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Worldwide popular electric scooters are counted as toys for kids in some regions. However, electric scooters are not a new invention made for fun. In fact, Electric Scooters have a long history that goes way to the 18th Century.
Even though these economical vehicles are common now, it was bizarre back then. It’s understandable to be curious about who invented the electric scooter.
Worry no more as we will get to know all the details in the history of electric scooters below in this article.
Plus, we promise that it will be interesting to know how and when electric scooters were invented, who invented them, how they evolved into the ones we see today, etc.
So, without holding you back, let’s see how the history unfolds.
When Was The First Commercial Motorized Scooter Invented, And By Whom?
Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson invented the very first motorized scooter for adults. He submitted a patent application on July 26th, 1913, to develop the Self Propelled Vehicle he would rename the Autoped later.
The Autoped’s design is relatively similar to today’s electric scooter. The structure is the same, but it is obviously bigger because of technological limitations and the gas-powered machine.
Arthur Gibson elaborated on his invention in the following words: “The goals of my invention are to create a vehicle that is extremely small, compact, and light concerning the load to be carried.”
“Plus, it should be powerful enough to provide sufficient power for quick locomotion under normal circumstances and comparatively extreme simplicity in use and operation.”
After getting their patent approved, Gibson’s business partner, Joseph Merkel, started working on their first batch of commercial scooters in their factory in Long Island, New York.
The first electric scooter was priced at $100 with the following technical specifications:
- Air-cooled and 155cc Four stroke engine.
- Top speed up to 30 Mph.
- Weighted up to 100 lbs.
- Everready Battery with Coil charger.
- Collapsible stem and handle.
- Brakes with activated steering columns
- Engine set on the front wheel.
Even though motorized scooters had a short lifespan because of their commercial failure when it was invented, it was loved and embraced by most people.
What is the story behind inventing the first Electric Scooter?
Electric scooters, along with motorized bikes, were quite popular from 1915 to 1922, as they were the reason behind the revolution of short-distance commutes.
They became the means of transporting everyone to travel from home to work or places like markets and grocery stores.
Today, people use these commuters to save time and energy to be more efficient.
Further, let’s take a look at the first motorized scooter, which hit the roads of America in 1915 and worldwide, known as the Autoped.
The first commercial Electric Scooter: Autoped
Electric scooters have been around since way back in 1895, when the first patent was filed in Ohio by the original inventor Ogden Bolten Jr.
Later, the New York-based company, Autoped launched its first batch of commercial electric scooters twenty years later in 1915.
It was quite similar to the kick scooter kids use nowadays, also named Autoped, named after the company itself.
Why Are The Autopeds Considered As A Part Of Electric Scooter History?
When Autopeds were launched, they were hyped as motorized scooters and many professional workers loved using them. Among these users were mostly mailmen, military officers, and suffragettes. However, the attempt to make the Autopeds a mainstream product was failed.
The failure of such an invention surprised many people because the promotional campaigns ran for them were massive. It was an ahead-of-time invention in the motorized vehicle industry.
Upper-class men were finding the missing seat unsettling and decided to invest in transportation options with more comfort and seats. Newly launched cars were more convenient for a family of 3 to 4.
So, since it gave inspiration to the makers of electric scooters, they have been a significant part of the electric scooter history.
Development of Electric Scooters Over The Years
After introducing the first electric scooter, multiple duplicates and copies started popping up in the south american and European markets.
However, the Great Depression from 1929 to 1939 slowed down technological developments and innovation in America. Meanwhile, other auto companies in Germany, the UK, and Europe started working on engineering them.
A British company launched the first Autoped alternative called ABC Motorcycles called Skootamota. It had a slightly lower top speed of around 15 Mph but had a seat like today’s moped scooters, which made it quite popular back then after world war 1.
Later, companies like Gloster Aircraft launched two alternatives to the Autoped, such as the Reynolds runabout in 1919 and a Unibus model in 1920.
It was the first scooter that ran on gas, so it was a motor scooter instead of an electric one. It had a large engine set on the scooter’s front wheel with a top speed of 25 Mph and was highly used by traffic police to commute.
This Scooter was the first motorized scooter to gain popularity in the Western regions and was manufactured in Germany later on.
The Modernization of Electric Scooters
Because of cheaper batteries, manufacturers are creating electric scooters in high demand. Additionally, the 90’s electric scooter, Boom, has given a type of model that can be seen in the electric scooter models nowadays.
These models are made with lighter weight, better agility, improved suspension, and great styles and designs.
Since the Autoped, scooters have advanced significantly, and while the history of the industry is lengthy, the current state is unsustainable.
History is cyclical, and trends come and go. Scooter producers must create a transportable, safe, and reliable scooter that people will be pleased to own to keep this going.
Also You can learn how to ride an electric scooter here
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Wrapping Up: Who Invented Electric Scooter?
Ever since its introduction in 1915, the electric scooter has advanced significantly. They have evolved from the heavy Autoped to the modern and stylish e-scooters of today, becoming a well-liked method to commute for individuals of all ages.
Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson invented the very first electric scooter, although Wim Ouboter popularised the current type of scooter in the 1990s. It was a small, lightweight scooter made for short journeys called Ouboter Kickboard.
Electric scooters now come in a wide range of styles, from inexpensive models to expensive models with GPS tracking and built-in lights. They are affordable, simple to use, and environmentally friendly.
FAQs
Peugeot Scoot’Elec was the first electric scooter launched in mass production.
Germany was the country to make the first motorized scooter, as Baron Karl von Drais de Sauerbrun from Germany in1817; however, he never filed a patent.
The worldwide popular Chinese electric scooter brand, Yadea, is the largest scooter producer in the world.
The BMW C 400 GT is the most expensive scooter in the world.
