Toulouse-based startup Maillon Mobility, founded in 2023 by Paulin Fabre and Charles Pugnet, is making significant strides in urban mobility with its innovative electric tricycle, the Maillon Capitole. Designed to bridge the gap between bicycles and cars, this vehicle offers a sustainable solution for urban logistics and personal transport. Its narrow 92 cm width allows it to utilize bike lanes, a key advantage in congested cities, while its substantial 250 kg payload capacity makes it versatile for professional and personal use.
The Maillon Cargo model was showcased at the VivaTech exhibition in Paris in May 2025, highlighting its potential for efficient urban logistics with adjustable pedal assistance. In June 2025, the Grand Avignon Tourist Office integrated Maillon vehicles for eco-friendly tours, reflecting the growing recognition of electric tricycles for urban services. Maillon Mobility is planning to produce twenty pre-series vehicles by the end of 2025 and scale up to 160 units in 2026, supported by an upcoming funding round. The company's vision aligns with France's 2019 Mobility Orientation Law (LOM), which aims for carbon neutrality in land transport by 2050.
Electric tricycles offer substantial benefits for urban logistics, including reduced traffic congestion, with studies suggesting a potential 20% decrease in urban traffic with widespread adoption. They also contribute to a cleaner environment by emitting zero pollutants, and reports indicate cities are already seeing 15-20% reductions in urban transport emissions due to electric cargo tricycles. Economically, companies switching to electric tricycles have reported significant savings, with energy costs reduced by 40-60% compared to traditional diesel vehicles, alongside easier maintenance and modular design contributing to operational efficiency.