Reinventing the wheeled loader? Two-wheeled electric prototype to debut at Bauma

The concept of QuiMo is a remote-controlled two wheeled electric powered loader that has a 360-degree movement capability, weighs 1.8 tonnes and can lift 1.8 tonnes. Image: QuiMo

It’s a wheeled loader, but not like one you’ve seen before, and it will be available for inspection at Bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, for the first time. Most strikingly, it only has two wheels, has no space for an operator and will be operated by remote control. 

Anyone who thinks it bears a passing resemblance to a segway, the two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter device that was launched around 25 years ago, is not far off the mark. This was indeed the original inspiration behind the machine.

The concept of Germany-based start up QuiMo is a remote-controlled, two-wheeled electric powered loader that has a 360-degree movement capability, weighs 1.8 tonnes and can lift 1.8 tonnes.

As the machine is smaller and has fewer components than a traditional loader, the start-up says it will be selling their model at the same price as diesel loaders, and considerably cheaper than four-wheeled electric loaders.

Two wheels better than four? 

Jonas Heinzler, the founder of the company and a software engineer, says that the idea came to him after he saw a segway in operation.

His first thought was that it could be used to clear streets of ice and snow but then the idea came to add a moveable counterweight to it and use it for the construction industry. Before too long the concept had around 5 patents on it.

Public funding was granted to the project in 2023 when both Heinzler and his friend who helped set up the company, Maximilian Wanner, were still studying electrical engineering at the University of Ulm in Germany.

“The public funding was granted at the end of 2023, almost overnight; it was a surprise. And at first it was really hard because we didn’t have the workforce. We were both still in university,” says Wanner.

“And, more or less, we started in spring last year with their entire development, the mechanics, electrical systems, choosing the components, getting partners and convincing them to sponsor the components.”

The finished prototype will be available to see at Bauma Munich on InMach’s stand. Image: QuiMo

The start-up has commercial relationships with other businesses – most of the parts and components are indeed ‘sponsored’ by other firms. There is also a more concrete relationship with InMach Intelligente Maschinen GmbH, which offers intelligent control systems for the equipment of OEM’s machines and attachments.

However, one of the things that Heinzler and Wanner make clear is their determination to take their chosen path and not have too many other companies and dependencies steering their (presumably two-wheeled) direction of travel.

Unveiling of electric prototype

As is the case with most start-ups, it is currently all hands-on deck as the small team race to finish the prototype.

“The machine is almost completely built, not completely functional, but we need one year for the entire development and construction and commissioning of the machine. In my opinion – and also what more experienced engineers have told us – this is a record-breaking time,” says Wanner.

This protype will be available to view at Bauma Munich on the Inmach stand. Although there is not the space for it to be operated, there will be screens showing videos of it working.

Heinzler says that they are in a “transition phase between optimising the prototype and starting the serious development” and that the plan is to be, “Selling in Europe in 2026 and 2027.”

One of the points that recurs in the conversation is that of construction’s skills shortage and how this machine could be one of the solutions. The two-wheeled loader is to be launched with a remote control, which allows for work to be done in dangerous conditions without putting anyone at risk. As the machine is small, it is possible to see the entire machine with a handful of cameras, which is much harder with bigger equipment, making it easier to operate when not in line of sight.

Numerous companies are sponsoring parts of the machine. Image: QuiMo

There are plans being mooted for the machine to be automated in the future, which would help address the skills shortage that construction companies across the globe are dealing with.

“Our machine is perfect to automate. We can turn on the spot so we can export trajectories in every direction. We don’t need dampers because this machine weighs what it can carry. We weigh 1.8 tons and can carry 1.8 tons. This means I can efficiently drive long distances with this machine,” says Heinzler.

The two 20-somethings accept that the machine – when it is produced – won’t be able do everything that wheeled loaders can, but believe it will offer a genuine alternative.

“It is quite a smart solution,” asserts Heinzler.

“Maybe we can’t do everything today’s wheeled loaders do, but we can do around 80%. It will be cheaper and has other functionalities that a wheeled loader doesn’t have. After Bauma, after our prototype is there, then we can decide the next steps.”