When it comes to urban personal mobility, ease-of-use and lightness are key. With tight city streets, busy business districts, and crowded shopping areas, it just makes sense to opt for a lightweight electric scooter to be able to go in and out as quickly and as efficiently as possible. It's no surprise that electric scooters and e-bikes have become rather popular in Europe and Asia, with numerous new players popping up left and right.
While there is a variety of options for
different types of riders, budgets, and lifestyles, the common denominator when
it comes to lightweight electric two-wheelers is practical personal mobility.
Such is the case with the new MoovWay foldable electric moped which has
recently been launched in France at an extremely affordable price tag. This
practical and affordable electric moped is being made super accessible by
French retail outfit CarreFour, which sells everything from groceries to
appliances. Pegged at an introductory price of just € 200, the MoovWay is sure
to be a hit among those looking for the bare minimum sit-down electric scooter.
At a glance, this tiny electric moped may
look like a rinky dinky toy. However, for the price, it offers quite a bit of
value. It comes equipped with a 216 wH battery which juices up a 360 w electric
motor. This gives the tiny moped a top speed of 25 kilometers per hour, and a
claimed range in the ballpark of 15 kilometers. While these performance figures
are rather unimpressive, take note that this moped is being sold for just €200,
or the equivalent of US$ 240. There is, however, one major caveat which could
very well be this cheap electric two-wheeler's Achilles heel.
Given the MoovWay's lack of pedals, it
doesn't fall under the electric-assisted bicycle segment, and is too
underpowered to be a considered bonafide moped. As such, things can get a
little bit confusing. In order to use the MoovWay on public roads, the owner
will need to have it registered and insured. On top of this, it can only be
operated with a licensed user wearing a proper motorcycle helmet. Otherwise,
the MoovWay can only be used in private roads, defeating the purpose of its
affordable and practical nature.
