Airwheel A3 Electric Self-balancing Scooter

Segway is cool. It is being used the world over, including by the famous fictional Mall Cop named Paul Blart, but lets face it: not everyone fancy standing like Blart and if you happen to be among the ‘not everyone’, then China-based Airwheel’s electric self-balancing scooter, A3, might right up alley. It is the company’s first sit-and-drive (more like ride, really) electric scooter, the A3 is basically the Segway with saddle and looks kind of like kid’s rocking horse, except this won’t rock. Well, it shouldn’t. If it rocks, then something is serious not right.

Airwheel A3 Electric Self-balancing Scooter

So why a seat on a design that no one has complain about so far? Apparently, being seated lets you ride the A3 longer without sucking your energy away. It is, in a way, like a motorcycle, except that the wheels aren’t inline; they are side-by-side and it takes up much less footprint. So I guess you could say the A3 is the best of both world, providing the mobility and comfort of a motorcycle without occupying as much space. Odd that the company did not specify the range of this vehicle and hence, there is no telling if this baby is merely for commute to the convenience stores down the street, or the mall several blocks away.

NOW READ  Meet Mini eMastered, David Brown Automotive’s First All-electric Model And It Is Classy!

Airwheel A3 Electric Self-balancing Scooter

The vehicle can accommodate up to 120 kg (265 lbs) of load and is capable of tackling 15-degree of inclination. Its MAGLEV driver system coupled with Sony battery pack and “intelligent chip” enables the vehicle to top 16 kph (9.9 mph). Though that can be ‘adjusted’ using the Airwheel app installed on your smartphone to suit your riding preference.

Airwheel A3 Electric Self-balancing Scooter

Other noteworthy mentions include suspension-equipped saddle, “smart anti-theft system”, electronic brake system, 4-inch digital instrument panel, foldable foot pegs, built-in kickstand (of course!), 520 WH battery that recharges to full in 240 minutes, built-in over discharge and overcharge protection circuit, integrated battery cell-balancing, rear turn signals and an LED brake light, 16-inch hub-threaded tires and a magnesium alloy frame.

So how much for this legwork saving transportation contraption? $2,999 is what Airwheel is asking for. Whether it is worth the dough, we shall leave it to you to judge.

Note: there is a ‘100km’ indicated on the product website which we have zero idea if that is the range. If yes, that would be fabulous.

Airwheel A3 Electric Self-balancing Scooter