Pioneers of Two-Wheel Electric Scooters: The Brand that Started it All

In today's bustling world of urban transportation, electric scooters have become a popular and environmentally friendly alternative to cars and public transit. Known for their compact design, affordability, and ease of use, these electric-powered vehicles are revolutionizing the way people commute in busy cities across the globe. But where did it all begin? Which innovators and brands pioneered the technology that millions now use daily?

The story of electric scooters spans over 130 years, from the first electric vehicle patents in the late 1800s to today's sophisticated, app-connected sharing scooters and high-performance personal models. This comprehensive history explores the inventors, companies, and breakthrough moments that transformed electric scooters from experimental prototypes into essential urban transportation.

The Early Era: Electric Vehicle Pioneers (1895-1935)

The electric scooter's origins trace back to the earliest days of electric vehicle development, when inventors were experimenting with electric motors as alternatives to horses and early gasoline engines.

1895: The Ogden Bolton Jr. Patent

The first patent: The first patent for an electric personal transport device was filed in late 1895 by inventor Ogden Bolton Jr. of Ohio. Bolton's design described an electric bicycle/motorcycle prototype powered by a battery, establishing the fundamental concept of battery-powered personal transportation that would eventually evolve into modern electric scooters.

Technical details: Bolton's patent outlined a hub motor design integrated into the vehicle's wheel—a concept that remains common in many modern electric scooters over a century later. While his design never reached mass production, it laid the conceptual groundwork for all future electric personal vehicles.

1911: The First Electric Scooter Prototype

Impressive specifications: The first documented electric scooter prototype was introduced in 1911, achieving remarkable performance for its era—reaching speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) and covering ranges up to 160 km (100 miles) per charge. These specifications were extraordinary for the time and wouldn't be commonly matched in consumer electric scooters until the 2010s.

Why it didn't succeed: Despite the impressive technical capabilities, early electric scooters faced significant obstacles: batteries were extremely heavy and expensive, charging infrastructure didn't exist, and gasoline-powered vehicles were rapidly improving and becoming cheaper. The technology was ahead of its time but lacked the supporting ecosystem to succeed commercially.

1913-1916: The Autoped (Not Electric, But Important)

First motorized scooter: While not electric, the Autoped deserves mention as the first motorized scooter to achieve commercial success. Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson developed the Autoped in 1913 and received a patent on July 25, 1916. The Autoped was a self-propelled gasoline-powered vehicle that established the basic stand-up scooter form factor still used today.

Celebrity endorsement: Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart famously appeared in multiple photographs with the Autoped around California, bringing mainstream attention to the concept of personal motorized scooters. Production continued until around 1921.

Lasting influence: Though gas-powered, the Autoped proved there was market demand for compact, personal motorized transportation. Its success influenced future designers, including those who would eventually apply electric motors to similar designs.

1936: Cushman Motor Glide

Renewed interest: Around 1936, the Cushman company attempted to reintroduce motorized scooters with their Motor Glide. The Motor Glide became a huge success and established Cushman as a major player in the motorized scooter market.

Military adoption: One Cushman model—the 'Cushman Airborne'—was even adopted by the US military for use by paratroopers, demonstrating the practical utility of compact motorized transport. However, like the Autoped, Cushman scooters were gasoline-powered rather than electric.

The Modern Electric Revolution Begins (1996-2003)

After decades of gasoline-powered dominance, the 1990s brought renewed interest in electric vehicles as battery technology improved and environmental concerns grew. This era saw the birth of modern electric scooters.

1996: Peugeot Scoot'Elec - First Mass Production

The true pioneer: Peugeot, a French automotive manufacturer, was the first company to mass-produce an electric scooter for consumer markets. In 1996, Peugeot unveiled a prototype of the 'Peugeot Scoot'Elec', which was later launched as a production model in 1999.

Technical specifications: The Scoot'Elec offered impressive performance for its time:

• Top speed: 45 km/h (28-31 mph)


• Range: 40 km (25-29 miles) per charge


• Form factor: Seated scooter design similar to traditional gas scooters

Market reception: The Scoot'Elec was a commercial success, proving there was genuine consumer demand for electric scooters. However, the design was quite heavy and expensive, limiting its mass-market appeal. Despite these limitations, Peugeot can be credited with launching the first modern electric scooter that resembles the vehicles we see today.

Historical significance: The Scoot'Elec marked the beginning of the modern electric scooter era, demonstrating that electric motors and battery technology had advanced sufficiently to create practical personal transportation. It paved the way for future innovators to build upon.

2001: Segway PT - Revolutionary Technology

Inventor and vision: In 2001, American inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen introduced the Segway PT (Personal Transporter), a radically different approach to electric personal transportation. The Segway generated massive publicity and media attention, with many predicting it would revolutionize urban mobility.

Innovative technology: The Segway was groundbreaking in several ways:

• Gyroscopic balance: The device utilized precise gyroscopic sensors to maintain balance automatically, allowing riders to stand upright without effort


• Intuitive control: Users controlled speed and direction merely by shifting their body weight forward, backward, or to the sides


• Zero-radius turning: The two-wheel side-by-side configuration enabled turning in place

Market positioning: Although the Segway PT was initially marketed towards businesses, law enforcement, and tourism operations, it quickly attracted public interest. Major cities deployed Segway tours, and police departments adopted them for patrol use.

Cultural impact: While the Segway never achieved the mass consumer adoption Kamen envisioned (due to its $5,000+ price tag and regulatory restrictions), it fundamentally changed public perception of personal electric transportation. The Segway proved that sophisticated, self-balancing electric vehicles could work reliably and safely.

Lasting legacy: The Segway's popularity paved the way for numerous brands to explore and innovate in the electric personal vehicle market, ultimately leading to the diverse micromobility landscape we see today. Its gyroscopic technology directly influenced the development of self-balancing hoverboards and modern electric scooters with electronic stability features.

2003: Razor E100 - Consumer Electric Scooter Pioneer

Game-changing product: In 2003, Razor introduced their first electric scooter model, the E100, marking a significant turning point in electric micromobility. Unlike the expensive Segway or the seated Peugeot design, the E100 brought affordable electric scooters to everyday consumers, particularly targeting kids and teenagers.

Design and features:

• Price point: Significantly more affordable than previous electric scooters (hundreds rather than thousands of dollars)


• Speed: Up to 15 mph—fast enough to be exciting but controlled enough for young riders


• Signature design: Red frame with a quiet electric motor and twist-grip throttle


• Form factor: Stand-up kick scooter design that felt familiar to millions who had used Razor's non-electric kick scooters

Initial challenges: Despite the innovation, the technology wasn't quite mature yet. Batteries didn't last long, charging times were slow, and the scooters were pricier than many consumers expected. While the E100 sold reasonably well, it didn't achieve the explosive growth that would come 15 years later.

Long-term significance: The E100 and subsequent Razor electric models laid important groundwork for the electric scooter revolution that would emerge in the late 2010s. Millions of kids and teenagers who rode Razor scooters in the 2000s would become the adult users of Bird and Lime scooters a decade and a half later, already comfortable with the form factor and concept.

The Sharing Economy Revolution (2017-2020)

The modern electric scooter phenomenon truly exploded with the introduction of dockless, app-based scooter sharing services. This business model transformed electric scooters from niche personal vehicles into a mainstream urban transportation option used by millions.

September 2017: Bird Launches the Sharing Era

The founder: Travis VanderZanden, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Lyft and VP of International Growth at Uber, founded Bird in summer 2017. VanderZanden saw an opportunity to apply the ride-sharing business model to electric scooters, creating convenient, affordable last-mile transportation.

The launch: In early September 2017, the first 10 Bird scooters appeared on the streets of Santa Monica, California. Unlike traditional rental businesses, Bird scooters could be located via smartphone app, unlocked with a QR code, and left anywhere when the ride ended—no docking stations required.

Rapid expansion: The concept proved immediately popular. Within 14 months of launch, Bird operated in 120 cities and achieved a $2 billion valuation—growth unprecedented in startup history. The company deployed its first scooters in September 2017, raised a $15 million Series A round in February 2018, then secured a massive $100 million Series B funding round led by Valor Equity Partners and Index Ventures in mid-2018.

Business model: Bird's approach was simple: riders paid $1 to unlock a scooter plus $0.15-0.40 per minute of use. This made scooters competitive with short taxi/Uber trips and more convenient than walking or waiting for buses, particularly for the 1-3 mile trips that were too far to walk but too short for other transit options.

2017: Lime Emerges as Major Competitor

Company origins: Also founded in 2017, San Mateo, California startup Lime (originally known as LimeBike) initially started with pedal bikes and e-assist bicycles before quickly pivoting to electric scooters alongside their name change.

Massive funding: Lime raised $132 million in funding from prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Uber, and Google Ventures. At one point in early 2018, the company had logged over 3 million trips across 40 cities around the world.

Technical partnership: Lime partnered with Segway to manufacture their scooters, creating 18-mph electric scooters specifically designed for sharing operations with robust construction to withstand heavy public use.

Market competition: The Bird vs. Lime rivalry drove rapid innovation and expansion, with both companies racing to deploy scooters in new cities and improve their technology. This competition benefited consumers with better scooters, more availability, and competitive pricing.

2018-2020: Explosive Growth and Challenges

Industry boom: Following Bird and Lime's success, dozens of competitors launched scooter sharing services including Spin, Skip, Lyft Scooters, Uber JUMP scooters, and region-specific operators worldwide. By 2019, electric scooters were available in hundreds of cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Public reaction: The sudden appearance of thousands of scooters on city streets generated mixed reactions. Supporters celebrated convenient, eco-friendly transportation, while critics complained about sidewalk clutter, safety concerns, and scooters blocking accessibility for people with disabilities.

Regulatory response: Cities scrambled to regulate the new phenomenon. Some banned scooters entirely, while others established permit systems limiting the number of operators and scooters, designated parking zones, and riding rules. This regulatory evolution helped integrate scooters more sustainably into urban infrastructure.

Technology improvements: Sharing companies rapidly improved their scooters between 2017 and 2020:

• Durability: First-generation scooters lasted weeks; newer models lasted months


• Battery life: Ranges increased from 15-20 miles to 30+ miles per charge


• Safety features: Added turn signals, better lighting, larger wheels for stability


• IoT technology: Advanced GPS tracking, remote diagnostics, geofencing to restrict riding in prohibited areas

The Personal Ownership Renaissance (2018-2025)

While sharing scooters dominated headlines, a parallel revolution occurred in personal electric scooter ownership as consumers discovered the benefits of owning rather than renting.

Market Diversification and Specialization

Consumer categories emerge: As the market matured, manufacturers began targeting specific user segments:

• Budget commuters: Affordable models ($300-600) with 15-20 mile ranges for basic last-mile transportation


• Premium commuters: High-quality scooters ($800-1,500) with 25-40 mile ranges, superior build quality, and advanced features


• Performance enthusiasts: Powerful scooters ($2,000-5,000+) with 50+ mile ranges, 40+ mph speeds, and off-road capabilities


• Ultra-portable models: Extremely lightweight designs (under 25 pounds) prioritizing easy carrying and storage


• Kids' scooters: Age-appropriate models with limited speeds and safety features for young riders

International Manufacturers Emerge

Chinese dominance: Companies like Xiaomi, Ninebot (which acquired Segway in 2015), and numerous other Chinese manufacturers became major players, often offering exceptional value by producing high-quality scooters at competitive prices due to manufacturing scale advantages.

Segway Ninebot: The 2015 merger of Segway and Ninebot created an industry powerhouse that produces both sharing scooters for operators like Lime and personal scooters under the Segway-Ninebot brand, with popular models including the Max series.

Xiaomi's impact: Xiaomi's M365 electric scooter (launched around 2016-2017) became one of the best-selling electric scooters globally, offering solid performance at a mid-range price point. Its success proved demand for well-designed, affordable personal scooters.

Apollo, Dualtron, and performance brands: Companies like Apollo (Canada), Minimotors (Korea, producing Dualtron scooters), and others filled the high-performance segment with scooters featuring dual motors, massive batteries, and premium construction aimed at enthusiasts.

US Manufacturers: Innovation and Quality Focus

American market position: While Chinese manufacturers dominated in volume and price competition, US-based companies carved out niches by emphasizing innovation, quality construction, customer service, and features specifically designed for American urban commuters.

Unagi: Known for premium, lightweight designs with sleek aesthetics, Unagi targeted urban professionals willing to pay more for refined products. Their signature model weighs just 28.5 pounds while offering quality construction.

Levy Electric: Representing the modern generation of American electric scooter innovation, Levy specializes in creating extremely lightweight, durable scooters optimized for multi-modal urban commuting. Key innovations include:

• Swappable battery technology: Levy pioneered removable, swappable battery packs for their scooter models, allowing riders to charge batteries separately from the scooter, swap in a fresh battery for extended range, and easily replace aging batteries without specialized tools


• Lightweight construction: Using aerospace-grade materials, Levy scooters achieve weights under 27 pounds while maintaining durability—crucial for riders who need to carry scooters onto public transportation or up apartment stairs


• Quality manufacturing: As a US-based manufacturer, Levy emphasizes build quality, safety certifications, and customer support for North American markets


• Commuter-focused design: Features like quick-folding mechanisms, integrated lighting, and reliable dual braking systems address the real needs of daily urban commuters

Value proposition: US manufacturers like Levy compete not on price but on the total ownership experience—reliability, serviceable components, responsive support, and design innovations that make daily use more convenient. For serious commuters, the combination of lightweight portability and swappable batteries represents a significant practical advantage over heavier imports.

Technology Evolution and Future Innovations (2020-2025)

The most recent years have seen rapid technological advancement, with electric scooter capabilities expanding dramatically as battery technology, materials science, and electronics improve.

Battery Technology Breakthroughs

Current standard - Lithium-ion: Today's electric scooters are equipped with next-generation lithium-ion batteries offering better energy density and increased range. Modern 2024-2025 models routinely achieve 60+ kilometers (40+ miles) of range, compared to the 20-30 kilometer ranges common just five years ago.

Lithium-iron phosphate (LFP): Some manufacturers, including Ather Energy, began transitioning to lithium-iron phosphate battery chemistry in mid-2024. LFP batteries have lower environmental impacts, better thermal stability, improved safety characteristics, and cost approximately 20% less than traditional lithium-ion batteries, though with slightly lower energy density.

Solid-state batteries (coming soon): By 2025-2026, solid-state battery technology is expected to begin appearing in premium electric scooters, offering:

• Longer ranges: Up to 50% more capacity in the same space


• Faster charging: Potentially reducing charge times from 4-6 hours to 1-2 hours


• Improved safety: Solid electrolytes eliminate liquid battery fire risks


• Smaller form factors: Same power in lighter, more compact battery packs

Graphene batteries (experimental): Companies like Grabat and Samsung have shown promising research into graphene-based batteries that could revolutionize the entire EV industry. Once commercialized, graphene batteries could drastically reduce charging times (potentially to minutes rather than hours) while significantly increasing energy density and range.

Lithium-sulfur batteries (development): Companies like OXIS Energy are developing lithium-sulfur batteries offering up to five times the energy density of traditional lithium-ion batteries. If successfully commercialized, this technology could enable electric scooters with 200+ kilometer (120+ mile) ranges while actually reducing battery weight.

Materials and Construction Innovation

Aerospace-grade aluminum: Lightweight aluminum alloys originally developed for aircraft are now common in premium electric scooters, allowing for significant weight reduction without compromising structural strength. This benefits portability while improving energy efficiency.

Carbon fiber composites: High-end models increasingly incorporate carbon fiber components for the deck, stem, or handlebars, further reducing weight while maintaining or increasing strength compared to metal components.

Improved folding mechanisms: Modern scooters feature refined folding systems that are faster, more reliable, and create more compact folded profiles than earlier generations. Single-lever folding mechanisms that work in seconds have become standard on quality models.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Smartphone integration: Most modern electric scooters feature Bluetooth connectivity and dedicated smartphone apps that provide:

• Battery monitoring: Real-time battery status and range estimates


• Ride statistics: Track distance, speed, and riding patterns


• Customization: Adjust acceleration curves, speed limits, and regenerative braking strength


• Security: Anti-theft alarms and GPS tracking if stolen


• Firmware updates: Over-the-air updates to improve performance and add features

Advanced safety systems: Premium scooters now include features like:

• Regenerative braking: Captures energy during braking to extend range


• ABS (Anti-lock braking): Prevents wheel lockup during hard braking


• Traction control: Reduces wheel slip during acceleration on slippery surfaces


• Automatic lighting: Lights that activate based on ambient light sensors


• Turn signals: Integrated directional indicators for safer urban riding

Future Projections (2025-2030)

Range expectations: With advancing battery technology, electric scooters could achieve ranges of 200+ kilometers (120+ miles) on a single charge with smaller, lighter battery packs within the next 3-5 years.

Charging speed: Fast-charging technology may reduce full charging times to 30 minutes or less, making electric scooters as convenient to "refuel" as stopping for coffee.

Autonomous features: While fully autonomous scooters remain distant, features like automatic parking (scooter drives itself to designated parking areas), theft prevention (scooter returns to owner if stolen), and collision avoidance warnings may emerge in premium models.

Standardization: Industry standardization for components like batteries, chargers, and connectors would allow interoperability between brands and easier repairs—similar to how bicycle parts have become largely standardized.

Current Market Leaders and Top Brands (2025)

The electric scooter market in 2025 features a diverse ecosystem of manufacturers serving different needs and price points.

Sharing Service Operators

• Lime: One of the two original giants, Lime continues to operate in hundreds of cities globally with an extensive fleet


• Bird: Despite financial challenges and bankruptcy in 2024, Bird remains operational in many markets


• Tier, Voi, Dott: European operators that have gained significant market share in Europe and other international markets


• Spin: Owned by Ford, operating primarily in North American college campuses and cities

Personal Scooter Manufacturers

Mass market leaders:

• Segway-Ninebot: Industry giant offering models from budget to premium, including the popular Max G3 series


• Xiaomi: Continues to offer excellent value with refined versions of their classic designs


• Razor: Still serving the entry-level and kids' market where they pioneered electric scooters

Premium and performance brands:

• Apollo Scooters: Canadian company known for high-quality commuter and performance models


• Dualtron (Minimotors): Korean manufacturer producing extreme performance scooters


• Unagi: US brand focusing on lightweight, stylish commuter scooters


• EMOVE: Offering long-range commuter scooters with excellent value

Innovative US manufacturers:

• Levy Electric: Pioneering swappable battery technology and extremely lightweight construction for urban commuters who combine scooter riding with public transportation


• Fluid Freeride: US retailer and importer curating quality scooters and offering excellent customer support, including their own Mosquito model

Industry Impact and Statistics

Market growth: The global electric scooter market has experienced exponential growth, expanding from virtually zero in 2016 to a multi-billion dollar industry by 2025. Industry analysts project continued growth as urban areas embrace micromobility solutions.

Environmental impact: Electric scooters have displaced millions of car trips, particularly for short distances where cars are least efficient. Studies suggest that when replacing car trips (rather than walking or transit), scooters reduce carbon emissions for urban transportation.

Usage statistics: By 2025, hundreds of millions of electric scooter trips are taken annually worldwide across both sharing and personal scooters. The average trip distance is approximately 1-3 miles, perfectly filling the "last mile" gap in urban transportation networks.

Economic impact: The industry has created thousands of jobs including scooter mechanics, charging contractors, customer service positions, software developers, and manufacturing roles. The sharing economy component alone represents billions in annual revenue.

Conclusion

The electric scooter's journey from Ogden Bolton Jr.'s 1895 patent to today's sophisticated personal transportation devices spans 130 years of innovation, setbacks, and breakthroughs. While early pioneers like Peugeot (1996 Scoot'Elec) and Segway (2001 PT) laid the technological foundation, it was Razor's 2003 E100 that first brought electric scooters to mass consumers, and Bird's September 2017 launch that truly ignited the global micromobility revolution.

Today's electric scooter landscape is remarkably diverse, offering everything from $300 budget models to $5,000 performance machines, from sharing scooters available on every street corner to carefully engineered personal scooters designed for specific use cases. International manufacturers like Segway-Ninebot and Xiaomi compete alongside innovative American companies like Levy, which pioneered swappable battery technology and ultra-lightweight aerospace-grade construction specifically for urban commuters.

The technology continues to evolve rapidly. Current lithium-ion batteries are giving way to safer lithium-iron phosphate chemistry and will soon be replaced by solid-state batteries offering dramatically improved range and charging speeds. Materials like aerospace-grade aluminum and carbon fiber have made scooters lighter and stronger, while smartphone integration brings intelligence and customization impossible just years ago.

From the perspective of 2025, we can see that electric scooters have fundamentally changed urban transportation in a remarkably short time. The convergence of improved battery technology, smartphone connectivity, sharing economy business models, and growing environmental consciousness created the perfect conditions for electric scooters to evolve from niche novelty to essential urban transportation infrastructure used by millions daily.

The pioneers—from Ogden Bolton to Arthur Gibson to the Peugeot engineers to Dean Kamen to Travis VanderZanden—each contributed crucial innovations that built upon previous work. The result is a transformed urban landscape where electric scooters have become as common as bicycles in many cities, offering a practical, sustainable, and enjoyable way to navigate the modern metropolis. As technology continues advancing, the next chapter of electric scooter evolution promises even more impressive capabilities and broader adoption worldwide.