Designers: Carson Brown, TAUR Technologies Limited, London, United Kingdom
Manufacturer: TAUR Technologies Limited, London, United Kingdom
Getting to work on your electric scooter requires the same amount of energy as boiling a kettle for your morning cup of tea. And unlike bikes or e-bikes, you don’t need extra food, clothing, equipment, or arrive in need of a shower – an often unaccounted side of cycling emissions. Electric scooters are amazing. They’re portable, faster than a bike, and store under your desk. So, why hasn’t this super low-emission vehicle achieved wider adoption?
THE PROBLEM
Firstly, the fundamental design hasn’t changed since the days of the ‘kick-scooter’ – a toy made for kids, designed for low speed over smooth ground. It’s no surprise that many people still see them as dangerous, especially at night. Secondly, they don’t last long. When they break, they go to a landfill. Thirdly, they’re not great to own. When you’re not riding it – which is most of the time – you want to know it’s secure, won’t have a flat battery in the morning, and looks great in your home. And finally, aesthetics. Tesla wasn’t the first to make an electric car, but it was the first to make them sexy. And yet today’s electric scooters just… aren’t.
THE SOLUTION
The company gave the rider a forward-facing ride stance. This improves stability and field of view. The smaller frame allowed us to use the biggest-in-class wheels, too, making potholes a distant memory; 12.5” puncture-resistant Continental tires can handle any weather. It’s powerful enough for anyone to ride, even up hills, and at night – with a rear light that projects up the rider’s back for maximum visibility. And at 15 kg, it’s still portable. It’s highly robust, with over-engineered electronics, a fully-recyclable aluminum frame, and water resistance (IP55).
TAUR is modular too and built so that any local technician can install replacement parts. You can lock TAUR physically, digitally, and alarm it. You can set ‘low battery’ notifications on your phone. It charges in under 3 hours. And it stands vertically in a fraction of the regular storage footprint.
Overall, TAUR’s dedication to quality can be found wherever we are. From taur.com to the team’s Kickstarter video (which was selected as Kickstarter’s ‘Project Of The Day’), to the industry leadership at the upcoming Micromobility World. The company hopes you appreciate the team’s efforts to make electric scooters a truly functional and desirable form of sustainable transport.
