Smart, the company that makes those famous two-seater city cars, is now developing scooters. And just any scooters, they are the eScooters! It is powered by an electric drivetrain similar to the one that they use in the smart fortwo electric car, but since it’s just a scooter it only has 4kW, which gives it a top speed of 45 km/h and a range of around 100 km/h. It also comes with an iPhone as the instrument panel. Smart says that it is a solution for urban mobility and indeed it is, but I’d rather walk around town than ride this ridiculous thing!

Smart eScooter:

Visual similarity to its four-wheeled big brother

The smart eScooter’s white paintwork with green accents underlines its relationship to the smart fortwo electric drive. Also in terms of suitability for everyday use, the electric scooter clearly bears the genes of the two-seater car. For example, the frame of the smart eScooter does not only house technical components such as the battery and power electronics, but also offers additional storage space, for example for helmets.

Dynamic driving fun – of course, emission-free

In addition to environmental sustainability, the smart eScooter Concept has a focus on driving fun: it is driven by a disc-shaped wheel hub motor in the rear wheel, which offers a powerful 4 kW despite its compact size. The brushless direct current hub drive transmits its power directly to the rear wheel, and is clean and maintenance-free. A further advantage: as the motor does not take up any space in the chassis, more stowage space is available there.

As full torque is available right from the start, speedy moving is possible. At traffic lights, smart eScooter riders can easily outpace most cars. They also benefit from the scooter’s modern chassis design: front and rear wheels are each mounted on an elegant single-sided swingarm. A 130/60 R13 tyre is fitted at the front, while its rear counterpart measures 140/65/R13.

The smart eScooter has a top speed of 45 km/h. The traction current is supplied by a state-of-the-art, 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Thanks to the battery’s capacity of 80 Ah, ranges of up to 100 kilometres are possible. The eScooter can be charged at any standard household power socket, within three to five hours. The charging socket is stored at the front of the scooter underneath a hinged smart emblem, while the charger itself is integrated in the scooter.

The smart philosophy: stress-free and safe driving

Characteristic of smart vehicles is their distinctive functionality in conjunction with model high safety level. These two elements together make for stress-free and safe travel. The new smart eScooter follows consistently this ideal: in doing so, it does not only meet all statutory requirements, but also sets new standards in its segment.

In contrast to conventional scooters, the smart eScooter is equipped with ultra-modern safety features of a kind rarely seen even on modern motorcycles. These include an anti-lock braking system (ABS) specially adapted for a two-wheeler, an airbag integrated in the panelling beneath the handlebars, and Blind Spot Assist, which draws the rid
er’s attention to vehicles following close behind him that are not visible in the “blind spot” of the rear-view mirrors – extremely useful when changing lanes, for example. Like in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a triangular light is flashing in the rear-view mirror. So, common cause of accidents involving scooters is addressed.

Combined front/rear brake and ABS

To brake the smart eScooter safely, just one touch suffices to retard both the front and rear wheel simultaneously. When the hydraulic disc brake at the front is actuated, an anti-lock braking system kicks in to ensure maximum braking effect even during emergency braking. The rear wheel is braked in parallel to the front wheel, though not mechanically but electrically.

This task is performed by the wheel hub motor in the rear wheel, which normally propels the scooter forwards. When the brakes are applied, the operating principle is reversed: the motor becomes a generator whose resistance provides the required braking effect. The resulting braking energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in the scooter’s lithium-ion battery. The anyway high energy efficiency of the smart eScooter Concept is further enhanced by additional solar cells at the front. These solar collectors are used to support the charging of the state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery pack whenever the sun is shining, also when the scooter is moving.

Always new, always intelligent – smart

When it comes to comfort and convenience, the eScooter is also a smart through and through. Its attractive, creative yet pragmatic solutions are fully in line with the smart brand principle “easy to use”. The smart eScooter’s intelligent and simple operating concept is particularly convincing.

One example is the charging socket, which is integrated externally in the panelling at the front, and therefore extremely easy to access. Like the smart fortwo, the smart eScooter also disposes of an intelligent storage system. Underneath the seat there is a lockable stowage space with enough room for both the driver’s and the pillion rider’s helmets. The scooter’s lithium-ion batteries are placed space-efficient and well protected behind the panelling in the foot area. The resulting mass centring and low centre of gravity promote agility and stable roadholding.

The smart eScooter also offers driving fun for two: that is enabled by a fold-out seat which looks elegant when in use, and which appears to “hover” over the rear wheel. The footrests for the pillion rider automatically move into position when the second seat is folded out. If, instead, the rider requires more storage space, the pillion seat can be replaced with a luggage rack.

Linked via smartphone

The smartphone plays a special role for the eScooter, serving as the scooter’s control and communication centre. Before starting the electric scooter, the rider simply places the smartphone in a specially-designed mount in the centre of the handlebars. So, it is fully linked with the smart eScooter Concept. At the same time, immobiliser and anti-theft protection are deactivated, allowing the electric scooter to be started.

The new, further developed smart drive kit app allows the rider to use online services when making stops on the road. During the journey, the smartphone serves as the scooter’s needed speedometer. It also displays the range and battery charge level and acts as a navigation system. Should the rider ever forget where he parked his eScooter, the “GPS Tracking” smartphone app can help him identify the position.

The handlebar heating can also be controlled remotely – a comfort feature especially ideal on cooler days.