Kickstart releases its Zümaround electric-assist stand-up scooter

Kickstart Scooters has unveiled a new electric kick scooter that it calls the Zümaround. The scooter is designed to give riders a full electric boost when muscling up difficult terrain. Its large pneumatic tires will roll you to speeds of up to 20 mph (32 km/h)

Similar to the BMW i Pedelec and Voltitude scooters, only in stand-up form, the Zümaround is a kick scooter with e-assist function that's designed to get you up hills and through wind and weather. It uses a front-mounted 250-watt hub motor powered by a 36-volt lithium-manganese battery fitted to the down tube.

"There are very few stand-up electric scooters on the market, and what is available is meant to be ridden strictly with the motor," says Kickstart president Gideon Tomaschoff. "The Zümaround is lightweight enough that the rider can choose whether to engage the motor or kick it like a traditional scooter."

The Zümaround offers up to 20 miles (32 km) of motor-driven range, and Kickstart lists the top speed at 20 mph (32 km/h). The rider controls motor output with a thumb throttle, near which is a battery level indicator. A pair of grip-activated electric V-brakes grab the wheels and cut the power to the motor for braking.

Other equipment includes a chromoly steel frame, 20-inch pneumatic tires, a kickstand, front and rear fenders, and a bell. The scooter weighs 36 pounds (16 kg) with the battery mounted. It supports riders up to 375 pounds (170 kg).

Kickstart launched the Zümaround at this week's Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. The scooter comes in four colors and retails for US$1,250.

Source: Kickstart Scooters