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| Mini foot/kick scooters: Emphasis on foldable, lightweight designs |
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Model ES201 is an electric mini scooter from Zhejiang Bowei Electric Vehicles Co. Ltd. It runs on 12V 12AH rechargeable batteries and has a top speed of 20kph.
In China, suppliers are producing models that offer improved convenience and safety, as their exports shift toward Europe.
China suppliers of mini and foot scooters are enriching the line with models that have greater convenience and safety. New releases are lightweight and feature a pull-buckle design for easier folding, adjustable handlebars, and wheel casings that cushion the rider during sudden braking.
Makers offer manual mini scooters in two- and three-wheel designs. Output of three-wheelers, which provide better balance, is being increased as demand for such models rises.
Among the latest designs from China is a three-wheel scooter featuring an adjustable handlebar that doubles as bodybuilding equipment. The handlebar can be swung side to side, allowing the rider to exercise his or her arms. Other new models have anti-drop nails that do not loosen easily, holding the deck, wheels and handlebar together more securely. For added safety, suppliers have also increased the clearance between the handles on some two-wheelers.
Electric two-wheelers are also being upgraded. The latest releases have adjustable speeds, making them suitable as commuter vehicles and not mere playthings. These models have rechargeable batteries with a charging time of three to six hours. Some models come with a wheel casing so that the rider would not be injured during an abrupt stop.
The trend is for lightweight and foldable designs. New models weighing only 2kg have a top speed of 30kph. The load capacity is 80kg. Folded-up models measure 4x7x21 inches, making them easy to carry.
Among the suppliers interviewed for this report, Zhejiang Bowei Electric Vehicles Co. Ltd has released an electric mini scooter supported by 12V 12AH rechargeable batteries. With 16-inch front and 6-inch rear tires, the ES201 model runs at 20kph and has a load capacity of 130kg.
Pinnacle Industry Ltd is offering model TB-E10E1, which has a pull-buckle design for easier folding. Made of aluminum, plastic and iron, this electric mini scooter has adjustable height and a wheel casing to cushion against abrupt braking. The manual three-wheel model PN-S808 is made of aluminum and plastic and is also foldable. Firm support makes it suitable for children.
Model JL-2001T from Zhejiang Jinli Industrial & Trading Co. Ltd weighs 2.2kg and has a deck size of 40cm. It is foldable and easy to carry. To promote safety, its front and rear wheels are fitted with screws that do not loosen easily.
Foldable three-wheel models OTD-02 and OTD-03 from Yongkang Outdo Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd have 5- to 6-inch wheels and run at a speed of 14mph. They can climb a 15-degree angle.
Most of China's mini scooter makers purchase their parts and components from suppliers in Yongkang. This city of Zhejiang province is also the country's biggest production base for finished scooters, exporting $550 million worth each year. Wuyi in Zhejiang province is another major hub.
Exports shift to Europe
Model PN-S801 is a manual two-wheel mini scooter from Pinnacle Industry Ltd. Offering firm support, the model is suitable for children.
Exports shift to Europe
The United States used to be the main export destination, but companies are finding it difficult to cope with that market's demands for greater speed. This and the stringent US import policies on mini scooters have forced more suppliers to shift their export focus to Europe now.
Zhejiang Bowei, which produces 3,000 mini scooters per month, exports 100 percent of its output to Europe and the US.
At Yongkang Outdo, where manual three-wheelers dominate production, all of output is exported to Europe, South America, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia. The company's midrange manual models are priced at about $21 each.
With 10 years of experience in electric, gas-powered and foot scooters, Zhejiang Jinli produces 90,000 units per month. Its best-selling manual designs are about $7.80 each. The company's main markets are Spain and the US.
Pinnacle specializes in electric two-wheel and manual three-wheel scooters for markets in England, Spain, Greece, France, Turkey, Belgium and the US. Monthly production is 30,000 units. Scoot-N-Go and Gerco Toys are among the company's major customers. Pinnacle's low-end three-wheel manual models are priced at $4.60 each. Midrange and high-end designs are $6.20 and $8, respectively. Electric models are $19 for low-end models, $25 for midrange designs and $30 for high-end models.
A growing industry such as China's exports of mini scooters is not without its challenges. In the past, the proliferation of inferior models had damaged the industry's reputation internationally, dampening sales. To win buyer confidence, suppliers are upgrading their products through the use of quality materials and stricter QC procedures.
A selection of the latest mini and foot scooters from China
Company: Pinnacle Industry Ltd
Model: TB-E10E1
Description: Two-wheel electric mini scooter; made of aluminum, plastic and iron; pull-buckle design for easy folding; adjustable height and speed; wheel casing; can be used for commuting as well as for play
Price: $26
Company: Zhejiang Jinli Industrial &Trading Co. Ltd
Model: JL-2001T
Description: Manual two-wheeler; made of aluminum; PU wheel; easy to carry; front and rear wheels fitted with screws that do not fall off easily; deck size 40cm
Price: $7.80
Company: Yongkang Outdo Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd
Model: OTD-02
Description: Manual three-wheeler; aluminum; foldable; adjustable handlebar; 6-inch front wheel; width 17 inches; height 29a??37 inches; length 29 inches or 74cm; maximum speed 14mph
Price: $21.50
Company: Yongkang Outdo Vehicle Manufacturing Co. Ltd
Model: OTD-03
Description: Manual three-wheeler; aluminum; foldable; adjustable handlebar; 5-inch front wheel; weight 5kg; width 17 inches; height 29a??37 inches; length 29 inches or 74cm; maximum speed 14mph
Price: $20.50
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