Scoot: The Bicycle You Don't Have to Pedal
by Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA on 04. 3.06
Offering the synthesis of simplicity and style, Scoot is the latest find in our never-ending quest for transportation alternatives to petroleum-burning, single-occupancy vehicles. Run on a lithium-ion battery, Scoot will get you about 30 miles (50 km) on a single charge. With a limit of about 18 mph (30 kmh), it's not going to set any land speed records, but is classified as a bike (no registration or special licence required), not a scooter, so it can be ridden where you'd normally take your human-powered two-wheeler (i.e. not a rush-hour freeway). The battery, which is removable for easy swapping and charging, takes six hours to retain a full charge. Currently being exhibited at the Milan design week, it's not in production just yet, but we think they might just be worth waiting for. ::Scoot via ::MoCo Loco
This would not be classified as a bike in Chicago, and may not where you live either. Check before you buy.
If you don't need to go over 18mph you don't need anything other than a push bike.
well it is GORGEOUS!!!! thats for sure. but in canada too-- Transport Canada calls 'em "reduced speed motorcycles" not a bike. to be legal as an electric-assist bike you not only have to have pedals, but you also can not move unless you are pedalling (so even Lee Iacoccas electric assits dont count because you can switch to all electric... )
stil you gotta admit that thing has STYLE!!!
Well, good thing it's still in production. They'll need to add functioning pedals to the Scoot if they want to justify their claim that it is classified as a bike in the USA. Check out Federal Electric Bike Law HR727; http://www.qelectric.com/manuals/FEDregulation.pdf for more info. At this point it's an electric scooter.
There's a great magazine called Scoot but when I contacted them a couple of years ago about doing a story on electric scooters they kind of snubbed their nose at the idea... I wonder if this is going to twist their arm a little bit.
Another product where "design" takes precedence over all else.
I guess that's what it will take to lure the cell phone talking fatties out of their SUVs. Unfortunately for them you have to keep both hands on the handlebar.
Why hasn't anyone mounted multiple miniature windmill propellers on the roof of an electric car and used the movement of the car as a re-charger? From what I understand about these larger windmills,you can effectively save the extra energy that they generate for future use or sale.Why not utilize this same principal on a smaller scale and create a "true",self generating, electric vehicle?Sort of a take on the
"Propetual Motion" earthlings have been seeking forever!JA Donelson