Audi’s e-tron Scooter concept is part e-scooter, part skateboard and 100 percent electric, and it’s coming to a street near you in 2020.
Designed to be transported by car, bus or train, the e-tron Scooter weighs 12kg and its handling is “like surfing waves”, says Audi. Makes a change from Mini’s claims about ‘go-kart’ handling…
Interestingly, Audi says that the electric scooter could be offered to customers who buy regular e-tron models, with charging possible via a dedicated socket in the boot. It’s a like a modern-day equivalent of the Honda City/Motocompo partnership.
‘On the move in cities’
“With the Audi 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,” said Thorsten Schrader, project manager for micro-mobility at Audi.
“Although riders keep one hand on the handlebar, they control the scooter like a skateboard with their feet by shifting their weight. 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.”
The e-tron Scooter features a display showing the battery status, with riders accelerating and braking by means of a shift grip. A range of 12.5 miles is achieved through recuperation when the electric scooter brakes, which should be enough for the morning commute or the trip to the station.
With one hand free the rider is able to look around and give hand signals, which could come in handy as more of these urban mobility solutions hit the streets.
Top speed is 12.5mph – possibly more if you’re brave enough going downhill – while the headlight, daytime running light, rear light and brake light are all LED. The deck can be configured in wood or carbon.
Production and sales are scheduled for late 2020, with a price tag likely to be in the region of €2,000 (£1,845). Form an orderly queue.
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