The Audi e-tron Scooter is a practical transport concept designed for sporty urban riders
Audi pursuing the sporty urban rider with its latest concept. The Audi e-tron Scooter is a stylish electrically-powered transport promising a ride that evokes the free spirit of the skateboard. This latest idea joins what appears to be a booming market. Lately, I see more and more Londoners, male and female adults, some dressed in smart work outfits, zooming past on their little e-scooters. Yes some look a little smug, but equally the electric scooter feels fun and exciting and a thoroughly modern way to move around short distances.
The scooter weighs only 12 kg and can be easily folded up
Audi has been at the forefront of electric cars for some time and we are beginning to see the first examples of its clean production cars branded under “e-tron”. The German premium carmaker is continuously exploring future technology to help feed into the e-tron project. The latest concept was the AI:ME, an radical car powered by electricity, equipped with next-level autonomous driving and designed for the megacities of the near future. This e-scooter takes on some of the technology from the car making side to offer an alternative transport solution for the urban traveler.
The battery range is 12.5 miles and the status is displayed on the handle
The e-scooter fits into a multi-modal mobility solution and that last mile of the commute. Much of the design is therefore concerned with practicality – ease of transport and storage to be precise. So, the scooter weighs only 12 kg and can be easily folded up to be taken on a bus, a train or placed in the back of the car. When folded, it can also be pulled like a trolley.
The scooter can be easily folded, pulled like a trolly and taken on the bus
So far, the e-scooter is much like some of the exciting products appearing on the market. What Audi is also promising with this particular e-tron model is excellent handling to feel like surfing waves. Although riders keep one hand on the handlebar, they control the scooter like a skateboard with their feet by shifting their weight. Then the movable axles with four wheels allow unusually tight curves.
“Of course, the e-tron Scooter also moves straight ahead. But the feeling of flow only comes when you start carving on asphalt – and that is surprisingly easy with our new concept,” explains says Thorsten Schrader, project manager for micro-mobility at Audi. “With the e-tron scooter we appeal to customers who are on the move in cities, sustainably and multi-modally – and for whom style and functionality are important.”
The e-scooter offers excellent handling to feel like you are surfing waves
The steering handle gives stability, holds the battery and the electronics. It also has a display showing the battery status. Riders accelerate and brake by means of a twist grip. The scooter has a battery range of 12.5 miles which is achieved through recuperation when the vehicle brakes so it recovers kinetic energy. What's more, the hydraulic foot brake provides additional safety. The e-scooter is charged using a regular plug or in the car trunk through a dedicated socket - if the customer happens to own an Audi e-tron.
It is fitted with the legally required LED lights - a headlight, daytime running light, rear light and brake light. A Bluetooth interface allows individual adjustments to the ride characteristics and provides protection against theft. Lastly, the scooter is designed with wood or carbon and in grey and black.
Audi is considering offering the scooter with your e-tron car purchase
The Audi e-tron Scooter will be available to buy independently, but the marque is also considering rolling it out as a shared transport option for specific user groups - residents of modern urban development, for instance. Additionally, it is thinking of offering the e-scooter as an extra to customers who buy an Audi e-tron model. The e-tron Scooter production is planned for 2020, with sales starting towards the end of the year and priced from around €2,000 ($2,200).
