In the panorama of electric mobility, we often talk about autonomy, rapid charging and battery swapping stations. Otherlabhowever, offers a different approach with its new electric scooter Lightfootdesigned to reduce dependence on power outlets. As? Thanks to integrated solar panelscapable of transforming sunlight into energy and giving extra kilometers to every ray absorbed.
The Lightfoot stands out from other electric scooters by the presence of two large integrated solar panels. These, if exposed to the sun for an hour, can add approx 5 kilometers of autonomyreaching up to 32 extra kilometers in summer or 16 in winteraccording to what was declared by the company. It is a particularly interesting solution for those who live in sunny environments or spend a lot of time outdoors.
However, there are practical limitations: to make the most of this function, the Lightfoot must be left parked outdoors, inevitably raising some doubts about safety.
Technical specifications and daily usefulness
The Lightfoot is powered by two 750W brushless motorssupported by a 1.1 kWh battery, for a maximum autonomy of 37 miles and a top speed lower than 20mph. The aeronautical grade aluminum structure and 10-inch wheels make it a sturdy vehicle, capable of carrying two passengers.
They have been assured by the manufacturer that the solar panels Not they will get hot enough to burn the inside of the pilot’s legs. Furthermore, one of the panels can be opened gullwing to access a 45.2 liter waterproof and lockable storage space inside.
Despite the slightly bulky design compared to traditional electric scooters, the Lightfoot focuses on practicality and use standard componentswhich facilitate maintenance.
The Lightfoot represents an interesting option for those looking for a more grid-independent electric vehicle, but the price of $4,995 it could discourage some buyers, considering that there are e-bikes and scooters on the market with similar ranges at lower costs. Furthermore, the actual usefulness of solar panels will depend on climatic conditions and user habits, making it more suitable for those who live in particularly sunny areas.
