Xiaomi‘s ecological chain company Segway
Ninebot recently launched the futuristic-looking Ninebot Air T15 Electric
Scooter in China. In a swift move, the company is making it possible for
intending buyers outside China to lay their hands on the product at a
cost-effective price compared to relying on third-party retailers.
The Ninebot Air T15 Electric Scooter has
now been launched for crowdfunding on Kickstarter. The campaign opened two days
back and already US$ 260,462 has been raised by 390 backers. The e-scooter
comes with a $569 price tag and is expected to start shipping in July 2020.
Interestingly, it seems to ship to US and Canada only and shipping attracts an
extra US$ 30 fee.
As regards the design and features, the
Ninebot Electric Scooter Air T15 adopts a portable but futuristic-looking
design right from the handlebar to the braking system. Talking of the
handlebar, the Ninebot Air T15 utilises a two-beam metal design encased in a
plastic housing. The plastic housing has a light strip that runs from the
bottom to the top. At the top end of the structure lies the front light which
teams up with the light strip to make the scooter visible to oncoming traffic
at night. The light strip also adds some aesthetics to the scooter. The brake
light uses a surround strip design which also improves visibility and
aesthetics.Ninebot Electric Scooter Air T15
The handlebar itself has a digital LCD
display at the middle which shows key parameters of the scooter like speed,
battery level, and others. The bike also pairs with a smartphone via the
Ninebot app to also give users access to their scooter’s data and controls.
The e-scooter uses puncture-proof hollow
tires designed specifically for it. The front and back tires are of different
sizes, while the back uses a 6-inch tire, the front tire is 7.5-inch in size.
The benefit of this is that it elevates the handlebar a little and acts as a
roller if the scooter needs to be conveyed from one point to another when
folded. Yes, the Air T15 uses a foldable design which makes it easy
transport.
The Air T15 control system is yet another
innovative design. It uses “Step controls” embedded with the mudguard. To turn
on the scooter, you depress the mud-guard. The Air T15 is controlled not by a
standard throttle, but rather with a kick-to-go system. Perhaps the best way to
describe it would be constant cruise control. Essentially, the rider pushes off
like a non-electric scooter to get moving, and the scooter then locks in at the
rider’s current speed. To go faster, the rider gives another kick or two. To
slow down, the rider steps on the mudflap brake, which also engages
regenerative braking. With this new control system, the rider’s feet can
entirely control the acceleration and deceleration, just like on a standard
scooter.
In terms of the key specifications, the
e-scooter has a maximum carrying capacity of 100kg and can climb a 15-degree
elevation. The scooter can travel at a speed of 20 km/h but has a range of just
12 km. Of course, the mileage can be extended depending on the usage. It packs
a 4000mAh smart BMS battery with overheat, overcharge, under circuit
protection. The battery can be fully charged in just 3.5 hours. The scooter has
a net weight of about 10.5 kg which is pretty decent.Ninebot Electric Scooter
Air T15
The Ninebot Air T15 also ships with a
storage stand where it can be kept while charging. In addition, it comes with
an IPX4 waterproof rating which makes it suitable for use in the rain of course
as long as visibility is okay for the rider.
