You read that right, Daimler AG’s Smart brand is working on a concept step-through two-wheeler which will run on batteries – an electric scooter. The machine itself will debut at the 2010 Paris Auto Show to be held at the end of September and into early October at the Paris Expo Port de Versailles in France. Also in attendance will be BMW’s Mini auto brand with their own electric scooter concept. It seems that all the big European auto makers are lining up to join in the environmentally-benign electric two-wheeled world – even VW has one.
The Smart version will run on lithium-ion batteries which should provide it with a 60+ mile range on a single charge. The company did release several sketches of the design, but the battery is the only technical specification released thus far.
Word through the automotive press is that the new electric scooter idea is being launched as part of a “broad-based mobility strategy” in order to improve Smart’s lagging sales in both North America and Europe. Given the engineering expertise which Smart has in abundance, the two-wheeler could be easily produced in any number of factories worldwide. The new machine could hit the streets within months once they decide whether to manufacture it or not.
Funny, the company founded by the man credited with the very first motorcycle may start making them again!
