Ford’s Spin Unit Touts Improved Electric Scooter

Ford Motor Co.’s Spin electric scooter unit is expanding availability and launching a new model that the company says is larger, safer, more reliable, better performing and more secure than its current lineup.

San Francisco-based Spin was offering its dockless electric scooter service in 13 U.S. cities and college campuses when Ford acquired the company last November. Availability has since spread to 47 markets and is expected to reach more than 100 by early 2020.

Spin says it has nearly 20 times as many scooters in its fleet now. Starting next month, the company’s third-generation scooters will hit the streets of Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Memphis, Minneapolis, Portland and Washington D.C.

The new scooter has a slightly wider and longer platform for riders to stand on. Power has been increased from 300 kW to 350 kW, and battery improvements extend the driving range 35% to 38 miles between charges.

Other enhancements include larger (10-inch) tubeless tires, which provide better shock absorption over rough terrain. The new braking system is easier to operate.

Spin also is debuting an upgraded authentication system and outfitting the scooters with a new security system to help prevent theft and vandalism. The company says there were significant decreases in such problems during a pilot test earlier this year in Baltimore.