Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

BMW Mini Scooter E Charges in Household Outlets, Uses Smartphone as Key

by Amar Toor on September 24, 2010 at 11:45 AM

At first glance, BMW's new scooter prototype, the Mini Scooter E, seems like just another electric scooter. Unlike others, though, the Mini will never ask its drivers to waste time looking for specific charging points -- or, for that matter, their keys.

As Fast Company reports, the Mini is set to be unveiled at next month's Paris Motor Show, where it's unique electrical design will surely get some attention. A compartment over the Mini's rear wheel holds a single battery, which can be charged via any standard household electrical outlet. And, instead of using a traditional key to start the scooter, drivers need only plug their smartphones into the machine's snap-in adapter, which will automatically get the Mini purring. Once the smartphone is plugged in, it'll serve as the scooter's central display, allowing drivers to consult GPS data without ever having to take their hands off the bars. A Bluetooth-equipped helmet will meanwhile enable users to make hands-free calls.

Mini Scooter E


BMW has apparently developed an accompanying smartphone app, as well, which will detect any other Mini scooters within the vicinity, and automatically flash the machine's headlights in friendly recognition. Considering that the company has no concrete plans to actually produce or sell its new prototype, however, it may be a while before drivers get the chance to share their supreme awesomeness with each other.

Tags: bluetooth, bmw, BmwMini, BmwMiniE, electric, ElectricVehicle, GPS, ios, iphone, ParisMotorShow, scooter, smartphone, transportation

Comments

1

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular