They’ve been dubbed a ‘menace’ on UK streets, with calls for them to be banned entirely.
Now, electric scooters (e–scooters) are about to get even more irritating.
The world’s fastest e–scooter has been unveiled – and it can reach dizzying speeds of up to 100mph.
The vehicle, dubbed The Turbo, is the brainchild of UK company, Bo, who describe it as ‘a monster’.
‘As The Turbo development progressed, we realised that we were creating a monster,’ said Oscar Morgan, CEO at Bo.
‘E–scooters have been revolutionising how people move locally, but they are yet to enter the leagues of mainstream automotive culture.
‘The Turbo is part of our mission to elevate these futuristic electric vehicles into the top tier of automotive performance.’
Thankfully, the hefty cost will likely put off most potential buyers – The Turbo has an eye–watering base price of $29,500 (£21,950).
The world’s fastest e–scooter has been unveiled – and it can reach dizzying speeds of up to 100mph
Across 20 runs, piloted by professional racing rider, Tre Whyte, the vehicle clocked in a top speed of 85mph (135kph)
Bo spent 18 months developing The Turbo, which is crafted out of aerospace grade aluminium.
At the heart of the vehicle is a ‘cutting–edge powertrain’, featuring a 24,000W dual motor propulsion system.
Meanwhile, the main battery is 1800Wh – large enough to supply fast–charging to 1,500 iPhones simultaneously.
So, while most e–scooters you see on the roads today have a range of around 15–40 miles on a single charge, The Turbo can travel up to 150 miles before you need to plug it in, according to Bo.
The company carried out its first test runs at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit.
Across 20 runs, piloted by professional racing rider, Tre Whyte, the vehicle clocked in a top speed of 85mph (135kph).
For comparison, the speed limit for e–scooters in the UK is currently 15.5mph.
However, Bo isn’t stopping there.
The company now hopes to break the 100mph under Guinness World Record Supervision
The company now hopes to break the 100mph under Guinness World Record Supervision
The company now hopes to break the 100mph under Guinness World Record Supervision.
Harry Wills, CTO at Bo, said: ‘Having successfully completed the shakedown process on race tracks here in the UK, and with a high level of confidence in the stability and rideability of The Turbo, we are now initiating a process to increase the output and speed from the vehicle until we achieve our target.’
A ‘limited run’ of Turbo commissions is currently in development, with a base price of $29,500 (£21,950).
However, not just anyone can buy one.
‘Potential enthusiasts considering a build are invited to submit previous ride experience through an online portal on The Turbo site,’ Bo said.
The news comes shortly after a crackdown on e–scooters was launched, following a spate of incidents that left members of the public ‘scared and threatened.’
A campaign launched by Crimestoppers this month is urging the public to report instances of dangerous and illegal use of off–road motorbikes, mopeds, e–bikes and e–scooters.
It comes amid growing concerns that the vehicles are becoming a threat to the public, with the bikes being ridden in residential areas, on town centre pavements and parks.
Angela Parker National Manager of Crimestoppers, said: ‘We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off–road bikes.
‘This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair.
‘Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.’
