Forecasts show that the world’s population will become increasingly urban in the years and decades to come. One consequence: a growing demand for alternate modes of transportation. With the rate of car ownership dwindling in Europe, and public transport systems already at full capacity, cities and their inhabitants need efficient and flexible alternatives. Enter the electric scooter.
Long popular in Asia, electric scooters, commonly known as e-scooters, are a great for zipping across town to a meeting or squeezing in a doctor’s appointment on your lunch hour. Of course, the fact that you’re exposed to the elements (a treat on dry, sunny days, less so in rain and snow) and the minimal storage space render e-scooters compliments to other mobility forms, like electric or traditional cars, as opposed to full replacements. But the zippy two-wheelers do have some undeniable advantages…
They’re eco-conscious: In contrast to traditional scooters, e-scooters are battery powered and thereby emission-free.
They’re fun and flexible: No clutch, no shifting. Minimal noise, maximum flexibility.
So now that you’re imagining whizzing to the office on your shiny new toy, let’s address the most important question: which e-scooter model to choose?
For the brand-orientated
If you value a premium brand – and possess or are willing to invest time and money in a motorcycle license – check out the BMW C evolution. The first e-scooter from a well-established motorcycle company, the C evolution features many of the sophisticated design and technology tricks used in BMW future-orientated i3 electric car. Further plusses: Range of up to 100 km, speeds up to 120 km/h and charging time of around 3 hours.
For start-up supporters
A newcomer to the e-mobility game is unu. The Munich-based start-up has developed an innovative e-scooter with an affordable starting price of just €1,699. Billed as a smart e-scooter, unu comes with a removable 8-kg battery, good for a range of around 50 km, that you simply plug into a standard outlet. Customers order unu directly from the company and it’s delivered directly to your doorstep 4-5 weeks later. Upon request, unu even comes with insurance and a license plate. And with top speeds of approx. 45 km/h you only need a normal driver’s license.
Especially in cities with mild climates, this emissions-free way to get from here to there sounds like an excellent alternative. And if the e-scooter trend gains traction, new competitors are likely to enter the market in the near future. Will you add an e-scooter to your personal transportation portfolio? Why or why not?
