If your MINI isn’t mini enough for you, you’re in luck.
MINI introduced their newest concept in urban mobility, the all-electric MINI Citysurfer Concept to a crowd of journalists at the LA Auto Show today.
An auxiliary transportation concept that is designed to help people navigate crowded urban environments, the Citysurfer makes it both easy and fun to get around town if you have a long way to travel between your parking space and your office or shopping destination.
MINI Citysurfer promises to be safe, versatile and agile. Its large wheels and soft tires make it suitable for bumpy paths and rough pavement so often found in city centers. The low foot board and height-adjustable handlebars enhance stability and handling. The scooter has three brake systems. First, there’s recuperation braking via electric drive generator which recharges the battery while slowing you down. Then the hydraulic front and rear disc brakes operate independently. Because you ride it standing upright you’ll have no trouble seeing and being seen.
Hit the thumb-operated accelerator and the Citysurfer can reach a top speed of 15 miles per hour. The lithium-ion battery has an electric range of 10 to 15 miles. You can charge the battery three ways: through conventional power outlet, a 12-volt power supply in an automobile and through brake energy recuperation. When the battery is completely discharged, the electric motor is automatically switched off and disconnected from the free-wheel hub in the rear wheel so you can ride it just like an old fashioned kick scooter.
Weighing just 40 pounds, the Citysurfer folds to fit into small spaces, including (surprise, surprise) the trunk of a MINI Cooper. You can also carry it on to public transportation, to make the trip from your commuter rail station a little more fun.
After getting a chance to see the MINI Citysurfer in person, all of a sudden, walking seems so twentieth century.