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The future of urban mobility has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show with the BMW scooter Concept e. The first electric scooter able to reproduce the same performances of petrol engine's scooters, but with no pollutant emissions and in complete silence.

This e-scooter concept comes from BMW Motorrad: the two-wheel focussed branch of the BMW Group. Motorrad works on scooters and motorbikes from 1923 and seems to be the closest to launch the first consistence and competitive project in the world of electric scooters.

BMW ensures that its 0-60kmh acceleration is reputed as comparable to current maxi scooters powered by a 600cc combustion engine, offering good acceleration and a range over 60 miles (100km) for everyday use. 

The 60 volts battery can be recharged at any regular household power sockets - going from flat to completely charged in just 3 hours. But BMW says that: "Practical experience with concept vehicles has already shown that the battery rarely runs out completely, so charging times are generally shorter."

A really clever brake system allows the scooter to regain energy any time brakes are used. This system, linked with an intelligent battery management system, ensures a continuous output and maximum speed even while carrying a passenger.

There are also some visionary features on this concept. The rear-mirrors are replaced by a high-tech system made by "two video cameras integrated in the glass of the rear light cluster which clearly displays the situation on the road behind the rider on two LCD monitors installed in the cockpit".

Sadly I can not tell you that this scooter, or even a simpler version of it, is already announced on the market for the next few months. BMW did not reveal any plan about its production. But the time for electric powered vehicles is coming. So if you can't wait for a fast but environmental-friendly scooter such as this one, do not despair, 2012 might be the year you were waiting for. 

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