Urban Transport

MOVEO electric scooter folds in two, and looks kind of cool

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The MOVEO folding electric scooter
MOVEO weighs in at 25 kilograms (55 lbs)
The scooter has a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph)
MOVEO's battery range is 35 kilometers (21.75 miles) per charge
MOVEO should be priced between US$3,100 and $4,600
The MOVEO folding electric scooter
The scooter is propelled by in-wheel motors in both of its wheels
MOVEO's chassis is made from a carbon fiber composite
Work began on the MOVEO project in 2008
Production is hoped to begin at the start of next year at a plant in West Hungary
The vehicle was created by the Antro Group, a Hungarian non-profit organization dedicated to developing environmentally-friendly forms of transportation
MOVEO takes about two minutes to fold
View gallery - 11 images

When you hear the term “folding electric scooter,” you likely think of a stand-up scooter along the lines of the Zümaround or the MyWay Compact. At best, you might picture something with a bicycle-style saddle and seatpost, such as the Voltitude. MOVEO, however, features a full traditional seat that’s mounted directly on the chassis. Although the scooter isn’t in production yet, it hopefully will be by next year.

The vehicle was created by the Antro Group, a Hungarian non-profit organization dedicated to developing environmentally-friendly forms of transportation. Antro previously brought us the eye-catching SOLO human-electric hybrid car.

Work began on the MOVEO project in 2008. Five years later, a functioning prototype is on the road, and the group is seeking business partners to help fund commercial development of the scooter.

MOVEO weighs in at 25 kilograms (55 lbs)

In its present form, MOVEO weighs in at 25 kilograms (55 lbs), has a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), and a battery range of 35 kilometers (21.75 miles) per charge – which takes one hour from empty. It’s propelled by in-wheel motors in both of its wheels.

When users reach their destination, instead of having to look for a parking space, they take about two minutes to fold the scooter’s carbon-composite body in two. It can then be pulled along via an integrated handle, and taken indoors like a suitcase. Because it has a “closed design” when folded, users are reportedly protected against coming into contact with its grubby bits.

MOVEO takes about two minutes to fold

There are two scenarios for initial production of the scooter, which is hoped to begin at the start of next year at a plant in West Hungary. If sufficient funds are available, mass production will ensue, with 15,000 MOVEOs being produced annually. Should less money be forthcoming, a medium-scale production run of 4,000 scooters a year will be more likely.

“In the first case, the end user net price of Moveo would be US$3,100, in the second case this net price would be $4,600,” said Tamás Slezák, CEO of the MOVEO company, which was established to develop the scooter. “Most probably we will begin with medium scale production and after about a year ramp up for the bigger scale production.”

He added that sales will initially take place via the internet. If you’re interested in getting on the waiting list to buy one of the first MOVEOs, you can email Antro at info@antro.hu You might also want to check out another “full-seated” folding electric scooter, the XO2 Urban Transformer.

Source: Antro

View gallery - 11 images
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14 comments
Jimjam
25kg is still bloody heavy when you are trying to lug around a rolling suitcase.
If they can get the total weight down to 15kg (or better 10kg) then this thing will have a much better chance of succeeding. That is a very big "if however...
The other improvement needed is that the handle needs to be more extendable like those of the best carry on luggage cases.
Having the grubby bits enclosed is a major win.
The Skud
Will compete with the other hundred or two of small electric commuter vehicles around? In the main, though, at least it looks better than a bicycle with hidden batteries. The range and charge time looks fair, after all this is not a 'freeway' machine.
Germano Pecoraro Designer
Good!
Slowburn
Photos or video of it being folded would be nice.
BigGoofyGuy
I think it has a very futuristic and clean design. The price seems very reasonable. I think it would be a great 'around town' transport. Perhaps even be used to get around camp sites or small villages.
Wesley Baker
Heres the vid link Slowburn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnA3YSYS3aQ
Slowburn
re; Wesley Jordan Anthony Baker
Thanks.
I think he didn't do that in the right order.
Christian Howe
Although creative, it looks like a 70's concept. It matches the car in the background in that video. Can you really imagine riding around on that thing... kinda dorky.
billybob1851
not interested myself, but it looks like a good concept.
Michael Duffey
Watching the video and seeing the specs, it looks like it is doomed before it gets out the door. The gentleman putting the scooter together was obviously struggling to get it assembled; I assume he has done this before. Also, with a range of about 20 miles, I think most folks will not consider this a viable vehicle. The looks and fold down ability are really not strong enough to cover the weak travel distance, the high price tag and the clumsy assembly. For less than half that price, you can get an electric bicycle that can cover twice the distance AND you have a vehicle that you could pedal as well.