Urban Transport

Scissor-framed electric scooter snaps closed in a flash

Scissor-framed electric scooter snaps closed in a flash
The Coswheel A-One folds into an easy-carry/roll package within seconds
The Coswheel A-One folds into an easy-carry/roll package within seconds
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The Coswheel A-One folds into an easy-carry/roll package within seconds
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The Coswheel A-One folds into an easy-carry/roll package within seconds
Fold the A-One out and enjoy up to 28 miles of electric riding
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Fold the A-One out and enjoy up to 28 miles of electric riding
It doesn't look like the comfiest electric ride out there, but it's built with compact storage and travel in mind
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It doesn't look like the comfiest electric ride out there, but it's built with compact storage and travel in mind
When folded, the A-One fits easily in a trunk or closet
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When folded, the A-One fits easily in a trunk or closet
Once you get to your destination, you can roll or carry the A-One with you
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Once you get to your destination, you can roll or carry the A-One with you
Riding on the A-One
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Riding on the A-One
A-One by the numbers
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A-One by the numbers
View gallery - 7 images

A sit-atop electric scooter with traveling compactness comparable to a stand-up folder, Coswheel's A-One looks like an intriguing last-mile solution for those that want to cut down on big, heavy lugging. Its scissor frame folds into an easy-carry/trolley package in seconds, helping you get around the city with ease.

Built from a combination of steel, aluminum alloy and ABS, the A-One is powered by a 350-watt hub motor. The 36 V battery integrated into the front tube provides up to 28 miles (45 km) of range, and the A-One is capable of speeds up to 22 mph (35 km/h).

The small A-One doesn't look like the comfiest scooter to ride – at least not beyond that single last mile – but the small frame makes it highly portable. With a single fold the seat and front tube collapse inside the central tube. The handlebars fold, and you're left with a slim, 36-lb (16.5 kg) package that you can easily carry up the stairs or onto public transportation and roll down the street via the two small wheels on the sides of the rear 8-in scooter wheel.

Riding on the A-One
Riding on the A-One

The A-One includes an accompanying iOS/Android app that lets the rider keep track of things like speed, route and tracks. The battery takes 4 to 5 hours to charge, and Coswheel estimates 500 charge cycles/5 years of life.

Coswheel, which is based in Shenzhen, China according to its Facebook page, is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for further development, testing and production. It is offering the A-One at pledge levels as low as US$729 and plans to begin shipping in August if it meets its goals, including the $100,000 Kickstarter target.

See the A-One ride and fold in the video clip below.

Source: Kickstarter

Coswheel A-ONE Smart Folding Bike

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
Timelord
I've never understood why "last mile" solutions usually have range numbers like 28 miles.
Paul Anthony
Timelord I think it may be a function of not having to worry about charging it every day. You may be able to go a week or two without having to plug it in. Also even though it is a last mile, one would have the ability to go further if needed. Finally I also believe that these numbers are about half in reality. The mileage stated is for a person that weighs 100 Lbs and rides on a perfectly smooth and flat road with no gradient.
Bob Flint
Riding around on what looks like a roof top, on a relatively smooth clean surface does not make for a last mile solution.
In reality bad roads, laced with pot holes, curbs, puddles, cobblestone, sand/grit etc...