SEAT Partners with Segway on Electric Scooter

Volkswagen AG’s SEAT unit plans to begin selling an electric scooter next month in Europe as part of the carmaker’s “Easy Mobility” initiative.

Powered by an electric powertrain supplied by Segway Inc., the eXS KickScooter will be capable of speeds as great as 25 kph (16 mph). Riders can use one or two batteries, with the latter providing a driving range of 45 km (28 mile).

The scooter features 8-inch tires and a SEAT-designed suspension to maximize comfort. Other goodies include front and rear LED lights, customizable ambient light, an LCD display, cruise control and an anti-theft device.

SEAT will sell the €599 ($685) eXS scooter through its existing dealer network. The company, which is testing the eXS with employees at its plant in Martorell, Spain, envisions the scooter being used in corporate campuses and as first/last-mile personal transportation in cities.

Segway has partnered with several scooter companies in recent years. The New Hampshire-based company, which launched its eponymous self-balancing vehicle invented by founder Dean Kamen in 2001, was purchased by China’s Ninebot Inc. three years ago.