LEOWAY e-Scooter promises power, speed, and safety

The idea of life with a motorized scooter can seem pretty attractive. It would provide inexpensive transportation that gets you outside in the fresh air. 

But then you start reading the reviews and you learn about their downsides: low power, slow cruising speeds, short battery life and their inability to climb low hills. 

The LEOWAY 2WD eScooter appears to have those problems solved. The scooter's design offers both the power and safety of dual-motor scooters as well as the low weight and high mileage of single-motor versions.

That's apparently the combination that electric scooter fans have been looking for. When the Dutch company E-Lab Leoway launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, it quickly reached its goal and kept on going. The site will continue taking early bird orders for the scooter and related perks until the end of the month.

Why so much interest in this scooter? Start with its dual motors. The scooter automatically switches between a front and rear motor, depending on the ground surface and incline. The vehicle will adjust for slippery surfaces such as leaves or loose dirt.  

The LEOWAY also has dual batteries, each with their own charging port. The two batteries can get a full charge in 2-3 hours - about the same time that a smartphone needs. The batteries also get a charge while the scooter is rolling.

Riders can switch between two drive modes using a button on the scooter's steering wheel. With 2WD, both motors work at the same time. With i-2WD, the rear motor works constantly while the front motor will be activated automatically when it's needed. 

When fully charged, the scooter has a top speed of 28 mph in the US and a range of 56 miles, which is comparable to more expensive scooters. The LEOWAY weighs 44 lbs. - less than many other high-performance scooters - and it can fold down in a few seconds for easy transport or storage.

Other features include an optional seat attachment an anti-theft system that requires an NFC card to turn on the scooter and an optional seat for sit-down riding.

To learn more about the LEOWAY 2WD eScooter, visit their campaign page on Indiegogo where the pre-launch order price is $518. Orders are expected to ship in June. 

By: Ric Manning On 11/10/2021

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Komeet scooter promises a smooth ride

As gas prices continue to move upward, electric vehicles are becoming a more attractive alternative to the gas-guzzlers we grew up with. And that includes battery-powered scooters, which are quickly getting more affordable and dependable.  

A new e-scooter called the Komeet X9 is poised to begin arriving in November in the US, Europe, and elsewhere. The scooter is in full production in China and Komeet developers are accepting pre-orders at prices that start at less than $500 US or 400 Euros.

The scooter has several high-end features, including an LED dashboard, disc brakes, three gear modes, and an automatic locking mechanism. The Komeet X9 Pro model is powered by a 48-volt battery that gives the scooter a range of up to 62 miles or 100 km. It also has wider tires and a wide 7.2-inch deck. 

The battery is nestled under the deck plate behind a sturdy door that offers easy access to the battery compartment.  Owners don't have to park the scooter near an electrical outlet to recharge it. They just carry the battery into their home or office to plug it in or swap in a second battery.

The scooter has a maximum speed of 25 mph in the US or 25 km/h in the EU. The Pro model has a brushless motor with rear-wheel drive and a 4.7-inch clearance, which makes for a smooth ride on an inclined roadway, speed bumps, or an off-road surface.

UK-based X-Technology is accepting pre-orders as part of a fund-raising campaign on Indiegogo where the money will help ramp up production of the different Komeet models. Deliveries are expected to begin in November and orders include free delivery.

To get a closer look at the Komeet X9, check out the video below and visit the funding page on Indiegogo.  

By: Ric Manning On 10/11/2021

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Scooter riders get a safe way to use their phones

Like many larger cities, mine has been invaded by electric scooters. There are hundreds of scooters available for rent in my area and once the weather turned nice, they became regular fixtures on downtown streets and in our tourist and entertainment districts.

And I'm okay with that. I believe in sharing the asphalt with bicycles, motorcycles, scooters or any other mobile machine that has the legal right to be there. I'll slow down and take extra care.

What does cause me some concern are those times when a scooter pilot decides that rolling down a busy city street is a good time to a take a selfie or shoot a video. I haven't yet witnessed a serious scooter accident but I've seen several close calls.

And that's why I'm telling you about Scooty, a new invention that could increase scooter safety while making scooter travel more fun and convenient. Scooty might even save some lives.

You can think of Scooty as a selfie stick designed specifically for scooters or bikes. It clamps onto a scooter's handlebars, leaving the driver's hands -- both of them -- free to safely guide the vehicle.

Scooty developer Ned Sahin said he was inspired to create the device after riding scooters in several major cities. He concluded that urban scooters are here to stay:

We see electronic scooters as not only commuting vehicles, but also as environment-friendly and fun tools to use for enjoying our free time by sightseeing and living the urban life fullest.

Sahin liked the convenience of urban scooters but he also wanted to have safe access to his phone while he was aboard.

The Scooty is an adjustable plastic stalk with a spring clamp on one end and a phone holder on the other. The clamp easily attaches to the handlebar of rental scooters like those used by Lime, Bird, Lyft and Razor.

The stalk can be adjusted to different heights and angles and the phone holder will rotate 360 degrees. The holder is large enough to accommodate supersized phones like the iPhone XS Max or Samsung's Note 9 in either portrait or landscape mode.

In addition to shooting photos and videos, Scooty users can access mapping programs, have hands-free phone conversations or listen to music or other audio content.

Scooty is currently raising $3,500 on Indiegogo for a summer product launch with shipping slated to start in August or September. Backers who contribute $17 can reserve an Early Bird Scooty for $17 compared to the post-launch price of $29.

For a closer look at Scooty, check the video below and the Indiegogo campaign page.

By: Ric Manning On 6/10/2019

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New website covers electric skateboards, scooters and unis

Ever since the Segway was launched in 2002, battery-powered personal transportation devices have been exploding into a variety of sizes, shapes and prices.

At this year's CES trade show in January, I saw hover boards, skateboards, unicycles, scooters, and even roller skates that were all driven by rechargeable batteries.

And now there's a new website called Hover Patrol that tracks, reviews, compares and scores many of the better and more affordable e-vehicles.

The website is divided into four primary topics: Hoverboards, Electric Scooters, Electric Unicycles and Electric Skateboards. The articles cover topics such as street-legal electric scooters, reviews of electric skateboards and a look at off-road hoverboards.

Each segment also offers lists of the best brands and models in each category along with advice articles such as "How to Fix an Electric Scooter," "How to Ride an Electric Unicycle," and "How to Build an Electric Skateboard."

The articles are reviews are available at the Hover Patrol website.

By: Ric Manning On 5/02/2018

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How nanoparticles extend engine life

I had a Jeep Cherokee through the 1990s that treated me well for many years - until it didn’t. As I drove its last 2,000 miles, the engine got loud and lost horsepower. It was clean that the end was near.

Had it been available back then, I would have given it a dose of TriboTEX. But this is Space Age stuff built around nanoparticles that was only developed in the past couple of years.

The creators of TriboTEX says it’s works like the ceramic protective coatings used in some of high-performance engines. It reduces friction better than engine oil alone while it repairs damage and reverses engine wear. The result, they say, is a quieter engine with at least 3 percent more power and improved fuel economy.

An injector of TriboTEX is slated to cost $99 when it reaches the retail market this summer. In the meantime, the developers have a campaign on Kickstarter where they have raised more than $90,000. Backers who pledge $50 or more will get one application, good for 40,000 miles.

By: Ric Manning On 3/01/2017

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CarVi adds smarts to older cars

I’m not yet ready for a self-driving car, but I am enthusiastic about one of the technologies that they employ.

Often referred to as a collision avoidance system, it signals when there’s a car or truck in a lane next to me, even when I can’t see the vehicle, and it beeps when I signal that I’m moving into an occupied lane.

I have the system on my 2014 SUV and now I’ve discovered a way to ass that kind of technology to our other, older vehicle. It’s called CarVi and it uses artificial intelligence algorithm to turn any vehicle into a smart car.

CarVi pairs a dashboard camera with a smartphone app to provide real-time forward collision and lane departure warnings, like the system in my car. It also automatically collects data on a driver’s habits and helps them improve their driving skills with personalized advice.

The $299 CarVi is a windshield-mounted device that can be easily installed in a personal car. The system is also designed to appeal to fleet managers who want to know how their drivers perform when they’re out of sight.

 For more details and a closer look at the system, visit the CarVi website.

By: Ric Manning On 3/01/2017

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Plug-in chip boosts any car's performance

Back in the hot rod era, you had to get under the hood to tweak a car’s performance. Today, you can do it under the dashboard by plugging into a car’s computer.

The DrakeBox Monza is an Italian chip tuning device that adjusts the computer instructions that control the car’s performance.

For example, it can reset the way the car manages its injection parameters to produce more effective and efficient combustion.

The chip contains 14 different mappings that can increase car’s power and torque, which could be helpful for towing or mountain driving while other settings will improve fuel economy. Each configuration option appears on box’s digital display.

DrakeBox says the device is easy to install or remove and using the chip won’t interfere with a car’s warranty.

The DrakeBox Monza sells for about £100 at the DrakeBox website where visitors can select the box that fits their car’s brand, model and engine.

For a closer look at the Drake Monza, watch the video below.

By: Ric Manning On 7/06/2016

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Glidecraft offers safer hoverboards

When some hover boards developed battery safety issues last winter, Amazon and a few other retailers pulled the popular items from their websites and store shelves.

The boards had become victims of their own success as shady manufacturers flooded the market with boards that had fake Samsung batteries and face safety certifications.

As legitimate dealers and manufacturers clear government safety reviews, hover boards have recently begun to return to the market, many with new designs.  Some have Bluetooth capabilities, which can make a hoverboard turn into a large wireless speaker on wheels. Others work like a skateboard that moves side to side instead of back and forth.

The new and safety-certified models are all more affordable. The first hover boards cost more than $1,000. Today, consumers can buy a quality overboard for less than $400 and as little as $250. Many newer models use lithium ion batteries. A post on Battery University explains how lithium ion batteries work and any safety concerns.

Glidecraft is among a few board makers that have been able to establish brand name visibility in the crowded overboard market. The company says its co-founders have been manufacturing other products with lithium ion batteries for the last 6 years, long before the current overboard craze.

The Ultra Hoverboard website features several Glidecraft models, including the new single-wheel model shown here.

By: Ric Manning On 6/11/2016

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CarVi monitors driving behavior

When I think back to the first year or two after I got a driver’s license, I wonder how I survived. Like any typical teen, I thought I was in complete control, even as my brain was swarming with distractions. If CarVi had been around in those days, I would have been riding the bus.

CarVi is a video-based system that monitors and analyzes a driver’s performance. The CarVi camera and transmitter mounts on a vehicle’s windshield, so it can be used in any vehicle, regardless of it’s age.

Working with the driver’s mobile phone, CarVi knows if the driver changes lanes or passes another vehicle when they shouldn’t. And it collects and stores the data where it can help drivers improve their skills or be reviewed by a third party - a parent, for example, or an insurance company. And, wouldn’t we all be safer if drivers had to achieve a minimum safe-driving score to qualify for insurance or even keep their license?

CarVi raised more than $100,000 with a funding campaign on Indiegogo and it recently got $5 million in venture capital funding to get he product into production. More details and and a pre-order form are available on the CarVi website.

By: Ric Manning On 5/02/2016

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Still want a hoverboard? This website has them

We’ve heard two sides of the overboard story: The two-wheeled self-balancing powered scooters can be great fun to ride but they can also develop serious battery problems.

The folks at Major Depot say their scooters are more reliable than many others because they use name-brand Samsung batteries and a charger that carries the Underwriters Laboratory certification.

They have an entry-level model that can roll at speeds up to 10km per hours and travel up to 20 kilometers, depending on the rider’s weight and other conditions.

The basic scooter at Major Depot is priced at $234.43 US.

By: Ric Manning On 4/25/2016

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This powered scooter has a budget price

Just after the Segway was introduced on national television, I got to take one for a spit at the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show. Of course, I immediately wanted my own two-wheeled electric vehicle, but there’s no way I could afford its steep price tag.

What is more likely to fit my budget is the of the two-wheel scooters that are for sale at Trend Setters Direct.

These scooters function much like the Segway. Operators stand upright and lean forward to roll forward and lean back to slow or stop. I tried one at CES last year and it was easier to manage than I expected.

The 17-pound Trend Setters scooters have 6.5-inch rubber wheels, dual gyros and LED lights for rolling after dark. The scooter has a maximum speed of 10-13 MPH and the rechargeable battery lasts up to 7 hours.

Trend Setters sells the scooters in a variety of colors for $399 - a whole lot less than the price of that other scooter. See the full lineup at the Trend Setters website.

By: Ric Manning On 11/05/2015

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SpeedRumble tracks luxury supercars

Someday, when I think up the next blockbuster app and cash starts rolling in, I’ll do when every freshly-minted mogul does: go car shopping. And I think my first stop will be SpeedRumble.

The website has the latest news and videos from the world of supercars and luxury motorsports. My local newspaper may have an occasional story about what Ford and Toyota are up to, but this websites keeps its eyes on Porsche, Bugatti and Lamborghini.

Recent posts delivered specs and commentary on Koenigsegg’s two new supercars that were revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, views from the Mercedes-Benz Media Night at the Frankfurt Motor Show and a look at what the the rumored LaFrerrari Siper might look like.

In addition to news updates, the site has reviews, videos and even spotlights some of the supercars that are for sale. It all looks like super fun for the super rich. Check it out at the SpeedRumble website.

By: Ric Manning On 11/03/2015

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UK firm develops an underwater jet pack

While snorkeling at one of the underwater reef parks in the Bahamas, it was frustrating to see beautiful coral formations 15 or 20 feet below the surface but not have enough flipper power to get a closer look.

What I needed was a an underwater jet pack like the one developed by by S.C.P Marine Innovation in the UK. The x2 Sport is a wearable propulsion system that lets swimmers move faster and dive deeper than what they can do using simple muscle power.

The idea is to into a swimmer into Aquaman with a power pack strapped to your back and a pair of thrusters strapped to your wrists. Just point your arms in the direction you want to go and squeeze the trigger in a handheld throttle. The jet pack lets you cruise at speeds up to 6 mph with 60 minutes of power.

The x2 developers have launched an Indiegogo campaign hoping to raise $35,000 to get the product into full production. Donors who pledge $2,000 will be in line to first 20 jet packs when they ship next summer.

For more details, check out the video below and visit the Super Marine Innovation website.

By: Ric Manning On 9/26/2015

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RocketSkates deliver a battery-powered ride

At the 2002 Consumer Electronics Show, I got to take a spin on a Segway. That was just a month after inventor Dean Kamen had introduced the two-wheel electric vehicle on national television.

Since then, we’ve seen several battery-powered self-propulsion devices make their debut including RocketSkates, a pair of smart electric skates that were featured on the TV show Shark Tank.

The skates were developed by Peter Treadway and his team of  engineers at Acton, Inc. in Los Angeles. The skates can carry a 275-pound person on a 10-mile excursion at speeds up to 12 mph. which I've been told is the legal limit for these types of transportation devices.

Like the Segway, RocketSkates are controlled by tilting the foot forward to speed up and back to slow down or brake. They can also be operated using a mobile app that displays speed and battery status, tracks the rider’s route and connects riders to others in the RocketSkates community.

Unlike some Shark Tank inventions that never get rolling, RocketSkates are being produced in volume and are for sale in three models with prices starting at $499.

More details about the skates are available at All Shark Tank Products, a website that profiles and follows products seen on the show. You can also follow @TheSharkTanker on Twitter.

By: Ric Manning On 9/21/2015

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RimTech will protect your car wheels and rims

The few times that my car was broken into, the thieves went for the stereo system. These days, they’re more likely to target the wheels, especially if you have custom rims or the nicer stock models.

RimTech is a new theft-deterrent and tracking system for tires and rims that will alert the owner when wheels are swiped and track the stolen items.

Developed by former heads of the Mobility and Global Positioning Technology for Nokia, RimTech uses motion sensors to detect an attempted theft and an alert system that sends a notification to the owner’s smart phone and to  the phones of selected friends.

The system also sends vehicle and location information to police agencies and tracks the movement of stolen wheels. A built-in camera inside the wheel snaps a photo when it detects light, which could help identify the thieves.

The RimTech system is slated to have a retail price of $329 when it hits the market. Backers who contribute $249 or more RimTech’s Kickstarter campaign will be in line to get one of the first systems with delivery expected in November.

By: Ric Manning On 8/18/2015

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New voice-control device for phones can make driving safer

It’s a good bet that you know someone who got in a traffic accident because someone was fiddling with their mobile phone.

It’s tempting to send text messages, read email, get driving directions or play a particular song while you’re driving. So tempting, in fact, that more than 1,000 people are injured each day in accidents that involve distracted drivers.

Maybe some new technology can help us keep our minds on the road. A company called iCreation has developed speeC-EZ, a small portable device that lets you control all of your phone’s functions with your voice. Instead of pressing a button to launch voice control, the speeC-EZ turns on hands-free control when a user says “Hello iCreation.”

Using speeC-EZ, drivers can send and receive text messages, make and receive calls, send or receive emails, get navigation directions and play music. The device uses a noise-canceling microphone to listed for commands and it has a speaker that improves sound quality compared to mobile phone speakers.

The speeC-EZ is the subject of a current fundraising campaign on Kickstarter where iConnect hopes to raise $50,000 to start producing the devices.

Backers who pledge $30 or more will be in line to get one of the first units when then they ship this fall. More details are available on the speeC-EZ website.

By: Ric Manning On 8/17/2015

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Epic Super Cars covers luxury on wheels

My neighbor doesn’t own a Corvette or a Ferrari, but boy he would love to. His Facebook page is populated with photos of the latest high-end sports cars and concept vehicles.

That’s why I’m going to tell him about Epic Super Cars, a website dedicated to the cars that you and I will only experience vicariously.

Well me, anyway. Maybe you’re on the waiting list for the Lamborghini Aventador SuperVeloce Roadster LP750-4 that's currently featured on the site's front page.

The site posts news and photos from the world of automotive luxury. It covers auto shows, car reviews, test drives and car tech. The video section has clips of an Italian hybrid supercar concept and a driver crashing his Porsche 918 Spyder.

But to see my favorite photo, look for the interior of a Maseraiti that was ruined by a spilled can of white paint.

To get your motor revved up, check out the Epic Super Cars website and follow @SuperCarsFans on Twitter.

By: Ric Manning On 7/14/2015

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Elio offers a frugal ride

The three-wheeled two-seater Elio gets 84 mpg. Call it a car or an enclosed motorcycle. It's developers say it will $6,800 after manufacturing begins this spring. 

By: Ric Manning On 1/06/2015

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CES 2014: A Segway alternative

This Inmotion two-wheel balance vehicle runs like the Segway. But at $2,500, it will cost much less than the Segway when it hits the US market later this year.

By: Ric Manning On 1/07/2014

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A Bluetooth comm system for cyclists

Too many bicycle mishaps have taught me to keep my eyes on the road and my ears tuned for danger. Long ago my wife outlawed wearing headphones of talking on my mobile.

But there are plenty of people who are far more adept than I at multitasking while navigating a two-lane country road while seated on 30 pounds of aluminum. It's those folks who are likely to embrace the BK-1, a multifunction communication and entertainment system for bicycle helmets.

The BK-1 is built by Cardo, a company with a long history of making communication products that let motorcycle riders talk to each other and to their passengers. It's the first communication system for cyclists to use Bluetooth technology to connect up to three cyclists who are separated by up to 1,640 feet under ideal road conditions.

The system includes a small waterproof transmitter/receiver that straps onto a bike helmet and connects to a pair of earpiece and microphone combos. The system connects to other BK-1 units as well as other Bluetooth devices including mobile phones, MP3 players and GPS units. Press one of the buttons on the receiver or use voice commands and you can talk to another cyclist, carry on a phone conversation, get navigation alerts (if your GPS has a voice option) or cue up "Born To Run."

The receiver also has a mini-USB port and a special audio cable so you can connect the system to an iPod or other MP3 device that doesn't have Bluetooth.

Getting the Cardo system set up on a bike helmet is a bit tricky. There are a lot of straps and cables to manage with a variety of Velcro pads to get all the components in place. 

The system also requires a hefty investment of cash as well as time. A single BK-1 rig costs $280 and a Duo version with two units costs $480. Both packages are available on the Cardo website.

By: Ric Manning On 7/28/2012

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