These VW scooter concepts could be the future of urban mobility.
Volkswagen is ready to enter the electric scooter marketplace with its Streetmate or Cityskater concepts. Streetmate performs better than the other, and the German company considers it the ideal tool for urban commuters. The scooter, which is powered by a 2.7-horsepower (2.0-kilowatt) engine, has a range of 21 miles (34 km) and can reach speeds of 28 miles an hour (45 km per hour). It is positioned as an alternative to the commuter vehicle. Volkswagen claims that Streetmate will require European license owners to register and insure it.
Streetmate comes with a 1.3-kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery. It can be charged on a 500-watt charger in just two hours and fifteen minutes. Volkswagen makes it easy for users to take the battery pack out and charge it at home or in the office. To drive the Streetmate, you need to press a thumb-switch on your handlebar to accelerate. Front and rear disc brakes are available to stop the Streetmate. There is also an anti-lock system. Regenerative braking also allows the rear motor of the Streetmate to recover energy while slowing it down.
The 143-pound scooter can be ridden either on its floorboard or on its folding seat. The handlebar’s center has a 5.3 inch display. It’s waterproof and weatherproof and shows key information like remaining range and battery charge. Streetmate uses a smartphone app to start instead of a key. The Cityskater is less exciting. The Cityskater is a vehicle that can be used as a “go-between” vehicle. Its electric motor of 0.5 horsepower (0.4 kilowatts) allows for speeds up to 12 mph (19 kmh), and a range of 9 miles (14.5 km). Volkswagen’s 33-pound scooter can be easily transported in a car’s trunk, or up to a flight stairs to its owner’s office.
The Cityskater, which has three wheels, requires riders to steer with their legs. They do this by shifting their body weight left to right (similar to skiing). The control rod provides the rider with something to hold on to and controls the vehicle’s acceleration, stopping, and starting. Volkswagen describes the Cityskater as “production ready” and says it can support up to 265 pounds. The company does not provide any information about when the model will be available for sale, or what the cost will be. If the Cityskater concept is any indication, a production model should include a decent amount standard kit, including front- and rear lights, rear disc brakes, and a Horn.