Going electric isn’t all about four wheels. There are plenty of other options that aren't Tesla's latest high-end cars. In fact, electric vehicles come in almost every shape and size.
Electric transport covers everything from the best electric bikes to more unusual, aquatic creations. We’ve tracked down the very best in all-electric transport innovation on land and sea.
Weighing in at a mere 6.8kg and capable of collapsing down to 19.5cm x 29cm x 49cm, the Smacircle S1 is the world’s tiniest folding electric scooter. Comprising a carbon-fibre frame, shock-absorbing wheels, flip-down foot platforms and a padded tube seat, it can transport riders of up to 100kg. Range is an estimated 19km on a single charge, with a top speed of 20kph, powered by a 240W brushless front-wheel-drive motor and 36V, 5,800mAh Samsung battery hidden in the seat. Riders can connect via Bluetooth to the obligatory companion app to track battery level, monitor journeys and activate the security lock. The folding mechanism owes a debt to Brompton, but by tucking the wheels inside the frame – and having no pedals – Smacircle has done a smart job of disappearing its design. $649 smacircle.com
The Nikola NZT is an exceptionally powerful and fun all-electric off-roader capable of 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds over a range of up to 240km. The 400V AC motor, powered by your choice of 75kWh, 100kWh or 125kWh Li-ion battery pack, can hit 590hp (that’s the same as a Ferrari Portofino) and charge within three hours. The 33-inch Kevlar-reinforced tyres consign punctures to the past and, with all four wheels having 51cm of travel from the FOX Podium Internal Bypass shocks and 37cm of ground clearance, the NZT is good to go just about anywhere. The chassis and military-grade steel roll-cage have been engineered to take serious abuse and cleverly house the buggy’s IP67-rated battery pack. It’s not without luxuries, either: there’s a 12.2in colour touchscreen display, keyless ignition, ultra-soft seats, multiple power outlets, LED lighting and full Bluetooth audio. From $28,900 nikolamotor.com
Graceful and virtually silent as it skims across the water, this elegant electric hydrofoil is a smart reworking of the calm-shattering jet ski. It’s made from strong-yet-light Paulownia wood, stainless steel, aluminium and carbon, and its unibody design doesn’t generate a wake, so you can ride without disrupting other humans or wildlife. A high-torque brushless electric motor has a top speed of 36kph with a running time of around an hour before recharging. Velocity control comes via a waterproof Bluetooth remote with a colour screen, but direction control is down to the rider. Instructional videos on Fliteboard’s YouTube channel suggest you’ll need surfing skills to get standing up, and a snowboarding brain to remain there. £tbc fliteboard.com
Taking you a step closer to Nemo, Sublue’s WhiteShark MIX is an affordable, compact and extremely capable underwater scooter that can drag you through the depths at a stately 5.6kph. Weighing 2.8kg, it can run for up to 60 minutes per charge and dive to depths of 40 metres, making it an ideal accessory for lazy swimmers or inexperienced divers looking to get the most from their oxygen tanks. Cleverly, the MIX also comes with a universal GoPro mount on the underside, so you can record your POV adventures, as well as mesh guards to protect inquisitive fingers from the propellers.
Operation is safe and simple, requiring the swimmer to grip the bars, press both triggers to start the propellers, and then just hanging on, steering as you might do a bicycle. The motor will cut out if you release either hand – and if you let go completely, its zero buoyancy means the MIX won’t sink like a stone, or shoot back to the surface. To compare your aquatic performance to the competition, the average swimmer will manage a top speed of around 3kph – while 23-time Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps has been clocked at 9.6kph. You won’t outrun many aquatic predators on the MIX, but, with a thrust of 23.95Nm from the 110Wh Li-ion battery, you’ll get a good head start without kicking your feet. $329 www.sublue.cn
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
