Use code SCNEWCUST15 for 15% off ALL scooters through month-end. Redeem here.
Tracing Back to the Origins: The Inception of the First Scooter
The concept of the scooter—a two-wheeled, decked vehicle with a handlebar—has evolved significantly since its inception, capturing the imaginations of generations. The history of the scooter dates back to the early 20th century, with the first iteration concocted in 1915 by inventor Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson and his business partner, Joseph F. Merkel in Michigan, USA. Dubbed the 'Autoped', it stood out as a pioneering personal transport solution, with its 155cc four-stroke engine which was operated by a standing rider who steered with the handlebars. This proto-scooter encapsulated the spirit of innovation and paved the way for subsequent advancements.
Over the decades, the design of scooters underwent a myriad of transformations, eventually leading to the modern electric scooter we know today. The evolution accelerated notably with the creation of micro-mobility devices. The modern electric scooter, as an eco-friendly, convenient urban transport method, experienced a major surge in popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, specifically bolstered by improvements in battery technology and the rise of sharing economy platforms.
In today's digital age, where terms like 'electric scooters,' 'sustainable transportation,' and 'urban mobility solutions' are buzzwords, the legacy of the early scooters lives on. They have become emblematic of a societal shift towards greener, more efficient modes of getting around bustling city streets sans the usual congestion and carbon footprint of traditional vehicles. Electric scooters now come in a versatile array of models suitable for all ages and lifestyles, reflecting the enduring influence of their inventor's original vision more than a century later.
Our journey into the storied past of electric scooters underlines a tradition of human ingenuity and foresight. It is a narrative deeply ingrained in the continuous quest for betterment in personal transportation—a quest that still propels us forward today, as electric scooters take an increasingly central role in urban landscapes across the globe.