Electric scooters, mini e-motorcycles, and the smallest single-seater car you can get into. The proposals from startups for electric micromobility.
Even an Italian designer in the selection of Rinnovabili.it for curiosities about electric micromobility.
The electric micromobility sector is a growing field that thrives on constant innovation. Almost every week, some startup or brilliant mind pulls a new proposal out of the hat to make travel in our cities more comfortable and practical. The dynamism in the sector is such that we wanted to select three exciting ideas from the latest releases. From electric skates for walking faster and with less effort, to the compact e-scooter that looks like a designer bike, all the way to the smallest four-wheeled capsule you can find.
Moonwalkers, the practical and innovative electric skates
Shift Robotics, a spin-off from Carnegie Mellon University, has created the Moonwalkers, devices very similar to skates that can be worn over shoes. Their goal is to increase walking speed without additional effort. Funded through Kickstarter, they allow users to walk at a speed similar to running, just like when walking on moving walkways at the airport. With the Moonwalkers, users can increase their walking speed up to 7 km/h without expending extra energy.
Powered by a 600 W adaptive AI propulsion system, each skate contains a 300 W brushless motor that drives 9 polyurethane wheels. Even though it is available in just one size, the Moonwalkers can fit various shoe sizes and support users weighing up to 100 kg. The wheels automatically lock during the ascent of stairs, and the system includes safety features such as ABS braking. Moonwalkers require no learning curve, but they are a practical and innovative means of transportation.
also read Anod Hybrid, the hybrid bicycle that combines supercapacitor and mini battery
Minimoto or electric bike without pedals?
The Los Angeles startup Owlet has developed One, a bike that eliminates pedals and focuses on a high-power electric motor. The Owlet One resembles an electric bike but operates like an electric scooter, with a 750 W motor that can peak at 3,000 W and a maximum speed of 48 km/h. The angular frame houses a removable battery of 1,500 Wh that offers a range of 60-96 km with a full charge in 3.5 hours.
The design draws inspiration from aerospace and the fashion industry, combining form and function in a vehicle that we might call “stylish.” The Owlet One is equipped with front air suspension, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, 20-inch fat bike wheels, and integrated lights. The model is scheduled for release this month. The price? It was about 2.995 dollars for the first 300 copies.
Electric capsule to avoid getting wet in the rain
The Italian designer Andrea Mocellin and the technology company Dexet Technologies are not new to the game. They have already created the Revolve wheelchair, which folds like a cabin trolley. Now they have developed Zigy, a compact electric vehicle concept that addresses urban mobility issues. It specifically concerns a single-seat electric quadricycle with a length of 1.95 m and a weight of 353 kg. Its dimensions make it extremely agile and easy to park, with a turning radius of 7 meters. The 12 kW motor, with a maximum torque of 135 Nm, allows for a top speed of 77 km/h and a range of about 160 km per charge. Zigy has a modular frame made of thermoplastic composites and recycled fibers. Currently in development, the team is looking for partners for prototyping and production, with the possibility of a future launch as an L7e vehicle in Europe.
