MINI’s new direction

By Tom Phillips

September 2010

After the launch of MINI’s largest ever vehicle, the Countryman, the firm showed its smallest at the Paris Motor Show. Called the MINI E Scooter Concept, the bike features scaled down versions of all the classic MINI design cues, including the large iconic speedometer, oval wing mirrors and squared off rear lights. The use of chrome and other materials is also designed to make the scooter instantly recognisable as a part of the MINI family.

      

MINI has confirmed that the scooter features a lithium-ion battery which can be recharged using a built-in retractable cable. This powers a motor which is built into the rear wheel hub.

Innovative features include the adoption of a smartphone which acts as the bike’s key, instrumentation, navigation, audio and telephone needs. All the user does is clip the phone into the bike and it’s ready to go. The phone can also be equipped with a special Google Maps view that indicates the current position of other MINI scooters in the immediate vicinity.  The rider can then invite other scooter riders to meet up and ride together.

As well as optional apps, the Scooter E features an improvised version of the modular Centre Rail which debuted on the Countryman. Riders can personalise their bikes with a host of official MINI options, including clip-on thermos flasks, umbrellas, helmet holders and cups.

Two versions of the scooter were shown at Paris – a two-seater which features a similar paint scheme to the MINI E electric car, and two versions of a single-seat bike finished in British Racing Green and silver, and a Lambretta-esque livery inspired by the mod era.