Imagine this scenario: You’re on the Gautrain and need to travel that extra few kilos after disembarking. Luckily you have your new Audi e-tron Scooter with you. You pop it open and cruise a comfortable 20 km/h to your destination, trying your best to cope with swerving taxis, trucks and 4x4s.

This new e-scooter concept is Audi’s response to the multi-modal mobility trend. According to the vehicle manufacturer, e-tron Scooter combines the advantages of the electric scooter and the skateboard and is designed for sporty riders.

Although riders keep one hand on the handlebar, they control the scooter like a skateboard with their feet by shifting their weight. The movable axles with four wheels allow unusually tight curves, allowing you to grind your way to work. The rider has one hand free, and so is able to look around and give hand signals, perhaps specifically towards said taxis.

Audi notes that the steering handle provides stability while holding the battery and the electronics, also carrying a display showing the battery status. Riders accelerate and brake by means of a twist grip and there’s hydraulic foot brake which provides additional safety.

The Audi e-tron Scooter is fitted with the legally required LED lights: a headlight, daytime running light, rear light and brake light. A Bluetooth interface permits individual adjustments to the ride characteristics and provides protection against theft. Furthermore, the designers work on decks either in wood or carbon and designs in grey and black.

The e-tron Scooter’s range of 20 kilometres is achieved through recuperation when the e-scooter brakes, i.e. it recovers kinetic energy. Production and sales for the e-tron Scooter are planned for international markets in late 2020, and will retail in the region of R34 000.