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Michael Taylor20 Nov 2014
NEWS

LA MOTOR SHOW: MINI Citysurfer concept

MINI's latest concept car is, err, a bike? Not even a bike, but a scooter?

MINI has just launched its smallest, lightest model ever, but it's not a car.

Instead, the MINI Citysurfer concept, launched today at the Los Angeles Motor Show, is intended to be the last, zero-emission link in a future world that doesn't let cars travel the last few kilometres into cities.

The electrically-powered 18kg Citysurfer can be folded small enough to fit into the back of a MINI Cooper three-door hatch, but is also conceived to be a primary source of transport for people who use trains and buses regularly.

With a lithium-ion battery and its power electronics integrated into its frame, the Citysurfer can give an astonishing 20km of range at a cruise, though depending on the topography this could drop to 15km.

It can also streak out to a top speed of 25km/h thanks to its rear hub-mounted brushless electric motor, driven by a thumb-operated lever.

Riding on pneumatic tyres, the Citysurfer needs its rider to bring it up to a minimum speed before the electric motor can kick in. The motor also deactivates when either brake lever is pulled.

It also disconnects when it's flat, so the rider can still use the Citysurfer as a normal (albeit heavy) scooter with no rolling resistance.

Not that the Citysurfer eschews rolling resistance altogether, instead using it to regenerate electricity as it goes.

It has three separate braking systems, including using the electric motor itself to retard the scooter, plus separate front and rear hydraulic disc brakes.

MINI hasn't forgone all the usual car-based trappings, though, because the Citysurfer also has a handlebar-mounted holder for mobile phones, which can also charge most smartphones.

Full coverage of the LA motor show on motoring.com.au

2014 LA motor show photo gallery on motoring.com.au

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Written byMichael Taylor
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