Video: Hyundai adds e-scooter to its EVs

Hyundai has produced a prototype electric scooter expected to be integrated with its future Hyundai and Kia vehicles, particularly EVs.

The rear-wheel drive foldable and lightweight e-scooter has a 7Ah lithium battery giving 20km range and a 20km/h top speed.

When mounted on a vehicle, the scooter is charged automatically using electricity produced while driving, ensuring that the user can complete their first mile/last mile journey seamlessly.

The 2019 model’s shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive is key in enhancing safety and stability as it positions weight near the rear, Hyundai says. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group’s engineers have added suspension to the front wheel to provide a smoother ride.

“This is the world’s first vehicle-mounted personal scooter and could feature in future Hyundai Motor Group vehicles,” group robotics team head DongJin Hyun says.

“We want to make our customers’ lives as easy and enjoyable as possible. Our personal electric scooter makes first and last-mile commuting a joy, while helping to reduce congestion and emissions in city centres.”

Weighing 7.7kg, the scooter is highly portable, especially with its tri-folding design.

A digital display shows battery charge and speed while, for night riding, the new scooter is equipped with two stylishly curved front LED headlights and two rear tail lamps.

Installing a regenerative braking system to increase the scooter’s range by 10% is also planned.

Research by global consultancy McKinsey & Company showed the ‘Last Mile Mobility’ market in the US, Europe, and China is expected to grow to US$500 billion by 2030.