobility

Exotek set out to make rough terrain reachable for riders with limited mobility. Their Exoquad V2 blends lightweight engineering with controls tailored for users with high-level spinal injuries.

The aim is simple: let people enjoy nature without sacrificing independence or safety. That mission drives design choices across the vehicle.

Control systems built for quadriplegic users

One core focus is usability for people with restricted hand or arm movement. The V2 adds steering and brake interfaces that work with minimal force and motion.

• Adaptive steering that can be operated with limited upper-body strength.
• Brake controls reconfigured for easier engagement by users with reduced dexterity.
• Mounting and seating options that simplify transfers from a wheelchair.

Chassis, comfort, and ride improvements

The Exoquad keeps an aluminum frame but upgrades the ride experience where it counts. Suspension and seating changes smooth rough tracks.

• Upgraded coil shocks for better absorption on uneven paths.
• Longer frame with extra legroom for comfort on longer outings.
• Dual LED headlights for improved visibility at dawn or dusk.

Powertrain, battery and real-world range

One major technical leap is a new 48-volt battery pack. That change pushes the usable single-charge distance farther than before.

• Estimated range: about 31 miles per full charge under typical conditions.
• Speed modes: low-speed four-wheel-drive at roughly 4 mph, two-wheel-drive up to 9 mph.
• Power delivery tuned for torque on loose or steep surfaces.

Charging and operating costs

EV operation reduces fuel-related expenses and maintenance compared with combustion engines. Charging from home is straightforward and can be cheaper with rooftop solar.

Traction, seasonal use and add-ons

The V2 is designed for year-round access with options to handle mud, snow, and gravel.

• Rugged tire choices, including winter-ready treads.
• Trailer and plow compatibility for hauling gear or clearing small paths.
• Lightweight enough to be transported in a car trunk for road trips.

Price positioning and market alternatives

The Exoquad V2 is a specialty vehicle and carries a premium. The base price sits above typical mobility scooters and household ATVs.

• Price note: the V2 retails for over $15,000, with options such as four-wheel-drive adding to the cost.
• Smaller, less rugged electric off-roaders exist and cost significantly less.
• As EV tech scales, prices for niche models may decline.

Why this matters: independence, environment, and accessibility

Electrified mobility that opens trails and campsites has a broad impact. It gives users freedom to choose their destinations and lowers their environmental footprint.

Smaller maintenance needs and zero tailpipe emissions make battery-powered off-roaders attractive for long-term use.

From personal experience to product development

Co-founder Sigurd Groven survived a mountain biking crash that left him with a spinal cord injury. His experience informs the vehicle’s layout and features.

Driving the Exoquad V2 lets him access terrain that would otherwise be off-limits. That lived perspective shapes iterative upgrades and user-focused engineering.