MIT RoboScooter

This type of vehicle is going to play a major role in urban transportation in the future. All the technology is already here, well understood, and most importantly it's usable.

Scooters don't have to go very far, very fast, and they're light. Those factors combined make them one of the most practical applications for battery power which has far lower energy density than gasoline. Yet they're simple. The article brings up a good point about the perception that EVs won't be ready until they "have the range to travel cross-country", which is a stumbling block of perception and not available technology if we focus on using different modes of transportation for different types of trips. One size does not fit all, and scooters are well matched with present EV constraints.

The more advanced features discussed in the article such as folding frames and computer controlled wheels can wait. If simplicity and clean mobility is desired why not release this right now and start developing a market for them?

Piaggio MP3 On the Street

Last night I stopped behind a scooter at a traffic light. Then I noticed the rider didn’t put his feet down. Upon closer inspection it appeared the front wheel was off set to the centerline of the bike.

I pulled up for a closer look and found that it had two front wheels side-by-side. Quickly I rolled down the window and asked the guy if it was a Piaggio. He said it was and that it was the MP3 model, it rides great, and that he really liked it. Then the light turned green and we had to go.

I tried to snap a pic with my phone as he turned the next corner but didn’t quite manage a good one. Here’s an Autoblog write up on the MP3:

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/31/officially-official-piaggio-mp3-400-and-mp3-500/

The front suspension is really innovative, opens up scooter use to a larger audience and enables the bike to be used in more conditions. With the proliferation in three-wheel vehicle design proposals and prototypes, this might be game changing technology we’re witnessing.