The Spanish manufacturer is venturing into the world of two-wheel electric vehicles with the recent release of an affordable eScooter with a 137-kilometer (85-mile) range that promises to revolutionize urban mobility on the Old Continent.
Developed through a joint venture with the Barcelona-based electric motorbike company Silence, the MO 125 is marketed as a zero-emission alternative for the so-yesterday ICE-powered scooters.
It uses a rear wheel-mounted 9 kW (21 hp) electric motor which is equivalent to a conventional gas-powered 125 cc scooter, producing 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. The latter is available instantly and can propel the small MO 125 to a maximum speed of 95 kph (59 mph).
Ride dynamics are enhanced with three individual driving modes. City offers a balance between power and range, Sport unleashes full power, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 50 kph (31 mph) in 3.9 seconds, while Eco maximizes energy saving.
Photo: SEAT SA
Energy is stored in a 5.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack that offers up to 137 km (85 miles) of range on a single charge, more than enough for several days of commuting.
The pack can be recharged at conventional charging stations while on the vehicle, but it can also be removed and plugged into a conventional 230 V power socket.
Thanks to the innovative system which incorporates a set of wheels and a handle attached to the pack, it can easily be transported and can also be used as an independent power source.
Photo: SEAT SA
This system makes MO eScooter 125 the perfect solution for fleet customers who can simply swap batteries to keep it on the road for an extended period.
However, practicality isn’t limited to the performance and convenient charging solutions as the eScooter also offers enough onboard storage in the under-seat compartment to easily fit two helmets or a combination of a single helmet and other personal items.
To cope with the increasing demands of a digitalized and connected world, SEAT has specifically developed an app for the MO 125 that allows users to track their vehicle, providing critical information such as positioning and charging level updates.
Moreover, riders can stop worrying about the battery level of their devices as the vehicle comes equipped with two high-speed USB ports.
The cute little scooter is available in three exclusive matt paint finishes: Daring Red, Dark Aluminum, and Oxygen White. It went on sale last month in Spain for €6,250 ($7,670), with Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Sweden set to get a taste of the MO 125 in the first quarter of this year.
Photo: SEAT SA
The Catalan-based carmaker and Volkswagen subsidiary also plans to offer a special version developed for ride-sharing companies. It will come with a top box case for increased storage capacity, a phone holder, as well as an exclusive Dark Aluminum matt paint finish with unique decals.
Furthermore, SEAT is also offering two electric kick scooters as part of the new MO lineup which provides a 25 or 65 km (15.5- or 40-mile) range for an even more compact mobility solution.
It will be interesting to see how the eScooter 125 will be received in Europe and whether it will make the jump to other markets. In the meantime, the manufacturer is planning to release its first electric car this year in the form of the Cupra el-Born.
Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times. Full profile
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