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BMW e-scooter revealed

URBAN MOBILITY: BMW reveals its Concept e scooter at the Frankfurt auto show.
URBAN MOBILITY: BMW reveals its Concept e scooter at the Frankfurt auto show.
BMW has successfully managed to translate the “i-car” styling of its i3 and i8 concept car models, to its two-wheel brand with a cracking new concept dubbed the Concept e.

According to the German automaker, the new e-scooter is another step towards establishing a new “Urban Mobility” division, which will be home to two models within the maxi scooter segment before the end of 2011.

This new division will be specifically tasked with addressing the issues of urban commuting like clogged-up city streets and parking. The two models which the company will be launching under the new umbrella brand will aim to combine the pleasure of motorcycling with the functionality of a scooter. Both will be powered by two-cylinder internal combustion engines.

ELECTRIC POWER

The Concept e on the other hand, as its name suggests, is purely powered by electrical power. Sadly, any hopes of seeing that in production in the near future is unlikely to be realised. What makes it exciting though is the promise of impressive performance equalling that of a maxi scooter boasting a combustion engine, combined with a range around the 100km mark.

“What is more, BMW Motorrad developers are aiming to achieve a continuous output and maximum speed which will enable safe overtaking on urban motorways when carrying a passenger,” said BMW.

The German automaker says the battery can be charged from regular household power sockets without the need for a special power station. From a completely flat state the battery charges in less than three hours.

BMW opting to take the wraps off its Concept e may be a less than subtle hint that this model is primarily aimed at converting motorists rather than targeting current riders.

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