A BMW patent revealed in January 2024 highlights several sketches of an electric scooter with a unique design. The first technical characteristics are even discussed.
In recent years, many car manufacturers have positioned themselves on electric bikes or electric scooters. Let us cite Seat, Mercedes, Red Bull and even Porsche. For some – like Porsche – the project is serious with significant buyouts and a real desire for breakthrough. For others, it is simply a question of marketing, image and often products rebranded.
The German brand BMW is currently in neither of these two categories, but could well join one in the future. In any case, this is what an unearthed patent suggests – via Rideapart – in January 2024, previously filed in November 2021. And the product in question looks exactly like an electric scooter.
A steering column split in two
For the moment, the machine does not have a name. We hardly know that it will be foldable thanks to a folding steering column… just like the rear wheel, more surprisingly. It seems that the latter can fold towards the deck, thanks to what looks like a sort of slot. The idea is to make it a compact vehicle.
For its part, the handlebars stand out: the steering column is in fact split in two, making the two handles independent of each other. Again, this is something quite rare in the world of electric scooters.
Source: BMW
Source: BMW
In addition, the patent focuses on some technical characteristics. This would include a nominal power of 500 W and a maximum power not exceeding 1400 W.if at least 60 percent of the power is used for self-balancing“. This notion remains very vague at present.
A patent means everything and nothing
In any case, BMW will have to limit it to 25 km/h if it wishes to market it in France, as indicated by the law. The overseas firm finally mentions the dimensions of the vehicle, the total width of which should not exceed 700 mm, compared to 1400 mm for the height and 2000 mm for the length. The weight should be limited to 55 kg. Which is already huge.
As with every patent, nothing says that BMW will follow through with its idea with a successful, mass-produced product. But we cannot take away the fact that urban mobility seems to tickle the German group.
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