In many of the world’s emerging markets, small displacement
two-wheelers dominate the roads and make up the majority of the vehicles
purchased. Because of this, the emergence of new electric technology has lead
to an array of new e-startups out of China and India. The latest company to try
its luck in the electric scooter market is India’s 22Motors which just unveiled
its Flow scooter.
On the surface the Flow looks like any other
electric scoot, however underneath its fiberglass bodywork the model hides some
pretty impressive tech. 22Motors developed an app that accompanies the Flow
which utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning—or “Contact
Learning” as 22Motors calls it—that goes beyond the basic Bluetooth
connectivity and GPS we’ve become accustomed to on modern bikes and scooters.
Along with the usual GPS, alerts for texts, calls,
geo-fencing capabilities, theft alerts, and traffic/road condition updates, the
scooter’s software also records user data and inputs and learns the owner’s
typical behavior. After establishing something of a baseline, the Flow is able
to detect and warn its rider if any unusual change in behavior/riding is
detected. The Flow is also able to give alert for service schedule needs, and
it can even order parts automatically so they arrive when before or when
they’re needed.
22Motors also engineered the scooter with business
use in mind, developing a fleet management and monitoring system that can be
employed by companies that utilize fleets of Flows. Plus, all the data being
recorded is sent directly to the cloud where it can be remotely viewed.
The Flow pulls juice from cloud-connected lithium
ion batteries and a controller which were developed in-house by 22Motors. Power
is supplied to a 2.1kW Bosch hub motor—equipped with regenerative braking
capable of recycling more than five percent of the battery’s life—which is
housed in the rear-wheel. With a weight of less than 190 pounds, the Flow
offers a claimed top-speed of around 40 miles per hour and, according to press
materials, the Flow puts down more than tens times the torque of the Honda
Activa which means it should produce no less than 65 foot-pounds.
The battery can be fully charged in about five hours
via a standard charger, though a quick-charger allows for four times faster
charging. A full battery gives the Flow a range of 50 miles, though 22Motors
says it can fit two batteries to extend its range. The Flow can also be charged
for just ten minutes and then can travel more than ten miles, in case a short
trip is needed.
Other noteworthy features include underseat storage
large enough to fit a full-face helmet, a reverse gear for easy parking, USB
port, disc brakes fore and aft, cruise control, and full LED lighting. IRegular production for
the Flow is scheduled for sometime later this summer. Pricing is reportedly
pretty reasonable too, at just US$ 1,125.
