E-scooters are everywhere, but they mostly appear identical. Bo aims to disrupt this monotony with its uniquely engineered M e-scooter.
What can be so different about such a basic device? Bo was established by a pair of engineers from Williams F1 Advanced Engineering and a designer who once worked at JLR. They've applied their expertise to re-imagine what an e-scooter can be.
Their initial move was to streamline the components the rider engages with. Instead of constructing the scooter from a base, a tall steering column, and handlebars, these elements were merged into a single unit known as the chassis.
Dubbed the Monocurve design, this approach has several benefits. Forged from aluminum, its robust unibody construction offers an ergonomic shape. It also provides a solid, stationary vertical section where users can hang bags up to 22 lbs (10 kg).
“Our rider research discovered the majority of people seldom or never fold their e-scooters,” said Harris Wills, Bo co-founder and CTO. “So we made a conscious decision to introduce the Bo M with an unbroken Monocurve unibody chassis and eliminate this source of weakness.”
Because the steering column is now integrated into the Monocurve chassis, bag weight doesn’t negatively impact the steering, ensuring a stable ride. This design choice also made room for additional tech features like the Safetsteer system.
Tucked within the chassis, this system uses custom-wound torsion springs to automatically return the steering to the neutral position after making a turn. According to Bo, this makes the scooter easier to handle for newcomers and offers a smoother ride over uneven surfaces.
For added rider comfort, the chassis base includes an “Airdeck” standing area. Crafted from anti-vibration foam—the same material found in high-end athletic shoes—the footpad absorbs bumps, negating the need for traditional suspension, which Bo contends isn’t effective on scooters.
The spacious Monocurve chassis also allows for more battery storage. As a result, the M e-scooter boasts a range of up to 31 miles (50 km) and a maximum speed of 21 mph (35 km/h). Given that Bo is based in the hilly city of Bristol, the motor is also engineered to manage steep climbs effortlessly.
For optimal braking, the rear brake utilizes regenerative technology, while the front one is drum-based. This setup gives riders the flexibility to decelerate either rapidly or gradually, based on their immediate needs.
Weighing in at 49 lbs (22 kg), the M is designed for riders weighing up to 220 lbs (100 kg). Now in production, Bo has priced the M at £2,249 (2,597 euros / 2,726 USD at the current exchange rate). Initial deliveries from pre-orders are expected to begin in November.
Source: Carscoops
