Electric mobility is on the move, it’s a fact and the players who are concerned regarding the subject are busy finding solutions that will best suit our uses. At Mobilize, a Renault Group entity that works on new mobility solutions dedicated to sharing (the famous sharing), the range of machines on offer is now quite extensive. The latest vehicle we discovered at the Paris Motor Show meets micromobility needs here.
A mobility solution for a category yet to be created
Its name: Mobilize Solo. Its category: still uncertain, but this machine might well join the ranks of heavy mopeds, with the right equipment. First of all, an electric motor whose power is not yet mentioned, but which tows the two large wheels at the front to reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h. At the rear, a smaller wheel, similar to that of an electric scooter, would allow Solo to be maneuvered with good agility thanks to a turning radius of only 2 meters. At this stage, we are also a little curious on this subject. Will Solo really be able to comfortably face some really degraded road surfaces, but also some user behavior that might undermine the stability of this three-wheeler perched quite high (1.75 m).
According to Mobilize, the autonomy of Solo might extend from 50 to 70 km depending on the driving modes, but also depending on the size of the battery provided. Indeed, the company evokes for the moment a capacity which might be located between 3 and 5 kWh with an integration of the batteries in the floor.
On the charging side, Mobilize evokes three possible options: by cable, by induction or by battery exchange. Indeed, we can read on the front of Solo the inscriptions “wireless charge” tell us that Solo can use induction charging – we know that Renault has been working on the subject for many years – but obviously under certain conditions.
The leading vehicle is connected to the terminal and transmits electricity by induction to the other Solo Concepts positioned behind it. » explains Mobilize. No duration or recharging power is mentioned, but the idea is good to make life easier for users.
As for the battery exchange charging system, several options can be considered here too, in our opinion. Leave that up to the rental operator, or, why not, if the batteries aren’t too heavy, create charging spaces where customers just have to help themselves before entering their vehicle.
Reduce footprint
“Solo is a vision of the future. It is a reflection on the minimum ground footprint of a vehicle on public roads » explains Patrick Lecharpy, design director at Mobilize. With these 90 centimeters wide and its length of 1.37 m, Solo can easily circulate in town, but also find its place once stopped. It would be possible to store up to six of these machines in a parking space.
For Patrick Lecharpy, the interest of Solo is also to meet the mobility needs of users who would not feel comfortable or simply not safe on an electric scooter. In addition to easy access on board by the high height of 1.75 m, the semi-seated and fairly high driving position allows good visibility of the environment. It should also be considered that Solo is also an interesting response in the event of bad weather, whether it is a question of protection from the rain or simply from the wind.
The safety aspect is also appreciated inside Solo where there is an airbag hidden behind this orange protrusion located in the center of the “joystick”. Yes, that’s what Mobilize calls the steering control which, admittedly, isn’t a steering wheel or even a handlebar.
The accelerator is accessible on the right side and is activated by the thumb as one would do with the trigger of an electric scooter. For braking, Mobilize relies on an engine braking system by energy recovery that we are promised as being sufficiently effective for most situations. However, there is also a foot brake to deal with emergency situations.
Finally, given that Solo is designed for use in the context of rental by subscription, its cell like the bodywork, made from recycled materials (50% of recycled materials and 95% recyclable), can be easily cleaned with a water jet.
Remember that Solo is therefore only one of Mobilize’s visions of mobility and that no availability date or even any price has yet been mentioned for this vehicle. To be continued…
