MINI surprised again at the Paris Motor Show by unveiling a range of electric two-wheel scooters.
Although concepts at this stage, given MINI’s reputation for innovation, don’t be surprised if the one and two-seat models find their way to MINI showrooms sometime soon.
Power comes from an electric motor housed in the rear wheel with a lithium-ion battery which can be recharged from a household power socket using on on-board cable. As it’s so simple to use, the idea is top ‘top-up’ the battery charge wherever you stop – extending the MINI Scooter E’s range.
The MINI Scooter E Concept is the first two-wheeler in the brand’s 51-year history and – typically MINI – its design features many styling cues from the popular MINI sedan range (more than 1.7 million sales). The round headlight and upright curved windscreen are obvious MINI hallmarks and there’s even a chrome-framed MINI-style grille at the front.
Mirrors, chrome trim, the hand-grip and even the taillights also borrow styling elements from various MINI vehicles.
Paint comes from the MINI E and the sporty single-seat MINI Scooter E is British Racing Green.
But on-board, the MINI Scooter E clearly shows its 2010 origins – an integrated Bluetooth-compatible Smartphone which can be used as an audio device or satellite navigation system. A MINI-designed crash helmet is needed (it has and integrated microphone and headphones).
And between the rider/passenger is a MINI Centre Rail storage compartment which can be clipped free to take items with you.
MINI says the MINI Scooter E Concept is all about CO2-free mobility – just perfect for Paddington in Sydney and Brisbane or Melbourne’s South Yarra – but maybe not Longreach or Mt Isa!
