BMW Concept Link Is a Zero-Emission Scooter That Wants to Grow Up

Unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017, this concept vehicle isn’t just about itself, it’s about much more than that. And the same with the Vision Next 100, this ride isn’t focused only on itself and the rider, but the entire environment around it too.

What this means is that the Link is meant to do more than just carry you around town. It’s meant to connect to the whole ‘grid,’ so to speak. What this means is that the Link receives and displays information in real-time. Information such as weather conditions, road hazards, shortest routes, scenic routes, and even your calendar is connected to help keep you on track.

All the information is displayed neatly on the screen just below the windshield, along with speed and battery status. Traffic jams? What traffic jams? It’s even small enough to hop on a sidewalk real-quick and nobody would even care.

“The Concept connects the analogue with the digital world in a very seamless way. It enables the user to be connected all the times and provides a new mobility experience in the future,” says Timo Resch, Vice President Sales and Marketing BMW Motorrad.

Given its size, you can guess that BMW made it with the urban environment in mind and be right about it. This clean-cut and futuristic design seems to bring a whole new appeal to scooters. The size for it is just perfect. It doesn’t look too big for a scooter nor too small, and still has that fierce BMW look from the front.

Some design aspects actually seem to stem from motorcycle design, though. The front, for example, reminds me of a serious take-you-where-you-want-to-go motorcycle. It was all on the design, as they say. The large front of the vehicle is created as such to maximize the aerodynamics of the vehicle and rider without any extra side-paneling.

Speaking of side paneling, the Link has a wonderful feature hidden in its design. A space underneath the seat opens up to show a storage compartment. Perfect for your helmet or groceries without the extra trunk on the back. Keeping true to the sleek and modern design, the compartment opens by means of a sliding door. But no mention as to how to open it.

The handlebars include some upgrades as well. Here you’ll find touch-sensitive buttons that are able to be programmed to truly customize your ride without ever having to take your hands off the handle-bars.
And last but not least of the Link’s tricks is the apparel you see on the rider.

That jacket is not just a costume, it’s part of the Link’s design. It offers shoulder and elbow protection in case of bumps or falls and is even water repellent. Remember that sliding door we talked about? The jacket includes a sensor on the right sleeve, marked by two seemingly stitched lines, which open the sliding door with a simple movement of the hand.

Oh, and that little orange thingy at the top, I think that’s the windshield? Not sure, though.