Japanese personal mobility company Shimizu has set a new standard in urban commuting with the launch of the Arma e-scooter. The new innovation product is touted as the world’s smallest and lightest folding electric scooter. The Arma weighs in at an astonishing 4.5 kg and promises unparalleled convenience for city dwellers.
The Shimizu Arma features a unique folding
design with multiple joints. This innovation allows the scooter to be compacted
to the size of a standard piece of printer paper, making it effortlessly
portable. The entire folding process takes less than 30 seconds, transforming
the Arma into a sleek and easily transportable case with a built-in handle.
Another standout feature of the new
scooter is the swappable battery platform, addressing a common concern in the
electric scooter market. Users can quickly replace a depleted battery with a
fully charged one, extending the scooter’s range and eliminating the dreaded
“range anxiety.”
The Arma’s estimated range is between 7
and 9 miles on a single 3.5-Ah 36-V lithium battery. The battery powers a 250-W
motor. The e-scooter is capable of hitting a top speed of 24 km/h,
striking a balance between efficiency and safety for short-distance urban
commuting.
Shimizu has launched a Kickstarter
campaign to fund the refinement of the second prototype, with testing scheduled
for early 2024. Early backers can secure the Arma at a 40% discount off the
estimated retail price, making it an enticing opportunity for those eager to
embrace the future of urban mobility.
