After reinventing the mobility scooter that gotten the nods of approval by prominent entrepreneurs, including Sir Richard Branson, SunTech is back with a third iteration called eFOLDi Lite. As the product name hints, the third generation eFOLDi is light. Like, 15 kilograms (33 lbs) kind of light. At 33 lbs, it makes it easy to be hauled up onto a vehicle or up flight of stairs. The rear wheels and battery can be easily removed to further reduce the weight if required.
Though, going lightweight means ditching the suitcase functionality the original touts. It does, however, remain as portable as a small suitcase when folded down. eFOLDi Lite features a newly designed magnesium alloy frame that is not only 30 percent lighter over its predecessor but also very much stronger. eFOLDi Lite is driven by a 180 W high torque front hub motor, paired to a 24V 10 Ah Supreme li-ion battery that provides up to 22 kilometers (14 miles) range in between charges.
This is a mobility scooter and so obviously, this vehicle isn’t going to make any land speed record. While it makes a modest top speed of 6 km/h (4 mph), the onboard motor has more than enough oomph to scoot a person of up to to 129 kilograms (265 lbs) along and also dealing with 1 in 5 gradient. Speaking of gradient, eFOLDi Lite also boasts an electromagnetic brake system to enable it to stop rapidly and securely when on slopes.
Perhaps as equally important is, it has a tight turning radius of just a meter (39 inches). A few highlights include built-in horn, push button switch, motor locking system, a waterproof construction, and a simple two-step process that folds/unfolds the vehicle literally in seconds.
eFOLDi Lite Folding Mobility Scooter is available in the next two weeks or so on Kickstarter for £1,199-1,899 (about US$1,510-2,407), depending on the package you are after. The campaign is funded, btw, and so, a pledge for a unit is a pre-order which will be fulfilled in December 2019. Continue reading to find the campaign pitch video to learn more.
All images courtesy of SunTech.
Submitted via TIP US Page.
