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Mercedes-Benz rolls into micromobility market with foldable e-scooter

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This story is part of Tech for Change: an ongoing series in which we shine a spotlight on positive uses of technology, and showcase how they're helping to make the world a better place.

If you’ve always fancied a Mercedes but found the price prohibitive, then this latest vehicle from the German carmaker may be just the ticket.

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Sure, it’s a little smaller than a regular Merc motor, and doesn’t offer the comfort of its pricier models, but it should still be a joy to ride.

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It’s an electric scooter, the first such vehicle from Mercedes-Benz as it enters the increasingly competitive micromobility market for short-distance transportation.

Developed in partnership with Swiss company Micro Mobility Systems AG, the foldable “eScooter” is powered by a 500W motor that can push the it to a fairly gentle 12 mph (20 kph), while the 7.8 Ah battery gives it a range of 15.5 miles (25 km).

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Front and rear suspension should enable a smooth ride, and its 20-cm diameter rubber wheels give it a good chance of comfortably tackling unexpected bumps in the road, as well as uneven surfaces such as cobblestones.

The stylish 29.7-pound (13.5 kg) eScooter also features a retractable steering column that can be adjusted to the rider’s height, and an ergonomically shaped handlebar with an accelerator on the right side and brake on the left.

A centrally-mounted display offers information on speed, battery level, and riding mode, though additional ride data can be viewed by pairing the scooter to your smartphone, which you can attach to the handlebar.

Lights on the front and back make the electric two-wheeler suitable for road use, and a rear drum brake and a foot brake on the protective plate ensure you’ll be able to pull up safely when necessary.

The automaker says it designed the eScooter with longevity in mind, claiming the machine should be good for at least 3,000 miles (around 5,000 km) of travel before it starts to show any serious signs of wear and tear.

The New Mercedes-Benz eScooter – Last Zero-Emissions Mile

Mercedes adds that it envisions riders using it for last-mile travel. In other words, grab it from the trunk of your car or carry it on the train, and then ride it the short distance from the parking lot or station to your end point.

We’ve not been told anything about price and availability, so we’ve reached out to Mercedes in the hope of finding out.

More and more automakers are exploring the micromobility market, with the likes of Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford, and General Motors, among others, investing in the sector.

If you’re considering taking off on your first electric scooter but don’t want to wait for Mercedes’ eScooter to arrive, then Digital Trends has some top tips on the best deals currently available.

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