Compact personal mobility vehicles are a great option for commuters looking to solve the "last mile" problem. The latest such vehicle to hit the streets aimed at filling this need is the Urb-E from Urban Mobility, which claims it is the "world's most compact electric vehicle."
Of course, it all depends on how you define "most compact," but we suspect the makers of electric skateboards, such as the Evolve, the Boosted Board and ZBoard, not to mention the Solowheel and S-Walker, might argue the point. But the claim might hold more water if you add a qualifier of "including a seat" into the equation.
Either way, the Urb-E is definitely compact – we just aren't sure exactly how compact since the company hasn't revealed the dimensions of the vehicle, or its weight. Although, the video below suggests users aren't likely to slip a disk while carrying it on public transport.
The Urb-E is powered by a lithium-ion battery that the company says gives the vehicle a range of 20 miles (32 km) at speeds of up to 15 mph (24 km/h). It basically consists of a seat, a folding triangular frame holding the batteries, two freely rolling wheels about 6 in (15 cm) in diameter at the rear, handlebars, and an 8-10 in (20-25 cm) front drive wheel with an electric hub motor.
There's no word on pricing or availability as yet, but the Urban Mobility team will be at CES this week, with a crowdfunding campaign set to begin in February.
Sources: Urb-E, Autobloggreen
Nor is it even close to as small as some scooters with seats. I have a Shiwin? one with a seat that is 2/3's the size that is commonly available at only $200. And it'll corner at top speed, unlike the example.
And why not do a full electric chair with a real seat is a much better last mile solution.
Better would be a 20mph personal transport module/wheelchair that can easily have a 40 mile range so no need for buses, trains in many cases. It could even have a fabric cab and heated seat. It'll also carry more things easier for shopping, etc and have a comfortable seat waiting for the train, bus.
And you do want as large dia tires as you can get or as michaelc said or you'll have problems with even a small bump, etc
John these are easily able to ride along with other walkers on sidewalks just as wheelchairs can . I guess you have no experience or you'd know that.
With the weight concentrated on the rear wheels it's hard to get traction going up inclines that are even slightly wet. However, I've done work on 3 wheeled scooters with rear wheel drive and you have to put wheelie bars on them to keep from tipping over backwards under heavy acceleration. The high center of gravity and position of the seat contributes greatly to this factor. Even with front wheel drive you could find yourself climbing a serious incline at 15mph by momentum alone. It looks like wheelie bars might be a good option. And a helmut might be in order.
I'm in agreement with Dick VM on the electric scooters. That's the reason I haven't bought one either. I have serious foot problems and I've thought of getting a scooter for work and even though insurance will help it's still not that practical all around.
If I was more ambitious I would build my own making some modifications to cure the problems in the Urb-E.