Chinese Firm Unveils a Scooter That Can Return to Charging Stations by Itself

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – To solve one of the shared electric scooters’ major issues — they are left anywhere on the streets after their use — Segway-Ninebot has unveiled in China a new concept that can return them to the charging stations by themselves.

Called the KickScooter T60, the model should hit the market in 2020 and also features a further differential: the scooter has two front wheels, which help prevent falling.

“The critical point for scooter operators is to find a way to keep the scooters at a lower cost,” said Gao Lufeng, executive director of Segway-Ninebot.

In its current operating mode, companies need to collect the scooters manually. Uber and Lyft, the car travel app giants, would be among those interested in the semi-autonomous model, Reuters agency reported.

Segway-Ninebot

Founded in 2015 by the merger of Ninebot China and Segway, a pioneer in transportation in the United States, the company has become the largest supplier of scooter-sharing companies such as Bird and Lime.

“I believe scooters will replace bicycles as the primary solution for mobility,” said Gao. “It’s human nature to save energy when you travel.”

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