Audi’s Entering Uncharted Waters With E-Tron Scooter Concept

Those with a rather active lifestyle that prefer to use other means of transport in crowded cities than cars or public transport will soon be able to buy an electric scooter from Audi.

Currently in concept form, the E-Tron Scooter will launch next year with a starting price of roughly €2,000 ($2,221) in Germany. It weighs just 12 kg (26 lbs) and is very versatile, as whenever it’s not in use, can be stored in the trunk of a car or pulled like a trolley.

Hop on and you’ll be ready to travel on electric power alone for 20 km (12.5 miles) with the battery fully charged, and thanks to technology such as kinetic energy recuperation, at a top speed of up to 20 km/h (12.5 mph). Riders can use it with one hand, with twist grips for braking and acceleration, and control it like a skateboard, with their feet. Extra safety is being provided by a hydraulic foot brake.

Also Read: BMW E-Scooter Offers 7.5-Mile Range, Goes 12 MPH For $895

The steering handle holds the battery and electronics and also displays the battery status. Additionally, owners will get to adjust the ride characteristics via the Bluetooth interface, which will also provide protection against theft. Furthermore, driving it on public roads is legal as it’s fitted with a headlight, daytime running light, rear and brake lights.

“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 project manager for micro-mobility, Thorsten Schrader. “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.”

Audi might offer the electric scooter to fleets or specific user groups, but they’re also weighing in the possibility of making it an optional extra to those who buy one of their electric cars. In this scenario, it would be charged in the trunk using a dedicated socket and would give users extra mobility from the parking space to their destination.