Driving instead of towing: ZILR ZIPR - Camera car with electric drive introduced
[15:03 Fri,5.December 2025 by blip]
For larger shoots with a lot of equipment, logistics often present one of the more annoying tasks. The ZIPR, described by its creators as the first electrically powered, foldable transport cart for professional applications, is intended to provide relief here. This new equipment category comes from the Australian manufacturer ZILR and was developed for film and photo crews, trade show builders, event and stage technology, and ultimately also facility and campus logistics.
ZILR's ZIPR Equipment Cart
The ZIPR offers a high payload of up to 350 kg with a volume of 183 liters. With a top speed of up to 16 km/h (depending on the model), it is intended to replace carrying and pulling with efficient, controlled driving—in fact, it seems you can even sit on the cart yourself and bring your load to the location on four wheels.
Two models are offered with different focuses—maximum efficiency or maximum traction:
- **ZIPR 2WD** (1,500 W) for studios, locations, and long corridors, featuring a front dual regenerative brake and mechanical drum brakes at the rear.
- **ZIPR 4WD** (3,000 W) for ramps, cable bridges, and heavy rigs—with an intelligent dual-drive algorithm (FWD/RWD/4WD) and a 6-way braking setup (4x regenerative + mechanical).
Three different mobility modes are available:
**Ride**: Fold down the running board, mount the optional seat, and cruise precisely.
**Push/Pull**: Speed-limited with cruise control for long distances and tight passages.
**Towing**: Safely pull material trains—manually or with Cruise (1–7 km/h).
Regenerative brakes are intended to ensure controlled deceleration, while Hill Start Assist and Anti-Rollback provide safety on ramps. Puncture-proof solid rubber wheels and bright front LED lighting are installed. The 36V LiFePO battery is hot-swappable.
The carts, which have IPX5 weather protection, can be folded for transport and weigh 28 kg (2WD) or 32 kg (4WD) (weights specified without battery).
Various optional accessories allow the ZIPR to be adapted to different uses (Storage Jacket, Rain Jacket, Side Saddles, Second Seat, Fast Charger, and Second Battery). External batteries can also be used via Hook-Up (XT6).
Price and Availability
The ZIPR 2WD is offered at an MSRP of 1,783 Euros; the 4WD variant costs around 2,378 Euros (MSRP). Deliveries are scheduled to begin in January 2026; pre-orders are being accepted now. Anyone ordering in December will receive free accessories worth 150 (2WD) or 250 (4WD) as a bonus.
For those who like the device but prefer to invest time rather than money, there is also a small competition run by the manufacturer. They will exchange a few ZIPRs for creative testimonial clips that they can use for advertising (the users in the current product shots are AI-generated). Five teams will be selected from the applicants (one per continent), who must create a video of at least 60 seconds after receiving the e-cart—more information there.
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