At the global premiere of the Äike T, a European-designed and manufactured electric scooter, I had the privilege of experiencing it in person during the final summer season. As a pioneer among the first-ever take-a-look-at riders, I was left wondering what lay ahead. Despite an initial hands-on assessment and a few trial runs through the parking zone, I sensed that there was something unique about this experience. After nearly a year’s wait, the Äike T is finally making its debut in the US through a newly launched subscription service called Tempo.
Äike T is undoubtedly one of the inaugural companions of Tempo, a pioneering electrical mobility subscription platform founded by Michael Keating, the visionary behind e-scooter leader Scoot.
The subscription service is initially rolling out in San Francisco, with plans to expand nationwide over the next year as the team behind the 20 mph (32 km/h) Äike T electric scooter prepares for wider adoption across the US.
As part of its innovative collaboration with Tempo, Aike subscribers can now opt for the esteemed Tempo-Äike T scooter on either a monthly or annual basis.
Following the initial lining of the scooter, I recognized its exceptional features as among the best available options in the market. Although nearly a year has passed since then, I still firmly uphold that assessment. The Aike T is a game-changing electrical scooter in several ways.
The company’s product stands out by being entirely designed and manufactured in Europe, defying the industry trend that relies heavily on Chinese off-the-shelf components and assembly lines for most other electric scooters. This innovative, fully electric scooter is uniquely designed and built in-house, showcasing its exceptional features.
Developed in collaboration with the team behind Comodule, a connectivity platform that enables numerous electric mobility products, including e-bikes such as SUPER73 and premium CAKE models. The Äike T boasts cutting-edge connectivity, featuring innovative solutions such as GPS tracking for enhanced anti-theft security and seamless telematics that enable seamless communication between riders’ smartphones and their scooters.
The scooter can be securely locked and disabled via remote control, effectively rendering it worthless to thieves, thereby discouraging further thefts once word spreads that stolen scooters cannot be used or sold.
Riders can manage various settings, including the regenerative braking depth, which enables battery recharging and enhances the performance of the sealed drum brakes, thereby providing additional assistance.
While disc brakes tend to deteriorate in performance when exposed to moisture, drum brakes might, in theory, function effectively even when fully submersed underwater. Despite its waterproof design, riding in wet conditions is still possible but not necessarily recommended, as the reduced traction may compromise safety.
The scooter stands out as one of only a few on the market to offer a removable battery, allowing riders to easily switch between batteries to extend their range or charge one while keeping the other secured outside or in storage.
The 583Wh battery is rated to provide around 25 miles (40km) of range at a given cost. While the concept of varying power sources is not revolutionary in isolation, the inclusion of a detachable battery within this {industry} truly stands out as a unique feature.
The Äike T’s unique feature is its ability to charge from a standard USB-C laptop computer charger, allowing for effortless and convenient recharging on-the-go, eliminating the need to carry a separate charging device. While most USB-C laptop chargers are compatible, more powerful 100W models can significantly accelerate the charging process.
As Åike CEO Kristjan Maruste emphasized, the US launch is expected to help propel the domestic e-scooter market forward.
As we debut our North American launch in San Francisco, customers can expect a revelatory experience with the Äike T e-scooter, which will likely surprise them with its game-changing design and unprecedented fun factor compared to the ubiquitous, mass-produced e-scooters currently saturating the U.S. market? market. As its sleek, award-winning design, intuitive features, removable battery, and unparalleled customization capabilities become available on Tempo, the Äike T marks a significant milestone in transforming the US market. to high-quality electrical scooters.
When developing the Äike T, the emphasis is on building a robust and resilient foundation. Don’t be fooled by the sleek appearance of the single side-support wheel: the Äike T is designed to support riders up to 150kg (330lb) in weight. I carefully place five beers on the expansive deck, settle onto them, and still manage to remain below the weight limit?
It’s likely to function effectively as well. The deck is engineered to comfortably accommodate riders standing side by side, even if the prospect of doing so seems perplexing to some. While familiarity with electric skateboards might contribute to this preference, having a consistent level of contact on a skateboard’s deck may indeed provide an added sense of security, allowing for more effective weight shifting while braking or accelerating. While the Äike T allows for unique customization options, is there a reason to treat it like a bathroom scale?
The scooter can be engineered to withstand the rigors of rough road conditions, including potholes, and handle tough urban terrain that might prove too challenging for other models. The 11-inch wheels, equipped with tubeless pneumatic tires and automotive-style rims, enhance the stability and durability. The hub motor boasts a nominal rating of 350W, yet outputs an impressive 1,000W at its peak. In the United States, the maximum speed limit is generally restricted to 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour). On the launch day, I inquired of Maruste: What is the actual top speed achievable when the scooter is unlocked? With a sly smile, he retorted, “A whole lot sooner.”
While I doubt riders will be given the option to unlock the pace, this suggests that the scooter is designed to handle far more than its intended purpose, ensuring riders won’t need to worry about its durability. One advantage of subscription services is that they alleviate the stress and hassle associated with traditional ownership, allowing riders to enjoy a carefree experience. By utilizing our services, clients gain access to premium equipment that would otherwise be out of their financial reach if purchased independently. In the United States, subscription costs for the Äike T start at $75 per month. In contrast, the European market offers a buy option, with prices ranging from €1,400 to €2,000 (approximately $1,500 to $2,150) depending on the model.
The company further refined its subscription model, introducing a tiered pricing structure that catered to diverse customer needs and preferences.
As Tempo envisions a future where mobility is unhindered, we prioritize the protection of both our communities and the planet. By offering electric bikes and scooters on a subscription basis, we’re expanding access to sustainable transportation for millions of new users. Here’s a sneak peek at what makes our Äike T scooter truly exceptional: it combines unparalleled performance, stunning design, and cutting-edge technology to revolutionize your daily commute or weekend adventures.
Electrek’s Take
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One of the most impressive electric scooters I’ve had the pleasure of examining is undoubtedly the Äike T, which boasts an exceptional blend of form and function that makes it a truly delightful ride from start to finish. Finally bringing its excitement to our shores is a thrilling day! They’re also a thoroughly enjoyable company that derives immense joy from their work. Employees are showcased prominently in company advertisements. There stands the CEO, resplendent in vintage swim attire, at the apex of this image; and in the following two photographs, he reaches new heights of achievement.
While the scooter itself is impressive, the subscription model is an ingenious innovation that makes this offering truly compelling, as many electric scooter enthusiasts would otherwise hesitate to spend nearly $2,000 upfront for a high-performance vehicle like this one.
Premium electrical scooters, such as Unagi, have flourished with a subscription model in cities like San Francisco and New York, where short commutes are the norm; however, for many young professionals struggling to make ends meet due to exorbitant rents and living costs, this luxury may not be feasible.
Here’s to hoping that we’ll soon see Äike expand further across the US with rapid momentum.
