The arma scooter is a foldable electric scooter from Japanese startup Shimizu that collapses to the footprint of an A4 sheet of paper, small enough to slide into a backpack or carry like a briefcase by its built-in handle. Designed to solve the last-mile commute, the Arma e-scooter weighs around 10 pounds, swaps batteries on the fly and recharges over USB-C, making it one of the most portable personal transport devices ever shown.
What is the Arma scooter?
Arma, Shimizu's latest innovation in urban mobility, is poised to redefine 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 size 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 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. Full specifications are listed by Arma.
How small and light is the Arma electric scooter?
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, provided 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. Independent coverage by New Atlas confirms the battery-swap design and briefcase-sized fold.
When is the Arma scooter coming out, and what will it cost?
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 and begin testing through 2024, followed by anticipated mass production. If all proceeds as planned, the first batches of Arma will ship to early backers, 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 is a testament to the possibility of innovation and sustainability converging in urban transportation.
Electric scooters you can buy at TheArsenale today
While Arma is still a prototype, TheArsenale already curates striking electric two-wheelers ready to ride. Explore the TheArsenale Electric collection of renewable-energy vehicles, then check out the Pave 1 electric scooter, the sleek EV1000 and the limited Moxie for TheArsenale Special Edition electric scooter.
The takeaway on the Arma e-scooter
If Shimizu delivers, the Arma will make carrying your ride as easy as carrying a laptop. Until then, find your electric scooter in the full TheArsenale Electric collection and own the last mile today.
Photo: ARMA EV
