Halfords has unveiled its first own-brand e-scooter. The Carrera Impel will go on sale on February 16 with the firm using its launch as an opportunity to renew its call for public use of privately-owned e-scooters to be legalised.
While trials of rented scooters covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy are currently taking place in a number of towns and cities around the UK, the use of privately owned e-scooters on public roads remains illegal.
Halfords last week said that the UK was ‘behind the curve’ when it came to legalisation.
The firm’s e-mobility expert, Matt Banks, said: “We’ve seen demand for e-scooters rise and its one e-mobility trend that looks like it will continue to grow. They could be used for shorter journeys and travel times could be cut if personal e-scooters were made legal.”
The Carrera Impel IS-1 e-scooter has a maximum range of 18 miles and a top speed of 15.5mph. There are four speed modes, plus walking assist.
The scooter features 8.5-inch pneumatic tyres; a dual braking system with front and rear disc brakes; and – intriguingly – a combination cable lock that can be unspooled from within the stem.
It also has a built-in immobiliser that requires a three-digit pin when you turn the scooter on.
Before using the scooter, the user will need to select the numbers with the + and - buttons on the handlebar and then use the power button to confirm.
If you don’t enter the code, the scooter won’t start.
The scooter has a waterproof rating of IPX5, which Halfords says means it’s rain and puddle proof and, “suitable for everyday riding in British weather.”
Banks said: “For us it was important that the Carrera E-scooter had all the qualities you’d expect from our best-selling Carrera range at an accessible price that means everyone can eventually access the benefits of an e-scooter commute.”
The Carrera Impel IS-1 is listed at £399 on Halfords’ website.
