Would You Ride This Weird Solar-Powered Electric Scooter?

We’ve seen some pretty crazy e-mobility gadgets and gizmos over the years—everything from ultra-high powered e-bikes to electric scooters that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. But the weirdest and most attention-grabbing of them all just has to be this electric scooter that’s powered by good old-fashioned sun juice.

It’s called Lightfoot, the brainchild of Otherlab, a mobility startup with a knack for all sorts of weird and wonderful inventions. They describe it as a sun-powered cargo scooter perfect for short trips. Think of it as a cross between a bicycle and an e-scooter—easy to use, undeniably practical, and pretty charming.

With a top speed of 20 miles per hour, it’s not going to win any drag races. But it’s got retro vibes inspired by classics like Vespa scooters and even the VW bus, at least according to Otherlab. The company markets it as a fun, do-it-all micromobility device.

But personally? I think looks like the kind of thing you’d rely on if the world was ending and gas pumps—and maybe even power outlets—were a thing of the past.

Picture this: the world has fallen victim to a massive solar storm or some apocalyptic event where the power grid is rendered useless. What’s left? The sun, of course. And with Lightfoot capable of making up to 20% of its power from the sun’s rays, it just might be your ticket to survival. That is, assuming you’re not fighting off zombies, of course.

Here’s what’s under the two massive solar panels that double as the two-wheeler's bodywork: a 48-volt, 1.1 kWh battery feeding two 750-watt motors that crank out 90 Nm (67 pound-feet) of torque. It can handle pretty much any hill, making it perfect for navigating a desolate wasteland—or just your local neighborhood with some steep climbs. It’s got a range of 37 miles per charge, so you won’t be left stranded.

On cloudy days, or when you need to go out at night, you won’t need to worry, either. And that’s because the Lightfoot isn't powered solely by the sun. The scooter is equipped with an onboard 600W charger that can juice it up to 80 percent in 90 minutes from a standard 110-volt socket.

With all that being said, we’re not in a post-apocalyptic world just yet, but the Lightfoot is definitely not your average e-scooter. In a sea of sleek, modern designs, this retro, steampunk oddball sticks out—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, sometimes being different is what makes all the difference.