You would never guess it by looking at them, but the humble electric scooter, a modern marvel of urban mobility, has an origin that is surprisingly rooted in the 19th century! The velocipede, invented by Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan in the 1830s, was a groundbreaking pedal-driven bicycle that set the stage for the future development of scooters and bicycles alike.Â
Although not electric, the Velocipede was a remarkable precursor to modern personal transportation devices. Its arrival marked the beginning of a growing human fascination with personal mobility, and laid the foundation for the transformative innovations that would follow.
In the early 20th century, a pivotal moment in the evolution of personal transportation arrived with the introduction of the Autoped scooter. Invented in 1913 by inventor and entrepreneur Henry K. Wills, the Autoped was an ingenious motorized scooter that featured a small engine located between its two wheels. It marked a significant departure from the pedal-driven designs of the past, offering riders a more effortless and motorized means of getting around. The Autoped gained popularity as one of the first commercially successful motorized scooters, showcasing the potential of compact, fuel-efficient personal transport. Although not electric, the Autoped was a crucial stepping stone in the timeline of scooters, foreshadowing the electric scooters that would become synonymous with urban mobility in the 21st century.
The late 20th century marked a significant turning point in the evolution of electrified mobility, as the world witnessed the emergence of electrically powered variants of many different forms of transport. With environmental concerns on the rise and advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles began to gain traction as a sustainable and efficient solution for urban commuting. Beginning with electric cars, bikes and scooters were the next forms of personal transport to undergo electrification. These two-wheeled wonders quickly became a symbol of eco-conscious transportation, providing riders with a clean and convenient mode of getting around crowded city streets. As we entered the 21st century, the electric scooter underwent a technological renaissance, with manufacturers continuously improving designs, battery life, and overall performance.
In the present day, electric scooters have seamlessly integrated into the fabric of urban life, offering a practical and enjoyable means of transportation. Our online shop proudly embraces this rich history and brings you the latest and most innovative electric scooters on the market. From sleek designs to cutting-edge technology, our collection represents the culmination of centuries of progress in personal mobility. As we appreciate the efficiency and style of our electric scooters, let’s also tip our hats to the Velocipede and the Autoped, the humble ancestors that started it all.
