Urban Transport

Relync folding, sit-atop three-wheel smart scooter eats up city miles

Relync folding, sit-atop three-wheel smart scooter eats up city miles
The Relync R1 scooter has a front-mounted motor and foot braking system
The Relync R1 scooter has a front-mounted motor and foot braking system
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The Relync R1 scooter travels up to 18.5 miles, for use in the city and beyond
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The Relync R1 scooter travels up to 18.5 miles, for use in the city and beyond
The Relync R1 scooter has a front-mounted motor and foot braking system
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The Relync R1 scooter has a front-mounted motor and foot braking system
The Relync R1 includes a full lighting system
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The Relync R1 includes a full lighting system
Cruising through town on the Relync R1
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Cruising through town on the Relync R1
R1 scooters fold down for easy transport
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R1 scooters fold down for easy transport
A couple of folds bring the Relync R1 from sit-down scooter to roller case
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A couple of folds bring the Relync R1 from sit-down scooter to roller case
Relync introduced the R1 at CES
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Relync introduced the R1 at CES
Relync R1 ready to trolley
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Relync R1 ready to trolley 
Relync R1
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Relync R1
Relync plans to get the R1 to market in July
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Relync plans to get the R1 to market in July
A look at R1 lighting
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A look at R1 lighting
The R1 has a dual rear suspension system
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The R1 has a dual rear suspension system
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync lists charging time at 5 hours
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Relync lists charging time at 5 hours
The R1 has a dual rear suspension system
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The R1 has a dual rear suspension system
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
Relync R1 electric scooter
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Relync R1 electric scooter
View gallery - 22 images

We've covered many folding electric scooters over recent years, from slim stand-up designs to larger sit-atop models. The all-new Relync R1 takes a different form than most with a three-wheel, sit-down chassis that folds instantly and packs down to suitcase size. The scooter uses its smart, versatile design and connectivity features to make urban mobility as painless as can be.

Relync set out to make a scooter that's not only functional but stylish, looking to classic 1960s race cars for inspiration. It hasn't exactly created the next Ferrari 275 GTB/C, but the R1 definitely has a compact, modern look that should prove more appealing than the typical utilitarian mobility scooter. It looks more CES urban transporter, less medical supply store discount scooter.

The company believes that styling will be key to attracting both customers who rely on mobility to overcome physical limitations and those who just want a light, practical transporter for getting around town.

R1 scooters fold down for easy transport
R1 scooters fold down for easy transport

"More than 8.2 million people rely on mobility devices across the UK, Europe and the USA, but most mobility scooters available are too bulky, unpractical, get stuck on turns and rough surfaces, and are not at all aesthetically pleasing," Relync designer Julien Gueuning said when the R1 was introduced. "Bringing together form and function was one of our goals, because we believe that mobility doesn't simply have to be practical, it can be beautiful and fashionable as well."

Relync has gone well beyond just creating a prettier scooter, focusing on giving the R1 the functionality it needs to bring more convenience to owners' lives. In place of a bulky, heavy rigid chassis, the scooter relies on a multi-fold design that takes mere seconds to pack up into transport size. The seat post folds down, and the base platform folds in half, creating an easy-roll trolley. The handlebar tube can also compact down, further shrinking the R1 into a clean, compact suitcase-like package.

Relync R1 ready to trolley
Relync R1 ready to trolley 

The R1 weighs 55 lb (25 kg) with batteries and measures 19.7 x 23.4 x 10.5 in (500 x 594 x 266 mm) when folded. Aluminum, plastic and nylon-enforced ABS construction ensures a proper blend of strength and low weight.

A front-mounted motor keeps things rolling up to 18.5 miles (30 km) with power from the dual 209-Wh batteries. The scooter tops out at 8 mph (13 km/h) and relies on a dual rear suspension system to gobble up bumps. Foot-operated front/rear disc braking makes for quick stops, and a gyroscope system keeps speed in check on hills and curves. The scooter rides on a pair of 12-in pneumatic tires at the rear and an 8-in pneumatic tire up front.

The R1's LED dashboard computer provides turn-by-turn navigation and data display, while a smartphone app provides added features, including GPS/GPRS tracking, theft alert and locking. To keep that smartphone charged, riders can tap into the Relync's batteries through a USB charging port.

Cruising through town on the Relync R1
Cruising through town on the Relync R1

For night commuting, the R1 has LED headlights with four intensity settings. The scooter also includes running lamps, indicating lights, brake lights and reverse lights.

Relync introduced the R1 at CES 2018, where it won an Innovation Award. It plans to get it to market in July of this year for a retail price of US$3,600 with the dual-battery pack.

The video below shows the R1 folding, unfolding, and traveling the streets under its own power, in a car trunk and being rolled by its owner.

Relync R1

Source: Relync

View gallery - 22 images
5 comments
5 comments
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really nice. The price seems a little on the high side for it; IMO.
Mik-Fielding
I was thinking that would make a really handy mobility scooter for disabled people as it is basically that, but foldable. Then I saw the price!
C'mon US$3,600? That would be well over the top for a mobility scooter which, like any other medical mobility aid, are a bit overpriced in the first place.
What a shame, it will probably never make it to market at a price like that ...
Karmudjun
No question that they have engineered a surprisingly clean lined and foldable mobility scooter. Not the first on the market, but it does look like all the necessary 'bells & whistles' without the cup-holders, market baskets, and wide stance ubiquitous in the market.
The price is steep - and the specs in the article don't show maximum load weight - and since most disabled who require mobility aids (here in the USA) also have limited or fixed income constraints, this innovative design may or may not be for us. I'm both tall (1.93 meters) and have become obese with my loss of leg range of motion (145 kg or 23 stone). The scooter looks nice but probably wouldn't fit me.
guzmanchinky
Solid product. I love how they use a beautiful model to take away some of the medical scooter association. But I think it might be too much money?
dutch
I like the basics but note, as the previous comments have pointed out, the price is too steep. And, I would be more interested in a two wheel model when they decide to change the design and add that model.