BMW have released a new prototype based on
their old C-1 enclosed scooter. The C1-E dumps out the old 124/176 cc gas engines
and uses an electric motor manufactured by Vectrix, powered by lithium-ion
batteries.
The roll cage is also lighter and covered
in clear plastic as opposed to the more substantial roof of the old C-1. As
with the original, the rider is strapped in using a seat belt, which enables them
to ride sans-helmet — though that depends on individual country’s laws too.
Since this is just a prototype, there are
no guarantees that it’ll ever make it to production and if it did, BMW have
hinted that it may even get a gas powered engine again (albeit a high efficiency,
low emission version). Though we guess it would lose the ‘E’ in the title then.
A four point seat belt???