Image Credit: Amble.Small electric vehicles continue to carve out their own niche, and the latest entrant is taking a very different approach from traditional EVs. Instead of chasing long driving range or highway performance, startup Amble has created a lightweight runabout designed for short trips around beach towns, resorts, and neighborhoods.Called the Amble One, the compact four-seater combines retro-inspired styling with modern electric power. Its minimalist design, open-air cabin, and modular layout position it somewhere between a golf cart, a dune buggy, and a neighborhood electric vehicle.While its playful appearance is likely to attract plenty of attention, so will its price. At $25,000 before taxes, the Amble One costs about the same as the upcoming Slate electric pickup, despite offering a far more specialized driving experience.AdvertisementAdvertisementReservations are already open, although customers will have to wait until 2028 before the first deliveries begin.Designed for Short Trips Instead of Long JourneysImage Credit: Amble.Amble says the One was developed for drivers who rarely travel long distances and don't need a full-size electric vehicle. Rather than prioritizing maximum range, the company focused on simplicity, low weight, and ease of use.Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing around 20 horsepower, paired with a 12.0-kWh battery pack. The setup delivers a claimed driving range of more than 60 miles, while the battery can reportedly be recharged in roughly five and a half hours using a standard AC power source.Top speed is listed at just over 40 mph, making the vehicle suitable for lower-speed roads and local trips rather than highway driving.Street Legal, With Some LimitationsImage Credit: Amble.Although Amble describes the One as street legal, it will be classified as a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) in many markets. That means its legal use depends on local regulations, which often restrict these vehicles to roads with relatively low speed limits.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe buggy also lacks many of the safety features found in conventional passenger vehicles, including standard doors, windows, and airbags. Optional weather protection accessories are planned, but the vehicle remains intentionally minimalist.For buyers in coastal communities, private developments, or resort destinations, those compromises may be acceptable in exchange for its distinctive design and open-air driving experience.Lightweight Design Meets Practical FeaturesOne of the Amble One's standout features is its exceptionally low weight. The company claims the buggy tips the scales at approximately 990 pounds, making it considerably lighter than even the smallest modern electric cars.Its aluminum chassis is paired with a polymer body and fully independent suspension, while large 28-inch tires provide enough capability for light off-road excursions. The suspension setup should also offer a smoother ride than a typical golf cart.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, Amble has blended modern technology with simple controls. The cabin features a compact digital display alongside physical buttons and switches, while leather and cork trim add a premium touch unusual for a vehicle in this category.Modular Cabin Built for AdventureImage Credit: Amble.Flexibility is another major focus of the design. The Amble One includes numerous storage solutions, including front cargo space and accessory mounting points throughout the vehicle.Three of the four seats can fold flat to accommodate larger items such as surfboards, camping gear, or outdoor equipment. The modular layout is intended to make the buggy equally useful for personal recreation and commercial fleet applications.Amble also sees potential demand from hotels, resorts, and tourist destinations looking for stylish electric transportation that offers more comfort and versatility than a conventional golf cart.Premium Price for a Niche EVAt $25,000, the Amble One enters the market at a surprisingly ambitious price point. That's roughly the same starting price as the Slate electric pickup, a fully enclosed utility vehicle with significantly broader capabilities.AdvertisementAdvertisementStill, the Amble One isn't trying to replace a conventional car. Instead, it targets buyers who want a stylish second vehicle for local driving or businesses seeking premium transportation for guests and visitors. Then again, is it really worth the premium over a regular golf cart? Amble clearly seems to think so!With deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028 and reservations already underway, Amble is betting there's room in the market for an electric buggy that prioritizes character, simplicity, and everyday fun over outright practicality.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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