A safe and sustainable commute: XOTO launches three-wheel electric scooter
Rising traffic and pollution woes around cities have resulted in people looking for leaner, safer, and more sustainable choices to commute. Cashing in on such a trend is XOTO with its three-wheeled electric scooter with a self-stabilizing mechanism that ensures safety while preserving the fun of leaning into the curves of the road.
The California-based startup aims to offer better ways to navigate cities and reduce commuting costs, all the while helping reduce the number of automobiles in urban centers. The company has launched its XOTO electric moped in the US, with its Founder’s Edition priced at $7,499.
Three wheels are better than two
Motorcycles and bicycles with two wheels function fine until the rider hits a rough patch or encounters harsh conditions. Things might rapidly go awry if you hit that area of gravel, the incorrect pothole, or the damp spot on the road. "With three wheels on the ground you can lose traction on all wheels and the vehicle will still stay upright," said a blog post from the firm.
Simply described, the two back wheels are connected to the rear swing arms, which move in tandem. XOTO can lean around turns and curves because of its synchronized wheel movement. The low center of gravity, along with the dispersion and movement of the two rear wheels, keeps you upright in curves and emergencies. "The mechanism gives stability in a turn even at a lower speed. This means you can lean at the full range no matter what your skill level."
Because Xoto has three wheels, you only need a valid state driver's license to ride in California. If you live in another state, the rules there will be applicable.
A city-friendly proposition
The XOTO-electric bike features a hub motor setup powering its front wheel, thanks to its unique two-wheeled setup at the back. It features a 4000W brushless hub motor with a top speed of 45 mph (72 kph).
A pair of removable lithium-ion batteries have a total capacity of 4.3 kWh, which is good for about 90 miles (145 km) of range at moderate speeds. The ability to remove the cells for in-house charging is aimed at users who do not have access to street-level or garage plug points to top the bike up. The specification aims for the bike to be primarily used for intra-city commutes and a viable option to get around in a sustainable manner while saving time in the process.
The scooter also offers comfortable and ergonomic seating that can accommodate up to 350 pounds (160 kg), an LED headlight/taillight, a USB port, and a storage rack. The company is prioritizing features that include geo-tracking, geo-fencing, and a Bluetooth sound system, most of which can be added as an optional extra at an additional cost.
XOTO will begin deliveries of the bike this summer, with the first batch being made available in states like California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada in June 2023.