Have you ever wondered who had the idea to motorize a scooter? Today, the electric scooter is an integral part of the daily life of millions of city dwellers, making urban trips easier while reducing the carbon footprint. In this article, we take you on a journey through the history of the electric scooter, from its first sketches in the 19th century to the ultra-modern models we see today on our roads. Whether you are simply curious or passionate about urban mobility, discover who invented the electric scooter?
The origins of the scooter
Before becoming the vehicle we know today, the electric scooter went through many stages of transformation. From a simple children's toy to a vehicle designed for the road, it was brought to life thanks to visionary inventors. Let's dive into the past of the electric scooter!
The first non-motorized models
Before invading the roads and long before the appearance of major brands such as Minimotors, Kaabo, Ninebot or Weebot, the scooter was first considered a children's toy. From the beginning of the 20th century, children used wooden boards mounted on wheels with a vertical bar to steer. Simple and effective, it was popular in schoolyards and parks. Although rudimentary, it laid the foundation for future scooters.
However, at this stage, these models did not have engines and were far from being adult mobility devices. The idea of motorizing the scooter would soon take root in the minds of some visionary inventors.
The birth of the motorized scooter
The major turning point in the history of the scooter came in 1895 with the appearance of the first motorized scooter. This revolution was launched by Ogden Bolton Jr., an American inventor who quickly filed a patent for his creation. His invention, powered by a combustion engine and not electric, is nevertheless considered the ancestor of the electric scooter.
The characteristics of Ogden Bolton Jr.'s invention
The model patented by Ogden Bolton stands out for its avant-garde design. Built on the basis of a bicycle, the machine features a central deck allowing the user to stand. A design that closely resembles modern electric scooters. The motor, located on the rear wheel, allows the vehicle to be propelled effortlessly; a major innovation for the time.
Even though this model was not strictly electric, it laid the foundation for what is now called a "personal mobility device" (PMD). His concept inspired future models of motorized scooters and paved the way for the advent of electric scooters several decades later.
Why is Ogden Bolton considered the great creator of the electric scooter?
Ogden Bolton is often presented as the inventor of the motorized scooter and, by extension, as one of the pioneers of the electric scooter. This status is attributed to him because his concept influenced many subsequent innovations in the field of motorized personal mobility devices (PMD).
Indeed, although his vehicle was not powered by an electric battery, he demonstrated the potential of motorized electric scooters as a practical and efficient means of transportation. This concept was taken up and refined over the decades to become the modern electric scooters we use today.
The invention of the very first electric scooter
The invention of the first electric scooter marks a turning point in the history of urban mobility. Thanks to the genius of Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson, the electric scooter went from a simple toy to a true means of transport, laying the foundation for modern models.
The invention of the autoped by Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson
In 1915, the history of the electric scooter saw a major advance with the invention of the autoped by Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson. Considered by many as the first electric scooter, the autoped played a key role in the evolution of personal electric mobility devices.
This revolutionary invention, patented by Cecil Gibson, offered something unique for the time: a motorized electric scooter available in two versions, one running on gasoline and the other on electricity. This model was designed not only to facilitate urban travel but also to provide a compact and accessible transport solution.
The features of the autoped
The autoped has features that resemble modern electric scooters:
● A foldable design: A feature that allowed the electric scooter to be stored more easily. A brilliant idea that still inspires current foldable electric scooters.
● A maximum speed of 30 km/h: For the time, reaching such a speed on a personal electric mobility device was a real feat.
● Innovations in safety: The autoped was already equipped with brakes, headlights, and sound signals.
The years of transition and new inventions
Between 1930 and 1990, the scooter underwent a discreet but important transformation. From a children's toy to an urban speedster, this period saw the birth of revolutionary concepts driven by geniuses like Roland Puisset and Wim Ouboter.
The beginnings of the modern scooter (1967)
In 1967, Roland Puisset drew one of the first sketches of the modern scooter. Despite avant-garde plans, commercial success was not achieved. However, these concepts influenced future freestyle scooter models and contributed to the evolution of personal transport devices.
The reinvention by Wim Ouboter and the launch of the Kickboard (1990)
The real turning point came in 1990 thanks to Wim Ouboter, a Swiss inventor. He designed the Kickboard, a model of electric scooter light and foldable electric scooter, which restored the electric scooter's prestige. Unlike children's toys, the Kickboard was designed for adults and teenagers, which revived public interest.
The success of the Kickboard marks the beginning of Micro-Mobility and lays the foundation for the electric scooter market. By facilitating personal motorized travel, it becomes a true means of transport in the city.
The revival of electric scooters
The revival of electric scooters marks the beginning of a revolution in the sector. From Razor's foldable models to the connected electric scooters of Xiaomi and Ninebot, the electric scooter has established itself in micro-mobility thanks to the advent of rental services and technological advances.
The golden age of foldable scooters (2000s)
The early 2000s marked a major turning point in the history of the scooter. The Razor brand popularized foldable electric scooters, which enjoyed tremendous success among children and teenagers. This commercial success laid the foundation for the evolution towards modern electric scooters.
At the same time, Wim Ouboter became a central figure in the scooter's revival. His flagship model, the Micro Mobility, rekindled urban dwellers' interest in EDP. An innovation that fostered the rise of foldable electric scooters as we know them today.
The emergence of modern electric scooters (2010s)
The 2010s saw the arrival of modern electric scooters on the market, thanks to brands like Minimotors, Weebot, Xiaomi, and Ninebot. These manufacturers revolutionized the sector by offering high-performance, compact models accessible to a wide audience. The major innovation of this period: the adoption of lithium-ion batteries. They offer more autonomy and reduced charging time.
This phenomenon has transformed the approach to urban travel, especially in urban areas, where electric scooters have become an increasingly popular alternative to cars. The rise of these brands is part of a broader dynamic of transition towards sustainable means of transport, aiming to reduce congestion and the carbon footprint of cities.
Electric scooters today
Electric scooters have become indispensable in cities. Popular for their practicality and durability, they fully fit into the micro-mobility dynamic. But this popularity also raises challenges in terms of regulation and road safety.
A growing market
Modern electric scooters have established themselves as an essential means of transportation. With the rise of micro-mobility, the electric scooter market has never been more popular. Sales are booming, driven by urban dwellers' enthusiasm for these fast and eco-friendly machines.
The importance of safety rules
With the growing number of electric scooter users, road safety issues are more important than ever. Authorities have established strict rules, including helmet use for those under 12 and compliance with traffic laws. These devices must also circulate on bike lanes, which limits conflicts with pedestrians and cars.
FAQ
1. What are the current regulations regarding the use of electric scooters?
With the increase in the number of electric scooter users, several countries and cities have implemented regulations to ensure road safety. This includes the obligation to wear helmets for minors, riding only on bike lanes, and speed restrictions. Some cities also impose special parking zones for shared scooters to avoid clutter on sidewalks.
2. What is the difference between electric scooters and classic scooters?
Electric scooters differ from classic models mainly by the addition of an electric motor, which allows the user to move effortlessly. While classic scooters require manual propulsion by pushing, electric models enable covering longer distances faster and with less physical effort.
3. Are electric scooters a sustainable transport solution?
Yes, electric scooters are part of the transition to more ecological and sustainable means of transport. As clean and compact vehicles, they help reduce CO2 emissions and decrease urban congestion. They offer an effective alternative to traditional vehicles for short trips in the city.
Conclusion
After a journey into the history of the electric scooter, it is clear that it has come a long way. From Ogden Bolton's visionary idea to the iconic autoped model designed by Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson, through the revolution of Wim Ouboter's Kickboard, each invention has contributed to the foundation of modern electric scooters.
Today, the electric scooter is an essential means of transport for millions of users worldwide. Compact, ecological, and efficient, it meets the needs of riders and establishes itself as a preferred alternative to traditional vehicles.
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