These New Battery-Swappable Japanese E-Scooters Fold Smaller Than A Briefcase

Japanese personal mobility innovator Shimizu is turning heads with its latest Arma folding electric scooter prototype. Boasting a weight of just 10 lb (4.5 kg), Shimizu claims it’s working on the world’s smallest and lightest scooter. While the verdict is still out on that claim, the Arma’s impressive compact design and features make it a compelling last-mile commuter.

Shimizu’s Arma is making waves as a potential game-changer in the electric scooter market. Weighing a mere 10 lb (4.5 kg), this folding scooter aims to redefine compactness. Its folding mechanism transforms it into a case with the dimensions of an A4 sheet of paper, offering unparalleled convenience for users who want to carry it in a backpack, briefcase, or tote.

One standout feature of the Arma is its swappable battery platform. Equipped with a 3.5-Ah 36-V lithium battery, the scooter promises a range of 7 to 9 miles (11 to 14.5 km). The swappable battery design allows users to quickly replace a drained battery with a fresh one, making it practical for daily commuting. Charging the battery takes approximately two hours via USB-C.

UUnlike traditional single-jointed scooters, the folding mechanism the folding mechanism employs multiple joints for a more compact fold. In less than 30 seconds, the Arma transforms into a sleek, portable case. Shimizu’s Kickstarter campaign aims to refine the second prototype. Testing is scheduled for early 2024 before the production phase.

The Arma includes user-friendly features such as accelerator and brake buttons on the handlebars. It also has a central display for essential metrics like speed and battery life. With a weight capacity supporting riders up to 220 lb (100 kg), the Arma caters to a diverse range of commuters.

Shimizu’s Kickstarter campaign offers early backers a chance to secure the Arma at a discounted rate, starting at ¥135,000 (approx. US$920). This crowdfunding initiative seeks to fund further refinements to the prototype, making the Arma a potential trailblazer in the realm of compact, lightweight electric scooters.

Source: Shimizu