MINI can never be accused of
standing still. Shortly after the launch of the brand’s
largest ever vehicle, the Countryman, MINI is showing its
smallest in a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show
(October 2-17). The MINI Scooter E Concept is an innovative
new vehicle that combines the agility and brio of a two
wheeler with zero-emissions sustainability through its
electric power plant.
The drive concept incorporated
in the study underpins the consistent development efforts of
the BMW Group in its quest to achieve CO2-free mobility.
Electric drive plays a key role in this endeavour and allows
the MINI Scooter E Concept to deliver the driving fun
associated with the brand in a new and highly contemporary
package. The instantaneous pick-up of electric drive
systems, plus the vehicle’s low weight and compact
dimensions, ensure pure agility in typical urban traffic
conditions. These features and the simple operation of the
charging system make the MINI Scooter E Concept a pioneering
symbol of independent, flexible and spontaneous mobility.
The MINI Scooter E Concept
is powered by an electric motor integrated in the rear
wheel. The motor’s lithium-ion battery can be recharged at
any conventional power socket using an on-board charging
cable. The new machine is shown in two forms – one with
two seats and the other in sporty single seat form – and
draws on all MINI’s legendary fun, style and connectivity.
MINI-style urban mobility
The MINI E UK field trial
is only half way through but the BMW Group’s commitment to
electric drive and a future of sustainable urban mobility
never sleeps. With the MINI Scooter E Concept, the company
is demonstrating that there are no boundaries to the
possibilities of future vehicle shapes and sizes. Any
vehicle wearing a MINI badge must, however, deliver
unmistakeable design, personalisation opportunities,
thoughtful functionality, low emissions and, of course,
MINI’s hallmark driving fun.
The MINI Scooter E Concept
achieves all these requirements and meets the mobility
aspirations of people that recognize premium quality,
advanced technology as well as valuing sustainable mobility
as much as individual style and driving enjoyment. It also
highlights new ways of attracting an even younger audience
to share in the MINI experience...even before they are able
to drive a car on the road.
The design of the MINI
Scooter E Concept also embraces the changes demanded for
mobility in urban areas. The MINI brand has long followed
the principle of individual mobility with optimum use of
space with the smallest possible footprint. This principle
is now being applied to the brand’s first two-wheel vehicle,
offering seats for up to two people within remarkably
compact dimensions. The study also embodies the first
two-wheel concept to combine a sustainable drive technology
with design features geared to lifestyle.
Typically MINI features
abound
The MINI Scooter E Concept
is quintessentially a MINI. The design language and wealth
of individual detailing embodied in the two-wheel study are
based on the current production models of the MINI brand.
Clearly defined proportions and smoothly contoured lines
lend the MINI Scooter E Concept an aesthetic appearance that
draws significant parallels to the brand’s cars.
The relationship between
its 11-inch wheels and the body structure give the MINI
Scooter E Concept a powerful and robust appearance,
emulating the profile of MINI cars. The contours of the
body from the sides enhance the ‘MINI’ impression while the
windshield is angled in a similar way to that of a MINI
Hatch. The curvatures of the windshield sides also display
strong similarities to MINI cars as it merges into the
A-pillars.
The front view of the MINI
Scooter E Concept is dominated by a large, ovoid headlight
unit. Similar to the headlights of the MINI Countryman, its
contours are influenced by the geometry of the surrounding
surfaces. Taking its cue from the low windshield the
headlight unit tapers upwards and features a chrome surround
while the circular headlight interior is highlighted by an
illuminated coloured ring.
Two indicator units evoke
the front view of the classic Mini. The prominent glass
covers for the flasher lamps are enclosed by chrome frames
and curve slightly outwards. A stylised aperture in the
windshield, framed in chrome and shaped like the hexagonal
radiator grille in MINI cars, lies below the headlight. The
windshield itself is framed by a wraparound plastic surround
and each of the two versions has individually matched
paintwork for the windshield, wheel covers and the fairing
enclosing the frame. A contrasting colour is applied to the
surface of each of the windshields on the different studies.
The rear-view mirrors on
the MINI Scooter E Concept also display familiar ’MINI’
characteristics in both shape and size relative to the
vehicle. The round contour of the mirror surfaces, the
eye-catching hemispherical casing and the different mirror
cap designs all lend individuality to the concepts.
At the rear two tail light
units are mounted on the either side of the rear wheel
fairing and providing clearly-structured tail- and brake
lights and indicators sections. Both tail light units are
mounted in a chrome frame while chrome elements are evident
on the hand grip at the back of the seat, which is shaped
like the tail spoiler on a MINI Cooper S, and on the
footrest. MINI logos are positioned above the windshield
aperture at the front and between the tail lights.
MINI energises the
connected generation
The MINI Scooter E Concept
is a rallying call for spontaneous riding enjoyment fostered
by intuitive operation and agile riding characteristics.
The concept also aims to enable easy use of the other
functions designed to enhance driving fun by employing an
innovative way of integrating mobile devices. The cockpit
of the MINI Scooter E Concept is dominated by the iconic
MINI circular Central Speedo, with a Smartphone integrated
in the middle. The wraparound speedometer takes the form of
a tube filled with fluid (rather like a thermometer) which
expands as the speed rises. In the lower area of the Centre
Speedo, a battery charge level display indicates the range
currently available. The design of all the switches for
lights, direction indicators and other driving functions
corresponds to the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel of MINI cars.
Smartphone is the key
Inside of the Speedo lies a
snap-in adapter for a Smartphone, which operates
simultaneously as the vehicle key, display and central
control element. As soon as the rider docks his mobile
phone and switches it on, the vehicle is ready to go. This
also offers scope for integrating infotainment,
communication and navigation functions in a two-wheeler.
While the scooter is in motion, the Smartphone can be used
as a navigation system, music player or telephone as
required. A wireless Bluetooth interface can be connected
to a helmet from the MINI Collection which is fitted with a
microphone and headphones so that riders are able to use the
telephone function or access their personal music collection
while on the road.
This innovative operating
concept creates a network between the rider, the vehicle and
the environment which paves the way for numerous new
interactive functions. Building on the MINI Connected
services, already available in current MINI cars, specific
features can be implemented by adding further Smartphone
applications. For example, the navigation function can be
supplemented by a special Google Maps view that indicates
the current position of other MINI scooters in the immediate
vicinity. This facilitates a feature similar to social
networking on the internet in which riders who are friends
can be identified and invited to come together on a whim
simply by pressing a button. An automated full-beam
headlight function that operates when two vehicles meet has
also been developed for the MINI Scooter E Concept to
further strengthen the community appeal and highlight the
friendly and open-minded personality of this vehicle.
MINI Centre Rail -
innovative design for people on the move.
Two compartments on the
inside of the windshield are available for stowing personal
items. The MINI Scooter E Concept also incorporates the
innovative aluminium MINI Centre Rail, first presented in
the MINI Countryman, which fits inside the windshield
extending down into the foot space. Its unique clip-on
mechanism offers a wide range of options for stowing items
needed during the journey or at the rider’s destination.
Accessories for the Centre Rail include tailor-made holders
from the MINI Collection for helmet, umbrellas, sunglasses,
thermos flasks, a closed compartment and a rain guard to
protect the rider’s legs in wet weather. A music player,
calendar, stopwatch and tea cups specially designed for the
MINI Scooter E Concept can also be easily attached to the
Centre Rail.
Energised on the go - all
you need is.......a power socket
Back in 1967 all you needed
was love. The flower power era saw Minis decorated with
bright flowers and signs of love and peace. With MINI
Scooter E Concept, all you need is a power socket!
When riding the MINI
Scooter E Concept brief stops can be used to top up the
on-board energy storage system. Such consistent charging
significantly increases the independence and flexibility of
the electrically powered two-wheeler. The electric drive
unit, concealed beneath a painted panel inside the rear
wheel, is powered by electricity supplied from a lithium-ion
battery. Apart from the compact battery, a charging system
and connecting cable are integrated neatly in the rear of
the MINI Scooter E Concept. The charging cable has a plug
which fits all conventional domestic sockets.
Plugs and cables are
accommodated underneath a cover similar to the round tank
flap in a MINI car. After opening the illuminated flap, the
plug and charging cable can be pulled out to a length of up
to five metres and connected to the power system. After the
battery has been charged a button-operated spring mechanism
ensures that the cable is retracted and tidily coiled away
in a space-saving compartment.
One concept, two
characters.
The MINI Scooter E Concept
will be presented at the Paris salon in two versions, one to
deliver driving fun for two people and the other an
emphatically sporty, thoroughbred version with a seat
designed for the rider alone.
The colour design of the
two-seater version is based on the appearance of the MINI E
with a livery in matt anthracite and contrasting yellow seat
and mirror caps. The surface of the seat is made of tough
fabric material, with a yellow strip bordering the lower
part of the seat.
The single seater MINI
Scooter E Concept is steeped in the brand’s British heritage
with a British Racing Green windshield and the seat
upholstered in ‘aged’ dark brown leather. Contrasting
silver mirror caps and paintwork around the headlight unit
that flips between green and silver complete the design.
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