Like an Aptera, the Lightfoot Smile Machine is covered in solar cells. Another thing they have in common is that driving either an Aptera or this e-Scooter would make me smile.
The company says the Smile Machine's two 120-Watt solar panels can add up to 18 miles of range per day. I wonder if you could increase that by parking next to a big mirror, so both sides of the scooter can generate power? Perhaps some unfolding options for the solar panels would improve the scooter's power-generating capabilities.
With its barn-door styling, I wonder if it's difficult to ride on a windy day? One advantage of its styling is a 45-liter, lockable, storage bin between the solar panels.
To supplement solar charging, you can plug in the Smile Machine's onboard charger for 4 hours and be ready to ride up to 37 miles. It's a scooter, so there are no pedals to keep you moving after you run out of juice. Sporting 2 hub motors, its speed tops out before getting to 20 mph, making it legal for unlicensed riders. It has suspension to keep the ride from being too harsh. The seat and running boards are long enough to accommodate 2. Weighing a hefty 141 pounds, the Smile Machine won't be easy to carry up stairs.
If you want to make a solar EV statement and you're far down Aptera's reservation list, this is the scooter for you. The launch price is US $4,495.
Sources: RideApart article and Adam Savage Meets the Smile Machine video.
