Arma, a Japanese personal mobility company, has unveiled its latest innovation in urban commuting with the world's smallest and lightest foldable electric scooter, the Arma. Weighing approximately 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms), the Arma is a suitcase-sized marvel that redefines the concept of portability.
Its ultra-compact design, comparable to the dimensions of an A4 paper, allows for easy carrying in a bag or by hand, making it a convenient last-mile solution for urban commuters.
Swift transition with patent-protected design
The Arma distinguishes itself with its groundbreaking design that facilitates a swift transition from carry mode to ride mode in about 30 seconds. This patent-protected feature aligns seamlessly with the fast-paced lifestyle of on-the-go professionals, offering efficiency and convenience in urban transport.
Swappable batteries for extended range
One of Arma's standout features is its swappable lithium-ion batteries, which range up to approximately 9.3 miles (14.5 kilometers) and recharge fully in just 2 hours via USB Type-C. This innovation allows users to carry extra batteries for longer journeys, ensuring reliability and convenience.
Compact folding mechanism and size
Unlike traditional folding e-scooters, the Arma employs multiple joints in its folding mechanism, enabling it to pack much smaller. The scooter's dimensions, when folded, 210 x 297 milimeters (8.3 x 11.7 inches), are identical to a leaf of A4 paper. The 3.8-inch (96 millimeters) depth of the packed Arma makes it a highly compact package, easily fitting into a backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or tote.
Performance and accessibility
The Arma boasts a top speed of 14.9 mph (24 km/h) and supports riders up to 220 pounds (100 kilograms). Including an accelerator, brake button on the handlebars, and a central display for speed and battery metrics enhances the rider's control and experience. With a Kickstarter launched to refine the second prototype, Arma aims to test the scooter in early 2024 before moving into production.
Arma vs. Honda's Motocompacto
Arma faces competition from Honda's Motocompacto in compact, foldable electric scooters. While both vehicles target urban mobility, Arma's focus on extreme portability and swappable batteries sets it apart from the Motocompacto. The Arma's 30-second folding mechanism and dimensions mirroring A4 paper make it a compelling option for users seeking unmatched convenience in last-mile commuting.
Honda's Motocompacto, on the other hand, emphasizes a cleaner mobility alternative with a unique three-wheeled design. With a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour (25 kilometers/hour) and a range of 12 miles (19 kilometers), the Motocompacto targets users looking for a compact, easy-to-ride solution for urban environments.
In conclusion, while Arma and Honda's Motocompacto contribute to the evolving landscape of electric urban mobility, Arma's emphasis on extreme portability and battery flexibility positions it as a game-changer in the last-mile commuting segment. The competition between these innovative solutions will undoubtedly drive further advancements in the rapidly evolving world of electric personal mobility.
As Arma celebrates its revolutionary foldable e-scooter on its first anniversary, the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in urban commuting, offering a glimpse into the future of compact and portable electric vehicles.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article