Hyundai Dips Its Toe into Electric Kick Scooters

Building on the Ioniq scooter concept it showcased at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show, Hyundai Motor Group introduced a new and improved electric scooter prototype to the public.

Compared to its initial offering, this new scooter comes in a rear-wheel drive configuration, with a much-improved power supply in the guise of an advanced 10.5 amp-hour (Ah) lithium battery. And it's also got front and rear lights that add flair and functionality.

According to Hyundai, the move from FWD to RWD has to do with safety and stability concerns.

Hyundai's kick scooter can manage a range of up to 20 kilometets, with a top speed of 20 kph. All that power weighs in at a hefty 7.7 kilos. Hyundai mounted the front wheel on springs "to ensure a smoother ride even on rough surfaces."

According to reports, Hyundai is looking for a Korean partner to mass-produce the scooter locally in its home country. In preparation for a possible partnership, the carmaker has moved the design of the scooter its locomotive manufacturing arm, Hyundai Rotem.

Although the initial rollout will be in Korea, Hyundai has filed a US patent application for the scooter last July 5.

Hyundai also has plans to integrate the scooter with future Hyundai and Kia models, with the ability to mount and charge the scooter on these vehicles.

"This is the vehicle-mounted personal scooter which could be featured in future Hyundai Motor Group vehicles," said DongJin Hyun, head of Hyundai Motor Group's Robotics Team. "We want to make our customers' lives as easy and enjoyable as possible. Our personal electric scooter makes first- and last-mile commuting a joy, while helping to reduce congestion and emissions in city centers."