Back in 2013, we took a look at a sleek, Apple-esque electric scooter called the Xkuty. While still a clean, simple design, the white and lime green e-scooter is now a bit more high-tech. It's up for crowdfunding, and it packs a few improvements, including a more robust range, an available solar charging dock and a matching Bluetooth helmet.
Designed by Electric Mobility Company (EMC) and now called the Xkuty One, the scooter is still powered by a 1,500-watt rear hub motor. That motor is now able to stretch its legs a bit more, as EMC offers several range options between 25 and 60 miles (40 and 97 km) range options. That last figure is close to double the 31-mile (50 km) range we reported in 2013, so a significant upgrade for anyone that might need to travel extra distance between charges. Top speed remains at 45 km/h (28 mph).
Part of the reason EMC has reached out to the crowdfunding community is to fund the further development of the 320-Wp Spark solar parking dock. Available with or without the storage capacity of a 30-Ah lithium battery, the Spark sets up under the beating sun and charges the Xkuty battery through a built-in cable. Simply roll the scooter onto the dock, connect the cable and let the sun (and optional battery) do the work.
The Spark measures 6.2 x 3.9 x 4.9 feet (1.9 x 1.2 x 1.5 m) and weighs around 110 lb (50 kg). EMC tells us that the non-battery version charges the 25-mile Xkuty One in about 12 hours, empty to full. The batteries-included version is designed for overnight charging.
The Xkuty scooter includes an iPhone dock on the stem and an accompanying iOS app that turns your phone into the control center and digital display. You use the app to turn the scooter on and off, display system and navigation information, and set a speed limit. It even uses the phone's gyroscope to detect a crash and auto-call a preset emergency contact.
EMC is also working on an accompanying Bluetooth helmet. The carbon fiber helmet features the same clean styling as the scooter, and the optional integrated Bluetooth headset lets the rider make hands-free calls or listen to music through the docked iPhone.
The Xkuty One is made from composites and aluminum, keeping its weight down between 42 and 46 kg (92.6 and 101.4 lb). EMC is offering the 25-mile-range Xkuty on Indiegogo for pledge levels of US$2,550 and up and the 60-mile version at $3,400+, with deliveries slated to commence in May 2016 if all goes according to plan. It also offers options to put $500 or $1,000 down on the 25-mile scooter and pay the rest later. The Xkuty One (45-mile) plus the non-battery Spark solar dock slot in at the $6,700 pledge mark when packaged together. Those numbers do not include shipping from Spain, which can add another several hundred dollars.
