Foldable bikes were a sensation a few years back. Will the same concept be applicable on electric scooters? A small foldable electric scooter that was seen from CES might just subvert your imagination.
Tatamel Bike, a foldable electric scooter announced by Icoma today, can be folded into the size of a suitcase, and has enough battery to drive for about 30km. This toy-like minion, however, is priced at a whopping US$4,000, which is close to a premium electric scooter.
Despite generating considerable spotlights at CES, this tiny vehicle is somewhat peculiar in terms of pricing, functions, and user group.
The Tatamel bike can be folded into a 69cm (height) x 69cm (length) x 26cm (width) suitcase-like object, but it is also adopted with a 0.6kWh li-iron battery, a 600W electric motor, a front 10-inch wheel, a rear 6.5-inch wheel, and a suspension system, which combine to a total weight of 50kg.
50kg is not that heavy for a mini electric scooter, but it sure is for a suitcase, and it is unlikely for average users to go around carrying it, let alone bringing it onto trains or metros.
What’s worse is that the user will be sitting at a very peculiar posture when riding the scooter. If you are only looking to stand out from the crowd, then this scooter might just be the perfect option.
With that being said, nothing is set in stone just yet, as the product is still under development. Icoma is scheduled to release the scooter in the second half of 2023 after revisions, and there may be interesting changes to the design then.
(Cover photo source: Icoma)