Arma, Shimizu's latest innovation in urban mobility, is poised to redefine the concept of portability in personal transport with its groundbreaking foldable e-scooter. Originating from a Japanese startup known for cutting-edge technology, Arma stands out with an ingenious mechanism that allows it to collapse to the sizing proximity of a 12 or 13-inch laptop, rendering it exceedingly convenient to carry in a backpack or like a compact toolbox using its top handle. This remarkable ability to transform from a sleek vehicle to a highly portable unit is unmatched in the e-scooter market. The product, still in its prototype phase, is being developed with an ambitious vision – to offer a compact, portable, and practical solution to the last-mile problem faced by urban commuters.
As the world's potential most compact foldable e-scooter, Arma is designed to be smaller than a 14-inch laptop, tucking away in an A4-sized frame. With an anticipated weight of about 10 pounds, it could become the market's smallest and lightest e-scooter - if Shimizu navigates the significant physics hurdles inherent in the compact design. The prototype demonstrates a planned seamless transition from carrying to riding mode in about 30 seconds, emphasizing both convenience and speed for users on the go. Shimizu foresees further efficiency through swappable batteries – a feature that would enhance its use for those with demanding urban travel needs. The batteries, recharged via a USB Type-C port within two hours, are said to deliver a range of up to 15 kilometers, setting a new benchmark for e-scooter range and charging time.
Indicative of Shimizu's progress is Arma's debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, where its prototype garnered significant attention. The development process is ongoing, with the design team deeply engaged in perfecting the second prototype, aiming to unveil the final product by the end of 2023. With high hopes, testing of this second prototype is set for early 2024, followed by the anticipated mass production in the second quarter. If all proceeds as planned, the first batches of Arma will be shipped in the third quarter of the year, potentially revolutionizing the e-scooter segment with its ultra-portable, user-friendly design and advanced technical features. Arma is much more than a convenient commute; it's a testament to the possibility of innovation and sustainability converging in urban transportation.
📷: ARMA EV
