Cleveland, OH-based startup Land Energy at CES 2023 debuted its ecosystem of LEVs (light electric vehicles), the first of which is the District two-wheeler, with a swappable battery that enables consumers to power gear like laptops, cell phones, and RVs. While the company has already accomplished quite a lot in its first few years of existence, it has even bigger product plans for 2023.

For readers that are unfamiliar with the District, the design-forward e-cycle comes in two versions, the original Street and off-road Scrambler, and has four operating modes, spanning from e-bike to e-motorcycle. It is part of the company’s forward-thinking strategy that includes the E Moto ecosystem and CORE battery platform.

The LEV can adapt to the riders’ skill level and desired experience through its lightweight and small size, with riders from beginner to experienced being able to take it on and off road. The two-wheeler is manufactured in Cleveland from CNC (computer numerical control) aluminum and steel components, and it can be as light as 180 lb (82 kg) with the 2.1-kW·h CORE single-battery system giving up to 40 mi (64 km) of range. Combining two of those packs for a 4.2-kWh capacity provides up to an 80-mi (129-km) range, while a larger 6.4-kW·h single-pack version provides up to a 110-mi (177-km) range.

Its 13-A charger is compatible with standard household outlets.

The District’s 29- to 32-in seat height can accommodate all riders, according to the company. Its four ride modes are e-bike (750 W, 20 mph); e-moped (3 kW, 30 mph); e-motorcycle (17 kW, 70 mph); and sport e-motorcycle (17 kW, 70+ mph, with maximum torque). A high-visibility lighting package includes a front DOT-certified headlight having over 3000 LM and a rear lighting package with flashing brake lights and lights spanning 270 degrees. Its digital display shows ride mode, speed, state of charge, and an odometer. USB A and USB C are built into every bike to charge devices on the go.

The original District, starting price is $8200, comes with street fenders. Its Fox Float rear air suspension is tuned for an “enthused street adventure,” with fully adjustable compression and rebound making it able to adapt to a range of uses and riders. Its Pirelli Angel street tires are custom-made for small urban mobility. Front and rear braking systems are engineered by German specialist Magura, which is known as one of the highest-quality brake brands on the market.

The on-road/off-road evolution of the LEV, called the District Scrambler, can come with fenders designed for maximum coverage for trail riding and added ground clearance. Its seat height is 33 in, and its DOT-certified Shinko Golden Boy dual-sport tires are good for on- and off-road use. Its starting price, for the off-road-only version with no headlights, is $7800.

The Land moto smartphone app for Apple IOS and Android OS connects to the District and enables new features via over-the-air updates. Its Live Dash shows speed, state of charge, trip distance and duration, voltage, odometer, and clock. Some of its features are ride-mode locking to limit vehicle speed, remote locking of vehicle, real-time anti-theft integration and Find My Vehicle, trip navigation, and GPS. It offers direct product support integration, live access to the current firmware version, and in-app promotions and discounts exclusive to active app users.

While Land Energy has already accomplished quite a lot in its first few years of existence, it has big plans for 2023. The company plans to continue to add LEV models and expand the CORE battery platform into the health tech and fleet categories.

An important future goal is to integrate Land Energy’s CORE digitally connected battery devices into local power grid systems, enabling businesses and consumers to reduce their carbon footprint and use energy more efficiently and sustainably.

A new software platform is being developed so users can tailor the data collection for their specific needs, such as predictive maintenance in a wide variety of fleet vehicles and devices, including autonomous vehicles, and geo-fencing and digital handoffs in high-security applications such as health tech.

More advanced battery charging is in the plan for 2023 with the development of the CORE digital connected battery 2.0, enabling the battery to be charged as it’s being used. All Land batteries will get the new updated 2.0 CORE system. It is developing custom connectors that can be used to more easily transport the CORE digitally connected batteries.

A CORE+ boost will bring an additional 1 kW·h of capacity for a maximum of 6.4 kW·h and a nominal 5.5 kW·h—for the claimed highest energy density in the category. The 25% increase in capacity enables up to 120 mi on a charge.

Other battery improvements will include reinforced construction with upgraded design/graphics and improved handle ergonomics for better comfort and mobility. The battery display will be improved for increased accuracy, durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Hot swap complexity will be reduced with a single connection for charging. More robust software integration will result in improved under-voltage protection.