A Body Weighing Just 20kg

A new concept model for an electric scooter has been born from Volkswagen. Dubbed the "E-Scooter," its defining characteristic is its extreme lightness; excluding the motor and the touted lightweight nickel-metal hydride battery, the body itself weighs a mere 20kg. The maximum cruising range is approximately 64km when ridden at a top speed of 48km/h.

Nowadays, many hybrid and electric vehicles utilize large-capacity lithium-ion batteries. While the specific reason for employing nickel-metal hydride this time is not stated, Volkswagen's Design Director China, Simon Loasby, commented, "Structurally, it is easy to equip this E-Scooter with a lithium-ion battery and a more powerful motor."

Regarding the design, the Volkswagen emblem, a hallmark of the brand's vehicles, is not affixed anywhere on the body. However, despite its simple construction, the design, through its headlights, taillights, and body shape, makes it instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen product.

Volkswagen intends to primarily offer this E-Scooter for rental, but is also considering selling it for under $1,000 (6,500 yuan) to make a splash in the burgeoning scooter market in China. Demonstration tests are planned for 2012, followed by a worldwide launch.

MINI Scooter E Concept

SMART E Scooter

Two Electric Scooters Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show

At last year's Paris Motor Show, electric scooters named the "MINI Scooter E Concept" and "SMART E Scooter" were also revealed from two leading German premium car brands, MINI and SMART. With these three brands now presented alongside Volkswagen, let's examine the technical data each has released.

First, let's look at MINI. Although detailed information has not yet been provided, it is said to employ a lithium-ion battery and can travel up to 100km on a full 5-hour charge. A particularly interesting aspect of the MINI Scooter E Concept is its standard household electrical plug, allowing for easy charging regardless of location or infrastructure. Its design can be described as the most scooter-like among the three models.

SMART, on the other hand, sports a color scheme reminiscent of the "Smart Fortwo ed" electric car, which underwent demonstration tests in Japan last year. It is equipped with a 4kW in-wheel motor, achieving a top speed of 45km/h. Powered by a 48V lithium-ion battery, it can travel up to 100km.

Looking solely at the numbers, Volkswagen might seem slightly behind. However, the adoption of a nickel-metal hydride battery for weight reduction and the basic rental model for ease of use are intriguing approaches.

While Volkswagen appears to have future plans, MINI and SMART have not disclosed any sales projections. Nevertheless, we look forward to the progress of these brands' developments as new challenges in shaping the future of mobility society.