Mercedes-Benz discreetly enters the electric scooter market



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Mercedes-Benz is known for being a pioneer in the automotive world, but so far it has not ventured into the world of two-wheeled electric scooters. This will change however, as the company has very discreetly announced a two-wheeler vehicle at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 last week.

In a press release, between news of Mercedes-Benz branded in-ear headphones and a toy version of the company's EQC electric SUV, is a brief mention of the upcoming electric scooter. Seriously, every word from Mercedes-Benz's parent company, Daimler, was written on the new scooter:

Electronic scooters have been allowed on German roads only since June, and it is already difficult to design a traffic scene without them. These agile motor scooters are the perfect way to travel short distances quickly and without harming the environment. The new E-Scooter of the Mercedes-Benz EQ family has been developed in collaboration with the specialist of the micro scooter. It is specially designed for the first or last kilometer, making it the perfect companion for those looking for flexible mobility solutions. Co-branded with microphone, the Mercedes star and the EQ logo appear on the stem as a trademark of Electric Intelligence.

Note: The launch of the Mercedes-Benz electric scooter is expected to take place in early 2020.

That's it! No word on range, maximum speed or other specifications. It seems that the company will sell them in Germany, but it is not clear whether it will try to break into other markets or how much it will charge. A Daimler spokesperson confirmed that the builder wanted to sell the scooters directly to consumers, but he did not answer any further questions about the details.

There is not even a picture of the complete scooter. Daimler only released two pictures of the scooter base wearing the Mercedes-Benz logo in the center and front. (That being said, Mercedes-Benz admits that its scooters come from a partnership with the Swiss scooter manufacturer Micro and that judging by its appearance, it would not surprise me if its specifications align with those of the models Suspension or Merlin of Micro.)

Under the impulse of ambitious technology companies, electric scooters have enjoyed tremendous popularity in recent years. A number of cities have welcomed them enthusiastically, either as a bandage against public transit infrastructure or as a potential alternative to the car. This naturally attracted the attention of car manufacturers. BMW and Volkswagen are both on the scooter market, while Ford buys the scooter company Spin.

I do not know at all what kind of market exists an electric scooter with the Mercedes-Benz logo. But when these things will undoubtedly come in the F1 paddock, where Lewis Hamilton, the company's star driver, is already using an electric scooter, I'm sure Mercedes-Benz will find a way to sell them.

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