Honda appears to be setting its sights on the lucrative shared electric mobility market, as evidenced by newly revealed patent images showcasing an alluring small-scale electric bicycle or e-scooter prototype.
Companies such as Bird, Lime, VeoRide, Tier, and others have increasingly introduced innovative electric scooters and e-mopeds tailored for shared use in densely populated urban environments.
While stand-up scooters have reigned supreme in shared mobility, seated electric scooters are now carving out their own niche as more comfortable and stable alternatives.
Honda may be seriously considering entering the burgeoning market for micro-electric scooters, leveraging its manufacturing expertise in a crowded but increasingly popular field, as hinted by recent patent applications.
Early patent filings and accompanying illustrations highlight a diminutive electric scooter or bicycle engineered specifically to accommodate a solitary rider for short, urban excursions.
The compact design of the e-bike features tiny wheels and an enclosed body, with a primary focus on housing its substantial battery pack.
While we lack information on technical specifications regarding the motor or battery, there is still a chance for Honda to utilize its Cell Energy Pack battery system. The corporation hopes its battery design, eerily similar to Gogoro’s, will become a widely adopted standard for interchangeable bike and scooter batteries.
Honda’s compact electric scooter cleverly incorporates motorcycle-inspired flip-up footrests that double as storage compartments beneath their surface. Arriving with a versatile design, the device features retractable modules that seamlessly connect to various scooter hitching systems, effectively transforming it into a multivehicle variant reminiscent of Transformers’ iconic capabilities.
The fleet of electric scooters is capable of behaving as a unified entity, facilitated by their interconnected electrical systems, allowing riders to seamlessly transition between devices within the collective.
As multiple motors work together to generate power, the frontmost scooter’s steering inputs will cause a corresponding increase or decrease in motor energy on the inner and outer scooters, effectively enabling a form of thrust vectoring or tank-like maneuverability during turns?
By utilizing autonomous scooters, cities could efficiently relocate large quantities of these vehicles without requiring additional trucks or vans, allowing for rapid redeployment through a single operator controlling the entire fleet.
We’ve witnessed numerous iterations of compact electric scooters featuring collapsible handlebars and minimalist bodies, primarily designed to accommodate a rechargeable battery, two wheels, and a seat.
After conducting a thorough review of existing transportation solutions, we’ve developed a prototype that rivals the Voro Motors Roadrunner, a pioneering electric scooter capable of reaching speeds of up to 34 mph (54 km/h), boasting twin motors for seamless all-wheel drive functionality.
While unconventional designs may initially appear absurd, they often provide vital functionality in reality. The compact and lightweight designs of electric bicycles provide significantly more speed, despite their reduced size. With their adjustable design, the folding handlebars suggest versatility, allowing users to position them within the backseat of a car or under a desk without occupying excessive space, thereby optimizing storage and functionality.
Honda’s patent filings have consistently highlighted its focus on gradual, sustainable electric vehicle development over recent years.
While uncertainty surrounds the future of concept cars like these, it’s challenging not to acknowledge the significant investment Honda is making in its design endeavors.
As part of its ongoing commitment, the company has announced plans to introduce 10 new electric two-wheeler models onto the highways within the next few years, indicating a concerted effort to make significant progress in this area.
