When you hear the term “electric scooter,” you probably picture something that’s essentially just a little electric motorcycle – you twist the throttle, and it goes. The Scrooser, however, is considerably closer in spirit to a child’s non-powered scooter. You stand up on it and kick at the ground with one leg to move it along, its motor amplifying the power of your kick ... oh yeah, and it’s also got cool fat tires.
The German-designed Scrooser works by something known as “impulse drive.” This consists of a direct-drive 1,000-watt electric motor built into the rear hub, that augments the rider’s kick-power. Whenever a burst of speed of at least 2 mph (3 km/h) is delivered by the rider, the motor throws in its own quick boost of four times as much power – the top speed is limited to 25 km/h (15 mph). The scooter and rider then coast until the next kick. A seat is included for riders who wish to sit down during a particularly good run.
Should the rider need to stop immediately after kicking, the motor will automatically shut off when the brakes are applied.
The aluminum-framed vehicle tips the scales at 28 kg (61 lb), making it a little awkward but certainly not impossible to pick up and move around. Power is provided by a removable 48-volt/20-Ah lithium-ion battery pack, located beneath the foot board. Range will vary according to the strength/energy level of the rider, although the makers of the scooter claim that up to 55 km (34 miles) should be possible on one charge. A full charge takes three hours using a standard charger.
Additional features include integrated LED daytime running lights, a steel cable lock built into the frame, and an ignition lock. As for those fat tires ... they doubtless add some weight and rolling resistance, although they also reportedly give the scooter a “snowboard-like” ride. What’s more, they make it look sort of like the Batpod.
The designers of the Scrooser recently launched a Kickstarter campaign, to raise production funds. A pledge of US$3,950 will get you one, when and if they're ready to be kicked along the street.
The scooter can be seen in use in the pitch video below.
Sources: Scrooser, Kickstarter
