Molly Ayala
The two-wheeled electric scooter, also known as the Electric Bicycle or Moped, is a popular mode of transport, especially for those who want an inexpensive, eco-friendly alternative to a car or motorcycle. The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915, but the two-wheeled electric scooter has gained popularity since the year 2000, largely due to safety concerns over petrol-powered scooters. The Segway PT, a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle, was brought to market in 2001, and the self-balancing scooter, or hoverboard, was invented in 2013.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor of the first motorized scooter | Autoped |
| Year the first motorized scooter was manufactured | 1915 |
| Inventor of the first self-balancing scooter | Shane Chen, a Chinese businessman and founder of Inventist |
| Year the self-balancing scooter was invented in its current form | 2013 |
| Company that brought the Segway, a two-wheeled self-balancing scooter, to market | Segway Inc. of New Hampshire |
| Inventor of the Segway | Dean Kamen |
| Year the Segway was brought to market | 2001 |
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What You'll Learn
- The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915
- Electric kick scooters have surpassed gas-engined scooters in popularity since 2000
- Self-balancing scooters were invented in their current form in 2013
- Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle
- Electric scooters are inexpensive, lightweight, and portable
The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915
The Autoped was the first motorized scooter, manufactured and launched in 1915. It was invented in 1913 by Henry K. Wills, an inventor and entrepreneur, in his garage. The Autoped featured 10-inch tires, a 4-stroke 155cc engine on its front wheel, and a hollow steering column that acted as a fuel tank. It could reach top speeds of 20-35mph and had an average battery range of 12 miles.
The Autoped gained popularity as one of the first commercially successful motorized scooters, showcasing the potential of compact, fuel-efficient personal transport. It was affordable, with a gasoline version that was known for low fuel consumption. The Autoped was also appealing due to its easy storage, as the steering rod was collapsible. It was marketed as a vehicle that was "extremely small, compact and light concerning the load to be carried".
The Autoped was first manufactured in Long Island City in Queens, New York, by its inventor, Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson, who collaborated with visionary motorbike designer Joseph F. Merkel. Gibson secured a patent for the Autoped by 1916, and production continued until 1921. Krupp of Germany then built the Autoped under license from 1919 to 1922.
The Autoped was an important innovation in personal transportation, disrupting the streets of America and Europe over a hundred years ago. It was the first mass-produced motorized scooter in the U.S. and was an early example of a successful, affordable, and compact mode of personal transport.
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Electric kick scooters have surpassed gas-engined scooters in popularity since 2000
The history of scooters goes back more than a century, with the first two-wheeled ride invented in Germany in 1817 by Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun. The first motorized scooter, the Autoped, was developed in 1913 by Henry K. Wills, an inventor and entrepreneur. It featured a small engine located between its two wheels and was patented in 1916 by Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson. The Autoped was an adult scooter that could reach speeds of up to 35 mph.
In the late 20th century, a shift towards electrification transformed various forms of transport, including scooters. Electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, gained popularity due to their environmental benefits and advancements in battery technology. They became symbols of eco-conscious transportation, offering a clean and convenient way to navigate crowded city streets.
The year 2000 marked a significant turning point, with electric kick scooters surpassing gas-engined scooters in popularity. This shift was influenced by safety concerns and accidents associated with petrol-powered scooters, including a tragic incident involving a toddler in 2008. Governments in the UK and the US have since restricted the use of petrol-based scooters due to their potential dangers.
The rise of scooter-sharing systems, enabled by apps, has also contributed to the success of electric kick scooters. These systems allow users to conveniently rent scooters by the minute in major cities worldwide. Additionally, electric scooters have become popular for their quiet operation, improved safety with slower speeds, and ease of use without the need for gears or insurance.
Today, electric kick scooters are widely adopted, with manufacturers continuously enhancing designs, battery life, and performance. They have become a preferred mode of urban mobility, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to internal combustion-engined scooters.
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Self-balancing scooters were invented in their current form in 2013
Self-balancing scooters, also known as hoverboards, were invented in their current form in 2013. The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915, but it was not until 2013 that the self-balancing scooter was invented. The device consists of two motorized wheels connected to a pair of articulated pads on which the rider places their feet. The rider controls the speed by leaning forward or backward and directs the scooter by twisting the pads.
The invention of the self-balancing scooter in its current form is attributed to Shane Chen, a Chinese businessman and founder of Inventist. Chen filed a patent for the device in February 2013 and launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign in May 2013. However, the origins of the self-balancing scooter are disputed, with several companies claiming ownership of the patents.
The term "hoverboard" first appeared in a 1967 science fiction novel by M. K. Joseph, but it was popularized by the 1989 film "Back to the Future Part II" where Marty McFly uses one after traveling to 2015. The first trademarked use of "hoverboard" was registered in 1996, but it was not until 1999 that it was used as a commercial name for a wheeled scooter.
The self-balancing scooter became popular in the USA due to endorsements from celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Jamie Foxx, and Kendall Jenner. By 2014, several manufacturers, mainly in the Shenzhen region of China, were producing the boards. However, the early units were prone to catching fire due to overheating batteries, which led to product recalls affecting over 1,000,000 units.
Despite the safety concerns, the self-balancing scooter remains a popular mode of personal transportation, offering a unique and fun way to commute.
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Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle
The Segway PT is a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle. It was invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001 as the Segway HT, with PT standing for "personal transporter". The name Segway is derived from the word "segue", meaning a smooth transition. The Segway PT detects changes in its centre of mass and establishes and maintains a corresponding speed, either forward or backward. It has a maximum speed of 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h).
The Segway PT is a lightweight and portable alternative to the larger electric-powered motorbike-type scooter. It is a form of micromobility, generally designed with a large centre deck on which the rider stands. Electric scooters are inexpensive to run and maintain, and they are environmentally friendly, with zero emissions. They are also quiet, quick, and safe, with limited maximum speeds.
The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915. However, electric kick scooters have become increasingly popular since the year 2000, surpassing gas-engined scooters in popularity. This shift in popularity is largely due to safety concerns surrounding petrol-powered scooters.
The Segway PT was developed from the self-balancing iBOT wheelchair, which was initially developed at the University of Plymouth in conjunction with BAE Systems and Sumitomo Precision Products. The first patent for a human transporter was filed in 1994 and granted in 1997, with others submitted and granted subsequently. In 2006, Segway Inc. discontinued all previous models and introduced the i2 and x2 products, steered by leaning the handlebars to the right or left.
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Electric scooters are inexpensive, lightweight, and portable
Electric scooters have become a popular mode of transportation for urban commuters and casual riders. They are a convenient, eco-friendly, and affordable option for getting around town. With their compact design, electric scooters are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for multimodal commuting and easy to store.
The first motorized scooter was manufactured by Autoped in 1915. However, the recent rise in popularity of electric scooters can be attributed to the introduction of scooter-sharing systems that allow users to rent them by the minute. These systems were initially found in the United States and Queensland, Australia, but have now spread to major cities worldwide. The self-balancing scooter, also known as a hoverboard, was invented in its current form in 2013 by Shane Chen, a Chinese businessman and founder of Inventist.
The lightweight design of electric scooters makes them highly portable. For example, the Gotrax GXL V2 weighs just 27 pounds and folds quickly, making it convenient for multimodal transportation and storage. The Niu KQi Air, weighing only 26 pounds, is another lightweight scooter that is easy to fold and carry. These lightweight scooters are ideal for those seeking portability and ease of transport.
In addition to being lightweight, electric scooters offer long battery lives, making them a reliable choice for commuters. The Unagi Voyager, for instance, boasts a relatively long battery life, making it a popular choice despite some trade-offs in comfort. The Segway E2 Plus is another lightweight and budget-friendly option with a modest top speed of 15 mph, making it a great entry-level scooter.
When considering an electric scooter, it is important to keep weight and portability in mind, especially if you plan to take it on road trips or carry it up stairs. Most foldable scooters are inherently more portable than other wheeled modes of transportation, such as electric bikes or skateboards. Electric scooters are a lightweight and portable option for those seeking a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around.
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Frequently asked questions
The Segway PT, a two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery-powered electric vehicle, was invented by Dean Kamen and brought to market in 2001.
The Segway PT can reach a top speed of 12.5 miles per hour (20.1 km/h). Electric scooters are typically limited to a maximum speed of 15mph.
Electric scooters are considered much safer than gas-powered models, which have been involved in several accidents. However, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has investigated the safety of self-balancing scooters, determining that their lithium-ion battery packs can overheat and pose a risk of fire or explosion.
Electric scooters are street legal and are classified as power-assisted bicycles. In most states, you do not need a driver's license to ride them on the street. However, they are subject to certain regulations, such as speed limits and equipment requirements for safety and visibility.
