Sun-powered electric scooter gets its energy from the sky, no plug needed

[Coloroscopio]

Looks like the future is solar-charged and ready to roll. San Francisco-based startup Otherlab has brought a fresh ray of hope to urban commuting with the Lightfoot, a solar-powered electric scooter. No need for plug-ins or searching for a wall outlet—the Lightfoot draws its energy directly from the sky. And while it’s not quite ready to cruise the highway, this scooter is ideal for zipping around city streets in a more sustainable fashion.

 

 

The Lightfoot scooter comes equipped with a pair of visible 120-watt solar panels, one on each side, which can add up to 18 miles of extra range per day if parked in direct sunlight. For urban commuters who often have limited access to conventional charging infrastructure, this solar boost could be a convenient way to top up on the go—no plug required. For a full charge, there’s a 48-volt, 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery onboard, powering a pair of 750-watt motors that deliver speeds of up to 20 mph and a range of around 37 miles when fully juiced.

 

 

Designed with inspiration from classic scooters like the Vespa and the Volkswagen bus, the Lightfoot offers a retro charm combined with modern features. It’s got motorcycle-grade suspension and a cushioned bench seat to comfortably fit two people, making it both practical and pleasant for navigating crowded streets. Plus, there’s no need for a license since the scooter's speed and power output remain within legal limits for pedestrian areas and bike lanes, making it a casual alternative for short-range travel.

 

 

The scooter also offers some practical storage, with a lockable, weatherproof compartment that holds about as much as a carry-on suitcase—perfect for a quick grocery run or carrying work essentials. The frame is built from aircraft-grade aluminum, which keeps it lightweight yet tough enough to handle daily commutes. With its emphasis on using quality, easy-to-find parts, the Lightfoot was designed for straightforward maintenance, ensuring owners won’t need to jump through hoops to keep it running.

 

 

 

 

At $4,995, the Lightfoot isn’t exactly a budget scooter, but it does pack in enough useful features to make it a reasonable option for urban dwellers looking for a greener way to get around. Otherlab expects preorders to begin in early 2025, with deliveries to follow soon after. Whether it’s for quick errands or just a leisurely ride, this solar-powered scooter seems set to bring some much-needed sunshine to urban mobility.

 

 

• https://www.notebookcheck.net/Otherlab-unveils-Lightfoot-solar-powered-electric-scooter.917776.0.html 
• https://interestingengineering.com/photo-story/solar-powered-e-scooter-lightfoot 
• https://www.startupselfie.net/2024/11/14/otherlab-lightfoot-solar-scooter/ 
• https://www.fastcompany.com/91227104/this-new-solar-powered-scooter-is-unlike-anything-youve-seen-before 

 

 

Images: Lightfoot