Towards the micromobility of the future: the SEAT eXS KickScooter
To meet new mobility requirements, SEAT is launching a product designed for those who want to move around the city with agility and sustainability.
Urban mobility is one of the challenging issues in the new millennium: constantly expanding cities, ever-more congested streets, chronic lack of parking and traffic restrictions in city centres are just some of the obstacles that car drivers have to deal with every day, and these obstacles represent great challenges for institutions and car manufacturers as well. In addition, there has been a 20% reduction in the number of customers under 30 in Europe willing to to buy a car, confirming that transportation needs are changing. This evolving context requires innovative mobility solutions, as the new SEAT eXS KickScooter electric scooter, developed by Segway and designed for users who want to move around the city in an efficient and sustainable manner
Designed to cover the “last mile”
Unveiled at the Smart City Expo World Congress in Barcelona, the eXS allows users to cover the last section of their daily commute - known as the “last mile” -, even managing to reach destinations which are difficult for vehicles to access. Its 8” wheels and front and rear suspension make it easy to use, and the electric motor allows users to reach speeds of up to 25 km/h. The eXS electric KickScooter is also equipped with front and rear LED lights, customisable ambient light, an LCD screen, cruise control and an anti-theft deterrent. Moreover, an additional battery can be connected to increase its range, which reaches a maximum of 45km, depending on conditions.
A global strategy
On sale in SEAT dealerships from December, the eXS will initially be available in Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal, before being delivered to the rest of Europe. The SEAT eXS KickScooter is part of the brand’s “Easy Mobility” strategy, which involves its traditional product range supplemented through innovative products and services mainly aimed at urban mobility.
It is a common strategy at the whole Volkswagen Group, whose different brands will also be launching their own micromobility solutions in the near future, such as the Cityskater and Streetmate scooters unveiled by the Volkswagen brand at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Another example is the ŠKODA brand scooter whose patented mechanism allows it to be stowed in the Octavia and Superb’s spare wheel normally intended space - indeed, when folded, it measures just 41 cm x 48 cm, and its total weight does not exceed five kilograms.
Companies and cities for the pilot test
One of SEAT’s goals is to be in permanent contact with institutions and city councils in order to contribute to a better future mobility. With this in mind, the Spanish manufacturer is currently looking for Spanish cities to implement a pilot test with a fleet of shared SEAT eXS open to the public. Furthermore, SEAT has already scheduled to begin pilot tests with the eXS in the company, including an eXS sharing programme for employees to get around the Martorell factory.
Source: SEAT S.A.