Today, electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular as a green alternative to cars or public transport for short journeys. They’re compact, easy to ride, and ideal for urban environments.
The cost of running an e-scooter versus running other petrol-powered vehicles is immense, making them a great option for those on a budget. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that these nifty little machines are becoming more and more popular around the world!
Did you know that the electric scooter has been around since the 1800s? Well, sort of. Different versions of motorized scooters have come and gone over the years, but not until recently did they become a common sight.
This article explores the history of electric scooters and how they’ve evolved over time. From electric scooters for adults to kid-sized models with training wheels, we explain where these fun machines came from and where they might be going. Keep reading to learn more!
The First Electric Scooters
The 1800s transformed how people worked and lived, creating one of history’s most influential eras – the industrial revolution.
Before the late 1700s, countries relied on agriculture and human labor to thrive, and this hampered output and small-scale farming operations were frequently inefficient.
Then, in the 1700s, Thomas Newcomen changed the course of history by developing the first steam engine prototype. Newcomen first utilized the machine to pump water from mine shafts, but other engineers soon started experimenting with it and exploring other possibilities.
By the early to mid-1800s, steam locomotives had quickly replaced the old horse and cart as the new mode of transportation. However, the expanding tide of invention had begun to pave the path for future innovators, and in this age, another vehicle-the Velocipede-was born.
The Velocipede was invented by a German, Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun, and its unique design paved the way for bicycles, kick scooters, and the autoped – the first electric scooters.
The Early 1900s: The Early Days of Electric Scooters
Kick scooters were a fun way for people to get around cities, but author Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson wanted to take things further. He intended to create a motorized scooter to follow in the footsteps of the battery-powered bicycle.
He applied for a patent in 1913, and the vehicle became known as the Autoped.
It was comparable to the electric scooters we know and love today in many respects, but there were significant distinctions. These early electric scooters, for example, were significantly bigger than the elegant e-scooters we currently have.
Gibson’s objective was to create an innovation lighter than existing modes of transportation and allow electric scooter adult to travel to where they wanted to go. The patent was granted in 1916, and the inventor established a factory in New York, to manufacture the scooters and sell them for $100 (equivalent to $2,718).
The Late 1900s: The Return of the Electric Scooter
The following decades were somewhat of a dark era, with Go-Ped releasing the first stand-up, gas-powered scooters since the Autoped in 1986.
The low-profile design propelled the second great fast electric scooter boom into the 1990s, with a spacious deck in the center for the rider’s feet and the motor on the back wheel.
When lithium-ion batteries, the most efficient and environmentally friendly to date, were invented in 1991 and widely used in consumer products over the next decade, personal electronic transportation became a reality.
Businesses such as Micro and Razor revived the world’s enthusiasm for scooters. Still, Go-Ped produced its first electronically-powered scooter in 2001, and other companies followed suit with their electric versions.
Despite this, the Razor scooter was still considered a toy, winning the ‘Summer Toy of the Year’ title in 2000.
The Autoped’s long history has seemingly been forgotten. Although not Wim Ouboter, a former Swiss banker who claimed to have reinvented the kick-scooter in 1990 as an adult solution to short-distance travel.
The 2010s: The Rebirth of the Electric Scooter
Several decades passed before electric scooters saw another surge in popularity. This time, it was driven by advances in technology. New lithium-ion batteries made it possible for scooters to be powered. These new electric scooters were very different than their predecessors. They looked more modern and sleek but also had much more power.
When the first electric adult scooters hit the market, they were driven by low-powered lithium-ion batteries. They were designed to be used indoors and very slowly. They had a top speed of around 10 km/h, slightly faster than a walking pace.
However, advances in technology have seen lithium-ion batteries become more powerful. Now, scooters on the market are driven by high-powered lithium-ion batteries. These motorized scooters for adults have much higher top speeds and can be used indoors and outdoors.
The Invention and Popularity of Off-Road Electric Scooters
Off-road all-terrain electric scooters became popular in the early 2000s. They were first used by extreme sports enthusiasts and quickly gained popularity with the general public. People of all ages now use them for recreation and transportation.
These scooters are designed for use on any type of terrain, from pavement to dirt paths to grassy fields. They are perfect for people who want to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about getting stuck in the mud or getting their tires punctured.
Off-road electric scooters typically have larger wheels than regular electric scooters, and they are equipped with powerful motors that allow them to tackle any type of terrain. Some models even come with suspension systems to make the ride even smoother.
An off-road electric scooter is a great option whether to go for a leisurely ride on the beach or take on a more challenging trail.
The Emergence of Varla Off-Road Scooters
The history of electric scooters shows that they have come a long way since their early beginnings. They are bigger, more powerful, and safer than ever before. Varla is a company helping to drive adult electric scooter innovation forward with its high-end, all-terrain electric scooters.
Varla has been around since 2018 and has been responsible for some exciting new developments in the world of scooters.
Varla is based out of El Monte, California, and has been responsible for several key innovations in the world of adult electric scooters.
Varla was founded on the notion of offering the best electric scooter aficionados an outstanding all-terrain riding experience, which subsequently evolved into the basic principle of Varla – allowing individuals to have an exploratory voyage whenever and wherever they choose.
The Varla electric scooter combines its strong twin motor with dual shock absorption efficiency to achieve advanced levels of all-terrain performance, reimagining the high-performance adult electric scooter’s design DNA.
Varla has become a leader in the electric scooter industry by focusing on quality. Varla works with only the best manufacturers in the business and uses only high-end materials on their scooters.
Varla Eagle One All-Terrain Electric Scooter
Varla’s flagship model is called the Eagle One. This scooter has been designed to be a premium product that features only the latest technology.
The Eagle One is a top-end dual-motor electric scooter with high-powered lithium-ion batteries that allow a top speed of up to 40 mph and a range of up to 40 miles. The Eagle One also features high-quality 6061 aluminum alloy in its construction.
Varla’s Eagle One also comes with an intuitive LCD that provides all the ride information you need at a glance.
Varla Eagle One Pro All-Terrain Electric Scooter
Varla’s latest model is the Eagle One Pro all-terrain electric scooter. This model is designed to be the best of the best, with no expense spared on design or materials. The Eagle One Pro features a high-end lithium-ion battery, allowing a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
The Eagle One Pro also features the same high-quality 6061 aluminum alloy Varla is notable for. In addition, the Eagle One Pro is equipped with Varla’s NFC card lock system. The lock system is designed to lock the commuter scooter when it is not in use and requires an NFC card to unlock.
This helps to prevent theft and keeps the adult electric scooter safe and secure.
Final Words: Where will electric scooters go next?
As the history of long range electric scooter show, these vehicles are very adaptable. As technologies improve, scooters can harness these advancements to become even more efficient.
One of the main areas where commuter scooters are expected to improve is their battery life.
Currently, batteries tend to die off after a few hours, which can be inconvenient.
However, engineers are experimenting with new batteries that can last much longer. There are also initiatives underway to develop scooters that can be charged using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines.
Another area where scooters are expected to improve is their security and safety features. Many scooters are now being designed with built-in GPS tracking systems, which can help to locate a 40 mph electric scooter that has been stolen.
These scooters can also be fitted with alarms triggered if an attempt is made to steal the adult electric scooter.