Yachting World – 01.04.2018

NEW GEAR

What is it? Electric power personal shoreside transport

Who is it for? Cruising sailors who like to travel in style

TT

NEW GEAR

£1,499

Brompton has long been a manufacturer of

some of the world’s best folding bikes, but was

slower than others to get involved with the

electric power revolution.

That’s now changed with the company’s

Electric model just about to hit the market. As

with Brompton’s manually powered bikes these

are well engineered, while retaining the small,

lightweight and easily portable package for

which the company is renowned.

The two-speed model weighs 16.6kg,

including the battery pack, while the six speed

Immotor GO electric scooter

his waterproof three wheel electric

scooter folds up into a neat, easily

stowed package, yet has a range of

up to 16 miles and can reach a top speed of

16mph. It makes an interesting alternative to

carrying conventional folding bikes.

In addition to the primary use of personal

transport, the stable three-wheel platform

also means the unit can be used as a caddy to

transport heavy objects, which could be a real

boon when cruising.

Each scooter has a 350W brushless front

hub motor and ships with two 48V lithium-ion

batteries that fully recharge in 2^1 ∕ 2 to 3 hours.

There’s sufficient power

to climb inclines of 15°

(27 per cent).

In much the same

way that a Tesla car is in

constant communication,

these scooters have

interactive, self-updating

software, Bluetooth

connectivity, GPS

tracking including a

virtual fence, parental

controls, plus back-

end data gathering

and analysis. Self-

diagnostics link directly

to customer service, allowing Immotor to

collect generic performance and safety

related data to improve the user experience.

The batteries also include a built-in microchip

and processor, which provide a wealth of

information related to use.

There’s suspension both front

and back for a smoother ride

and tubeless run-flat tyres with

multiple air pockets. The telescopic

handlebar stem can be set at three different

heights making it accessible to people from

1.2m (4ft) to 2.0m (6ft 6in) tall. The scooter

weighs 14kg, excluding batteries and carrying

capacity is 136kg (300lb).

The Immotor GO has an IP54 waterproof

rating, while the batteries are rated at IP65.

Sales and distribution in the UK and Europe are

via Amazon.

Price: £1,499. http://www.immotor.com

GO’s handlebar

controls include

access to your

smartphone’s

camera

Electric

Immotor GO

scooter folds for

easier storage

Brompton Electric

version is 700g

heavier. The 36V

battery will provide

a range of 25-50

miles. Arguably the

biggest downside is

the price, but Brompton owners are happy

to pay a premium for a quality

product, so we can expect to

see plenty of these electric

versions on cruising yachts of

the future.

Price £2,595 to £2,755.

http://www.brompton.com