The evolution of electric scooters as more environmentally friendly and economical for the masses is a worthy goal, but they also must be practical.
That seems to be the focus of a project currently being undertaken by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO in Stuttgart, Germany in the form of the Electromobile City Scooter.
Described as being designed “to open up new possibilities for the urban transportation of tomorrow,” the Electromobile adds an additional wheel on the rear axle combined with a special chassis to make it both more stable and nimble. In this way a driver reportedly would be able to more easily master tight corners first and then safely brake to a halt. He also wouldn’t need to put his feet on the ground because the two rear wheels provide plenty of stability.
image via Fraunhofer Institute
In order to achieve this extra grounded feeling with this scooter,
IAO researchers suspended the rear wheels separately and supported them in the frame by means of air springs. In fact, the model is scarcely any wider than a regular two-wheeled scooter. Following initial drafts, the scientists worked out detailed specifications, which the engineering firm GreenIng subsequently implemented on a conventional two-wheeled electric scooter.
In the next step of development for the Elctromobile, plans call for making the vehicle even more comfortable. This could be done, for example, by means of systems for riding helmet-free, for protecting riders from the elements, and for luggage storage.
“Although electric scooters offer many advantages, a lot of motorists either cannot or do not want to make the switch for trips into town. They simply lack the experience of traveling on two wheels,” said Daniel Borrmann of Fraunhofer in a statement. “This is exactly where the Electromobile City Scooter comes in.”
