MIT's RoboScooter: high on scooter, short on robo

Truth be told, MIT Media Lab's RoboScooter prototype would be a lot more intriguing if it had some sort of autopilot button, and while that could very well emerge in the future, it looks as if the first models will still require human intervention. Nevertheless, the ultra-compact vehicle is entirely electric, and aside from supporting swappable batteries, it can also fold up for easy transport. Furthermore, its creators boast that the entire rig is constructed from just 150 parts, which makes life on the assembly line that much easier. Granted, even engineers realize that scooters don't stand much of a chance in America, but if all goes well, this bugger could start conquering Asian streets as early as next year.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

[JayMonster @ Feb 29th 2008 8:44AM]

The sad part is, that it is the wacky State laws (I believe), more than anything else, that prevent scooters from being more popular here. As States play games with registration, and determining whether scooters qualify as "motor vehicles" soley for the purpose of trying to get additional registration fees and the likes, people then just throw up there hands and say "forget it."

In reality, if you can ride a bicycle, you can probably handle one of these scooters, but instead they try to get you to have a "motorcycle license" and to get tags and register the thing and by the time you are done, you have sent almost as much money to the State as you have to buy the darn scooter.

[jon @ Feb 29th 2008 9:38AM]

yes. most states treat scooters over 50cc as a motorcycle, as they should. these things can and will kill you if you're not trained or if they have substandard equipment. those irritating licensing and insurance requirements are there for good reasons.

the good part is that because they're registered as motorcycles, you can use them anywhere you want, just like a car. there are a few places that will give you flack about taking a scooter on an interstate, but not many.

far worse are the $300 deathtraps you can buy at auto parts stores with crap brakes, crap tires, crap suspensions, crap lighting, etc. the fact that those are illegal to ride is a very, very good example of consumer protections doing their job.

with all of that said, this electric scooter would probably fall into the "under 50cc and limited to 30 mph" category, which is extremely variable from state to state. in some places it will be a motorcycle, in others it will be totally unlicensed, and in others it will be in an in-between category. ...unless it can do highway speeds, in which case i want one!

[JayMonster @ Feb 29th 2008 9:57AM]

I don't disagree with setting a limit and anything over that limit (50cc) that they SHOULD be, because of the risk involved.

But as you go on to point out, even below that threshold, there is a patchwork of laws, varying from State to State, where it is a motocycle in some areas, but not in others (and again, I retierate, the reason for this is not safety, like it is with higher powered machines, but it is all about the fees that can extract.)

[NovaLand @ Feb 29th 2008 2:55PM]

Of course a "motor vehicles" should have fees and restrictions. What if any sad lad would take one and wreck havoc in the world? No, everyone else should use handpowered vehicles.. or footpowered for that matter that cannot handle the real stuff, 50cc or 1500cc!

[JayMonster @ Mar 1st 2008 1:46PM]

@NovaLand

You miss the point. I believe, if the fees were reasonable, and more uniform than they currently are, then I believe more people might opt to use scooters like these. Perhaps not even as a primary vehicle, but maybe something to "scoot" around town and run a few errands, or for a short commute to the office, rather that "taking out the car" for those same purposes.

This is not about putting the scooters in the hands of a "sad lad." Age restrictions? Sure. Some sort of registration? Of course. But a motorcycle license, and fees that almost rival the price of the scooter? That is a money grab at the expense of something that could be a far greater "green" use vehicle.

[Matt @ Feb 29th 2008 9:02AM]

Segways and scooters aren't the same thing. Believe me, as a Segway owner myself, I am well aware of the difference in coolness between me gliding along at 12 mph and Joe Cool on his Vespa zipping down the road at 50 mph.

That said, this thing is less Vespa-cool and more Segway-cool. Doesn't stand much of a chance.

[Raheem @ Feb 29th 2008 9:12AM]

You know I had a feeling you were a segway owner.

[Matt @ Feb 29th 2008 9:15AM]

Thank you Raheem!

Actually I plan to sell it soon. I got a different job and the commute is too long for a Segway now. But for 3 miles in the middle of DC, it was perfect.

[JC @ Feb 29th 2008 1:47PM]

Phew. For a minute there I thought something more emasculating than getting punched in the nuts had suddenly become "cool".

[Timerider @ Feb 29th 2008 3:49PM]

Hell, I want one of these. I would rather have a Segway, though. I tried one at a rental place/dealership once and thought it was awesome. The people who say they suck have obviously never tried one.

[turn_self_off @ Feb 29th 2008 9:19AM]

id buy one :)

[JayMonster @ Feb 29th 2008 9:59AM]

Segway cool could stand a chance... if it isn't Segway expensive.

[pete @ Feb 29th 2008 10:02AM]

Do want!
I'm about to move where my commute to the train station will be almost 2 miles. I'm probably going to buy a something vespa-like for the short jump, but I'd much rather have something like this.
I could totally fold this guy up and take it on the train with me, then unfold and scoot to my office in NYC.

[AMc @ Feb 29th 2008 10:52AM]

2 miles is a 30min walk at 4mph.
On a folding pedal bike, if you take it incredibly easy (8mph) you'll be there in 15 minutes.
Actually pedal (12mph) = 10min
I averaged 14mph over 5 miles in central London (about 45 traffic lights) you really should have no trouble and you'll get some exercise.

There really is no need for a load of batteries and motors unless you have a mobility problem - this is a solution to a non problem unless it has a ranger of 20miles or more.

[JC @ Feb 29th 2008 10:15AM]

Did someone just punch me in the nuts, or did I really hear someone use the terms "Vespa-cool" and "Segway-cool"?

WTFBBQ?!?1!

[drackath777 @ Feb 29th 2008 10:33AM]

Could have been both, but you have to admit it, Segways are like ultra-bad-ass.

[Matt @ Feb 29th 2008 11:50AM]

Someone punched you in the nuts.

[JC @ Feb 29th 2008 1:48PM]

Phew. For a minute there I thought something more emasculating than getting punched in the nuts had suddenly become "cool".

[nate @ Feb 29th 2008 11:54AM]

that thing looks cool.... but i render it useless to me.

[The_Steven @ Feb 29th 2008 12:40PM]

I seem to remember seeing a posting of a concept car that had two segways stowed in the trunk (boot)... Now perhaps if it were a jeep-ish thing with a pair of these in an off-road configuration, you might just have something going.

[zushiba @ Feb 29th 2008 2:06PM]

The Segway didn't stand much of a chance because you look stupid floating around on it. "Scooters" have kind of the same stigma but are generally more accepted but here's the kicker. If geeks cared what the average Joe walking down the street really thought, we wouldn't be who we are. Besides most of the time Average Joe is thinking "I wanna play around on that!"
That said this certainly has an 80's GoBots style too it that speaks to the kid/geek in me. Add to that the fact that I live in a relatively small town where I could probably go to the other side of town and back on a single charge and it becomes a solid investment.
Assuming the price is right (under 3k) I just might pick one up.

[3rdsun @ Feb 29th 2008 2:44PM]

Is it an Autobot or Decepticon

[Electric Scooters | Mobility Scooters | Power Chairs @ Apr 20th 2008 1:21PM]

Thanks for sharing this information!

I believe that scooters are one answer to the growing problem of pollution and global warming! They are perfect for commuting within a city, or for any short trip.

I also have a website about scooters that you may wish to check out. Feel free to visit at: http://www.electricscooteroutlet.com

Thanks again!