ME electric scooter uses lightweight sheet molding materials to cater to urban riding

ME electric scooter uses lightweight sheet molding materials to cater to urban riding
all images courtesy of ME group

spawn from a group of italian engineers and designers the ME electric scooter originated by one simple idea –  aesthetics are functional, and design and construction choices are made to enhance the efficiency of the electric motor. it wants to cater to a need that will become increasingly widespread – to move with ease anywhere in a urban setting. 

the most important innovation is the choice of an alternative material like SMC (sheet moulding compound), which is lightweight, durable and versatile to increase the scooter’s performance. sheet moulding compound is a thermosetting material in sheets made from glass, fibers, mineral fillers, pigments and unsaturated pollster resins, obtained by grafting strands of glass fibers cut on a layer of polyester resin. the curing process yields a perfectly homogeneous and stable product when the material is finished heating. this means there is no need to weld components, mount plates or assemble uprights.

 electric motor launches the scooter from zero to 45 km/h in six seconds 

the electric motor installed launches the scooter from zero to 45 km/h (limited by law) in six seconds. the battery onboard has a range of 80 km with an emergency 10 km that directly powered from the electric recovery brake system. the lithium ion cell connects to a 220 volt socket that hookups directly to the scooter or by removing the battery to bring to an office or home where it takes five hours to fully charge.

the team at ME have equipped the scooter with a ‘smart box’, developed by engineers in brescia, which has a dual function. it acquires the charging stats of the battery, display them as a scrolling bar, which flashes to warn the rider that the emergency power reserve threshold has been reach, and goes into ‘recovery mode’. in addition, the smart box is able to read the instantaneous power consumption, so that the rider can configure the riding style in the best way possible to booster the power reserve. the ME scooter is designed, produced and assembled in italy but is also looking for funding to help further production here. 

 the scooter sits on two 12 inch wheels

the lithium ion cell is underneath the seat

 the front view  with a battery, the ME scooter weighs 90 kilograms the removable lithium ion battery  the electric scooter will be available in black  the frame is manufactured in two whole pieces the LED rear lights  concept sketches of the ME scooter  the sheet moulding process