LOS ANGELES, California - While we doubt South Africa is as liberal with scooters under road traffic laws as America seems to be – but wouldn’t it be nice to zip around our cities on one of these little items being considered by the BMW / Mini brands?
It’s the Mini Citysurfer Concept and it combines the benefits of the old-fashioned folding bicycle popular for a while, as we recall, in London with the high-tech of modern batteries and lightweight materials
Most of the 18kg weight of the Citysurfer is in its batteries, stored in the thick footboard, but when folded it will fit on a train, a bus or – as Mini is happy to admit – the boot of its Mini three-door.
BATTERY GOOD FOR 20km
Park where you can/like in the city, lift out and unfold the Citysurfer and head for the office, park, meeting, conference room, date… whatever. Scoot along with a foot or freewheel down a hill (disc brakes are part of the deal) or cut in the electric motor and use the thumb throttle to reach a maximum of 25km/h.
Battery power is good for 15-25km, depending on speed and terrain; battery recharging starts when the scoot is freewheeling or using leg power. Local bylaws might even permit it to be ridden in areas from which other motorised transport is barred.
The Citysurfer, we’re told, has safe, versatile and agile riding properties, large wheels with pneumatic tyres that can handle bumpy paths, low footboard, stable frame and height-adjustable handlebars. Three brake systems operate independently of each other:
• Recuperation brake via electric drive generator function.
• Hydraulic disc brakes, one front, one rear.
There’s even a phone charger and holder on the handlebar while other fittings are deliberately flexible to accommodate various regions’ traffic laws. Whether you would risk life and limb in Jozi or Cape Town would be up to you – but what fun in the suburbs and for older youngsters travelling locally to school.
Let’s see if it ever comes to full production.