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Independent research and design contingency Otherlab has unveiled its Lightfoot solar-powered scooter, which the company says can travel 37 miles on a full charge at speeds of up to 20mph.
Designed to go head-to-head with eBikes and lower powered eScooters, the Lightfoot is powered by two brushless 750W hub motors, one located in each wheel, while a 48V/1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery provides enough power to propel the slightly madcap machine up to speeds of 20mph.
It is designed to be ridden in cycle lanes and doesn’t require a license to operate in the US, thanks to its low power output. Despite this, Otherlab says the contraption is good for around 37 miles on a single charge.
The Lightfoot electric scooter is wrapped in solar panels to address range anxiety https://t.co/THPvZoAPgQ pic.twitter.com/iJBXtWFrf8
— Evan Kirstel #B2B #TechFluencer (@EvanKirstel) November 14, 2024
But what sets this scooter apart from other eBikes in the market is the fact that its bodywork is fashioned predominantly from 120W solar panels that are capable of adding around three miles of charge when left in peak sunlight.
The brains behind the Lightfoot say that it is possible to add an extra 18 miles of electric range every day, should you have access to plenty of sunlight. If you don’t, the scooter can be charged to 80% in just 90 minutes using its 600W onboard charger and a standard 110V wall plug.
With a chassis fashioned from aircraft-grade aluminum, its clamshell style body work can also open up to offer 1.5 cubic feet of weatherproof and lockable storage – that’s comparable in size to a carry-on suitcase.
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Suspension lifted from the world of motorcycles ensures maximum comfort for up to two riders atop the cushioned bench seat and 10in tyres provide the grip that allows Lightfoot to put down its 90Nm of torque.
Apparently taking inspiration from iconic vehicles like the Piaggio Vespa and the Volkswagen bus, the Lightfoot looks more like Honda’s Motocompo foldable motorcycle, or the more recent Motocompacto electrified version.
Regardless, Lightfoot claims it most certainly isn’t vaporware, with the solar-powered scooter available to pre-order in the US now at a price of $4,995, with first deliveries expected in January 2025.
There’s also a neat Le Mans edition that features blue body work and contrasting gold wheels for the same price.
