INU Self-Folding Electric Smart Scooter Preview – Beautiful Inside and Out

I was never interested in hoverboard and electric scooters but when I first looked at the INU scooter, I immediately fell in love with the sleek electric commuter.

Specifications

• Colors: Green, Silver
• Weight: 55 lbs (25kg)
• Dimensions: 1200 mm (height), 300 mm (width), 1500 mm (length)
• Folded Dimensions: 1200 mm (height), 300 mm (width), 400 mm (length)
• Frame: Aluminum alloy 6005-T5
• Folding System: Automatic folding system, Folding / unfolding time: 4 seconds
• Max Load: 120 kg
• Wheels & Wheelbase: 14.5″ (70/80-10) Type Approved tires, 1100 mm Wheelbase
• Speed: Up to 25 km/h (can be limited to 6 km/h and 20 km/h)
• Acceleration: 0-25 [km/h] @ 4 seconds
• Motor: Brushless hub-motor, 500W / 750W
• Battery: Li-Ion
• Charging Time: 1 hour from 50% to 100%, 3 hours from 0% to 100%
• Application: iOS and Android smartphone app
• Range: 40 km
• Smartphone Docking: Included with designated app and charging
• Home Docking Station: Designated home docking station
• Certifications: TUV type approved (EU) and CE certificated
• Environmental: Comply with IP 56 (IEC)
• Human Engineering: Compatible to a 95% male and a 5% female (European)
• Board & Seat: board, seat, and fairing
• Controller: Designated vehicle controller, operating all vehicle systems
• Brakes: front hydraulic disk brakes and rear motor regenerating brakes
• Shock Absorbers: front and rear designated shock absorbers
• Extra Accessories: front and rear lights, horn, alarm, mudguard
• Security: “Find my INU” app-vehicle system
• Limited warranty: 1 year

Images

Design & Features

The Inu scooter is built by the Israeli startup Green Ride. It was first revealed at CES 2015 and planned to hit the US and European markets in early 2016. We can expect the launch in Barcelona, Milan in the 2nd quarter of 2016 and a little later in the US.

It can be used as a full-sized sit-down scooter and stand-up kick-style scooter because it includes both a foot platform and seat. So, you will still able to ride it even when the battery runs out. A full charge of the battery can ride up to 25 miles and it takes 3 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. The battery is hidden in the wheel, so it helps form a futuristic and clean design.

Although the scooter has tiny wheels of 14.5″, it is said to deliver an enjoyable riding experience, thanks to the full-suspension system with an internal spring-based front suspension and a rear torsion bar.

Unlike folding bikes we’ve reviewed on the website, the Inu caught my attention because of the automatic folding mechanism. To fold or unfold the scooter, you will just need to push a button on the Inu, use a voice command or use the smartphone app. The folding mechanism is so smooth and takes just about 5 seconds.

However, the scooter is quite heavy and big, even when compared to electric bikes. The weight of 55 lbs is obviously difficult to manage for female riders (the lightest folding bike I’ve reviewed is the Allen Sports Ultra X which weighs just 18.75 lbs).

Another reason you might not buy the Inu scooter is its hefty price. It comes in 3 different models with the price ranging from $3,360 to $5,600. This is not a scooter for everyone, so I will hold up until next year. I believe there will be a lot more choices by then.