Urban Transport

Angular e-scooter collapses down to backpack proportions between rides

Angular e-scooter collapses down to backpack proportions between rides
The Blizwheel E-Scooter can collapse down to 15.6 x 6.4 x 3.9 inches
The Blizwheel E-Scooter can collapse down to 15.6 x 6.4 x 3.9 inches
View 10 Images
The Blizwheel E-Scooter can collapse down to 15.6 x 6.4 x 3.9 inches
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The Blizwheel E-Scooter can collapse down to 15.6 x 6.4 x 3.9 inches
The electric kickscooter has both motor and mechanical braking
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The electric kickscooter has both motor and mechanical braking
The Blizwheel E-Scooter folds down to backpack or hand luggage proportions
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The Blizwheel E-Scooter folds down to backpack or hand luggage proportions
Per-charge range for the standard model is up to 8 miles, while a Pro version almost doubles that to 15 miles
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Per-charge range for the standard model is up to 8 miles, while a Pro version almost doubles that to 15 miles
The e-scoot features an integrated handle for easy carry between rides
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The e-scoot features an integrated handle for easy carry between rides
The digital dashboard shows trip and scooter info at a glance
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The digital dashboard shows trip and scooter info at a glance
Top speed for the standard version is 12 mph, the Pro model can get up to 15 mph
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Top speed for the standard version is 12 mph, the Pro model can get up to 15 mph
The Blizwheel E-Scooter can be part folded so it can be rolled along on the front wheel
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The Blizwheel E-Scooter can be part folded so it can be rolled along on the front wheel
Front and rear lighting is standard
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Front and rear lighting is standard
The standard model has a ground clearance of 2.4 inches, while the Pro model bumps that up to 3 inches
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The standard model has a ground clearance of 2.4 inches, while the Pro model bumps that up to 3 inches
View gallery - 10 images

Four years ago, California-based Blizwheel hit Kickstarter with a pair of electric skates that strap to a user's feet for powered rolling, and then fold flat to be carried in a bag between rides. Though the funding campaign for the ESkates was cancelled, the company is trying again, this time with a folding electric kickscooter.

The standard version of the Blizwheel electric kickscooter comes with a 200-W motor at each wheel for a top speed of up to 12 mph (19 km/h) and a fairly low per-charge range of around 8 miles (13 km). A Pro model is also up for grabs, which rolls with two 300-W motors for a higher top speed of 15 mph (24 km/h) and about 15 miles (24 km) before needing to top up the battery.

Of course the standout feature here is a folding mechanism that sees the e-scoot collapse down to 15.6 x 6.4 x 3.9 inches (396 x 162.5 x 99 mm) for hauling around between rides in a backpack or hand luggage. The standard model tips the scales at 8.8 lb (3.9 kg), and the Pro model weighs in at 11.9 lb (5.4 kg). There's an integrated carry handle to make lugging it around easier, but the e-scoot can also be partly folded to make the front wheel available for rolling along the train platform or sidewalk.

The Blizwheel E-Scooter folds down to backpack or hand luggage proportions
The Blizwheel E-Scooter folds down to backpack or hand luggage proportions

Elsewhere, the frame is constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum, the small chunky wheels offer a ground clearance of 2.4 in (58 mm) for the standard or 3 in (82 mm) for the Pro, and "special PU suspension" (polyurethane) is reported to help smooth out some of the bumps along the way without the manufacturer needing to install heavy springs.

To the top of the telescoping handlebar is a digital dash so riders can see trip and e-scoot info at a glance, there's motor braking and mechanical brakes, as well as front and rear lighting, with turn signaling, for after-dark riding or daytime safety.

Kickstarter pledges for the standard model start at US$299, a version designed to be airline-friendly starts at $479, while you'll need to stump up at least $499 for the Pro. If all goes to plan, shipping is estimated to start in May 2022. The video below has more.

Update October 14: The introduction to this article has been amended to note that the previous Kickstarter for the ESkates was cancelled by Blizwheel, though no funds would have been collected from backers of that funding campaign. We apologize for this omission.

Blizwheel E-Scooter: The EV in your Backpack

Source: Blizwheel

View gallery - 10 images
6 comments
6 comments
Uncle Anonymous
File this under C for cool. If it wasn't that e-scooters are not legal on the roads/sidewalks where I live, I would consider buying one. I wish the provincial/municipal governments would recognize that it's 2021, not 1921.
Aermaco
This is a very very nice item and should sell well given such compact storage and if the weight is too oppressive in long walks it carries itself as a pull or push along. The only thing I see improving is 30+/-% bigger wheels equal to the full stored thickness. and maybe very light spongy open tubless grids to absorb small bumps gravel etc.
anthony88
As "carry-on baggage" I assume that means for trains. Would an airline allow something with a battery the size these scooters usually have in the cabin?
GregVoevodsky
If you are young and fit why do you need this? The e-scooter rental trend has almost died in LA and Venice. For tourist, they want a bigger, stronger scooter that can last rentals. I guess for a lone wolf - maybe cool because he doesn't walk to lunch with his co-workers. I think the real market might be big, fat, and old people who literally can't walk far as long as they can stand up... however, they would probably buy those sit down scooters with a big basket for shopping. I think you need some more customer research and feedback, as I think you are solving a very small problem that does not exist and is already banned on most college campuses, sidewalks, etc. Try getting on Shark Tank. ;-)

Funkgroover
Those wheels are tiny. I don't see how a ride on anything other than a nice flat surface, like in the video could be manageable.

In the UK the legal position is hire scooters only, that is the only way to control safety features and speed limits.
SplineDoctor
No way to ride on such tiny wheels safely with 15 mph.
The smallest stone or pothole on your path could make you fall.