Smart to roll out electric scooter in 2014
After the successful launch of the Smart For Two Electric Drive and eBike, Smart has announced its plans to launch an electric scooter in 2014. This will be the third model in the Smart e-Mobility range. Martin Hülder, the head of marketing and sales for Smart, announced this at an event in Berlin.
In fact the scooter was first showcased at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. And we knew of its existence, when the company talked about in May.
The latest announcement has given us some more solid news. Smart pointed out that the electric scooter will be an integral part of the Car2go subscription program currently in European and North American cities.
The vehicle features a 4-kW (i.e. 5.4 horsepower) wheel-hub electric motor. It is placed at the rear wheel. Top speed offered is at 45 km/h or 28 mph. It comes with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack.
A full recharge takes three to five hours. The range is of 100 km, or just over 60 miles. The frame is made from steel and aluminium. There is room for two scooter helmets under the seat.
The second seat (pillion) can be folded out from the single seat when needed. The second seat can also get replaced with a luggage rack. The scooter is perfect for those who haven’t earned their driver’s license.
The scooter also allows smartphone integration. Once mounted onto the scooter, smartphones could be used as speedometer, range indicator, full-on navigation system, charge-point finder and a GPS tracking device.
Solar panels are placed at the front of the scooter. It comes with an airbag, ABS stopping power, and Blind Spot Assist for safety of the traveller.
We expect to see this really smart scooter in the US in 2014.
