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BMW has put five of its "C evolution" prototype scooters to the test in London's city centre traffic until August 12 when the trials will continue in other European cities.
The German car and bike manufacturer says the scooters are high performance maxi-sized e-scooters that might "soon go to market". The e-scooters are being operated in real conditions to explore the infrastructure, such as establishing a network of e-mobility providers which might include vehicle rental companies and car-sharing firms.
Rather than the current batch of puny electric scooters available around the world, the Bavarian scoots have 35kW peak power and a top speed of 120km/h ad range of 100km. They are driven by an electric motor on the swingarm with a liquid-cooled alternator, tooth belt and planetary gear.
The air-cooled 8kWh battery uses the same lithium-ion storage modules as in BMW's i3 electric car. It's backed up by intelligent power recuperation that recharges the battery in coasting mode and when braking. The battery will fully charge from flat in less than three hours via a car-type charging socket at a household outlet or charging station.
BMW claims the chassis will provide agile handling due to low centre of gravity. The e-scooters will also feature ABS as do all of their two-wheeed products. They run on 15-inch lightweight Metzeler Feelgreen tyres and have low-draw LED daytime running lights.
BMW claims the scooters will compare in performance with current petrol-powered maxi-scooters of 600cc or more and will easily accommodate a pillion. BMW Motorrad Australia marketing manager Miles Davis said he could not comment. "Apart from the fact that I have spoken to people who have ridden prototypes and they sound very exciting," he says. "We don't have any information on timing for a production model at this stage."
Meanwhile, BMW's first scooters available in Australia will arrive in October. Motorcycle boss Tony Sesto expects to sell about 40 of the petrol-driven C600 Sport and C650 GT maxi-scooters this year and up to 120 in a full year.
Sesto doesn't believe scooters will dilute the brand despite the older demographic they will appeal to. "It will give us another dimension," he says.
