When it comes to eco-friendly forms of powered transportation, we generally tend to think of electric vehicles. Many people are still bothered by their limited range, however, along with the fact that it takes them a long time to recharge. That's why Los Angeles-based ProGo Recreation is taking another approach with its ProGo 3000 scooter – the thing runs on propane.
The ProGo (not the GoPro, that's something else) utilizes a standard 16.4-oz (465-g) propane cylinder, of the type used for camp stoves. Attached to the rear deck of the scooter in front of the 25-cc four-stroke engine, one of those cylinders reportedly gives the vehicle a range of 30 to 40 miles (48 to 64 km) or two to three hours. It has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
Along with its unique fuel choice, some of the 35-lb (15.9-kg) scooter's other features include a folding steel frame, easy-pull engine start, and front and rear disc brakes. It can carry a load of up to 275 lb (125 kg).
According to the company, the ProGo is EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) approved, and is legal to ride "everywhere that gas scooters are not."
Of course, propane isn't a completely green fuel. It's much cleaner-burning than gasoline, however, plus it has a higher energy density – so less of it is needed to do the same amount of work. The propane cylinders can also be reused by their manufacturers.
ProGo Recreation is currently raising production funds for the scooter, on Kickstarter. A pledge of US$375 will get you one, when and if they're ready to go. The planned retail price is $449. For readers who may remember a similar scooter known as the Go-Ped, ProGo informs us that there is no relationship between the two.
The ProGo 3000 can be seen in action, in the pitch video below.
Sources: ProGo, Kickstarter
