MINI Scooter E Concept and smart escooter Drive on Electric Power

Both Mercedes-Benz and BMW could be offering electric-powered scooters via their smart and MINI brands. The smart escooter and MINI Scooter E are being displayed at auto shows to test customer interest.

Each scooter uses lithium-ion batteries to power rear wheel hub electric motors, which by design do not take up any space in the chassis. This allows for more storage space, such as two helmets under the seat of the escooter. While MINI hasn't disclosed many technical details, smart says the 4 kW brushless DC motor and 48 volt battery pack provides a top speed of 28 mph and a range of up to 62 miles.

Charging is handled via any domestic power outlet and a special EV charging station is not needed. The escooter's charging socket is underneath the hinged smart emblem up front. Besides regenerative braking, front solar cells help in charging the escooter battery. On the Scooter E, the plug and 16 foot charging cable are located underneath a cover similar to the round fuel tank flap in a MINI car. A spring mechanism retracts the cable at the push of a button.

The smart escooter borrows styling cues and technology from the smart fortwo electric drive e-car, while the Scooter E shares the MINI's iconic styling. This includes the circular central instrument cluster with a MINI Center Speedo, MINI-inspired twin tail light treatment, a large headlight similar to that on the MINI Countryman, and a rear hand grip shaped like the rear spoiler on the MINI Cooper S.

There are three MINI Scooter E Concepts that differ in styling cues and seating capacity. The first is a two-seater with a charcoal and yellow color scheme that mimics current MINI E electric vehicles. The second is a sportier single-seater with a British Racing Green paint job and a dark brown leather seat with a broken-in look. The third, a two-seater, is done in white with red, white, and blue Royal Air Force roundels. A Union Jack appears through a perforated leather seat, reminiscence of the Union Jack tops on some original Minis.

Targeting the younger, technology savvy urban rider, the smartphone plays a significant role in both the smart and MINI scooters. On the escooter, the smartphone serves as the scooter