Micromobility specialists Lavoie - the new owners of Van Moof - describe their recently announced Series 1 as a "category-redefining e-scooter". Its standout feature is the patent-pending FlowfoldTM system, which allows the scooter to fold into an ultra-compact shape with just a press of a button. Lavoie claim this makes it, "one of the most compact e-scooters in its category".
The quick fold has other important benefits too though, enabling the sleek, almost futuristic-looking e-scooter to have a longer and wider deck, which supposedly improves stability. "The wider deck and longer wheelbase ensure the Series 1 delivers a safe, smooth automotive-like ride, with a choice of foot positions and transformed bump and vibration absorption," say Lavoie.
They are clearly proud of the folding design - so much so they have trademarked the patent-pending system as FlowFold™. At the press of a button, the stem collapses, and the front wheel lifts above the deck in a process that takes just a few seconds. The fold also means you don't need a kickstand as the intermediate Park Mode allows you to stand the e-scooter on its base.
Another standout feature is the taller handlebars, with a higher-stem angle. This is more akin to that of a motorbike according to Lavoie. There are also full lights (including brake and indicator ligths and side halo lights), GPS tracking, alarm and a motor lock system.
The frame is made of magnesium which is lighter per unit volume than aluminium, but that doesn't stop the Series 1 coming in at a quoted weight of 18.5kg (or 19.5kg for the Max version) which is notably heavier than the Pure Advance + we tested recently (16kg) and with which it shares an emphasis on safe and comfortable ride design.
Peak power is 900W form the 30Nm torque-rated rear hub motor and the top speed is 25mph, although this can be lowered to comply with differing regional and national regulations. There is both hydraulic disc braking and electronic braking, while range depends on whether you opt for the 468Wh battery or the bigger 702Wh Max version.
The premium quality Series 1 e-scooter is now available for pre-order globally with a fully-refundable deposit of £500 via the Lavoie website, with confirmed production slots being allocated to customers upon order. The option to pre-order with a full payment deposit and a 5% discount is also available. Prices start at £1,890.
Premium brands emphasising safety
The Series 1 is the latest in a line of e-escooters emphasising the safety aspect of the ride as well as their premium quality. We were impressed with the novel face-forward design of the Pure Advance+ and we have featured news stories on another premium brand, Taur. Meanwhile, Bo are a UK-based startup also competing is this rareified, high-priced e-scooter space and they too are looking to bring automotive standards of engineering and design to bear on their product.
Indeed, Eliott Wertheimer, co-CEO of Lavoie, is on record as saying 'The whole category is competing at the toy level [of around £500 or less] and we come in with a vehicle. We still feel our pricing is relatively okay, because what you’re buying is not a toy, it is actually a vehicle you’re going to use every day. You can trust it to be safe … the price is representative of the quality of the product, and what we’re trying to do is really move the category."
Lavoie cementing their place as an electric micromobility innovator
LAVOIE is a subsidiary of McLaren Applied, (not the McLaren Group of Formula 1 fame) and in addition to looking to break the mould of e-scooter design have also found themselves in the news recently after buying Van Moof.
Wertheimer summed up the potential of this acquisition by saying: “With its next generation of e-bikes, smart technology, innovative design, and loyal customer base, VanMoof and Lavoie fit together perfectly. VanMoof has 190,000 customers globally and our commitment is to continue to keep those riders on the road whilst we stabilise and efficiently grow the VanMoof business and continue to develop its world-class products.”
A quick reminder: At the time of writing, it is illegal to use an e-scooter on public roads unless the vehicle is part of one of the government approved share schemes that are in operation up and down the country. They are however set to be legalised through the creation of a new low-speed, zero-emission vehicle category, although there is still no word on exactly when this will happen or what the exact requirements will be for such a vehicle.
