Scooters and electric motorcycles are gaining popularity in Europe due to their convenience and functionality. In the past, we have seen many car manufacturers venture into the field of lightweight electric mobility. For example, in 2022, Bugatti revealed its small electric sports scooter based on the hypercar Chiron. Meanwhile, in 2023, McLaren’s Lavoie electric scooter made headlines thanks to its sporty and elegant design.
This time, it seems that another giant in the automotive and motorcycle industry is eyeing a major entry into the world of electric scooters. BMW is no stranger to two-wheeled electric vehicles, as it has a series of e-bikes and electric scooters, such as the CE-04, on its list. Recently, it filed a patent for a new folding electric scooter, very similar to the e-scooters we have been seeing on European roads for some time now. Currently, the scooter does not have a name and is registered as a “Small-sized electric vehicle,” according to the patent.
BMW describes the electric scooter as a “small-sized electric vehicle, particularly an electric scooter, with a rear wheel, a frame, a foot support, and a wheel folding mechanism.” So yes, it is a folding electric scooter designed to be easily integrated into the public transportation system. It uses an interesting folding mechanism for the rear wheel, allowing for even more compact proportions than other electric scooters. Like other electric scooters on the market, BMW’s model also has a foldable handlebar.
The folding mechanism of the rear wheel is quite interesting, as it does not fold the wheel over the footrest, but has a groove where the rear wheel is housed. “The wheel folding mechanism has a first joint with a first axis of rotation. The vehicle is adjustable from an unfolded position to a folded position through the joint. The front support section is connected to the rear support section by the first joint. In the unfolded position, the rear wheel is positioned in an outer position where the rear wheel is arranged outside the receiving area, and in the folded position, the rear wheel is positioned in an inner position where the rear wheel is at least partially disposed within the receiving area.”
Regarding performance, BMW mentions that the scooter will have an electric motor in the front wheel. The power is stated as not exceeding 500 watts, or “not exceeding 1400 watts if at least 60% of the power is used for self-balancing”. Now, whether the electric scooter under development is actually a self-balancing scooter or not is debatable, as the patent seems to keep this information quite vague.
However, if it is approved for use on European streets, it will probably have a maximum speed not exceeding 20 km/h. In addition, BMW’s patent also highlights a practical “walking mode” feature, where the motor provides power up to six km/h, useful for carrying the scooter in walking areas with inclines or for long periods of time.
