An Electric Scooter For MINI Cooper?

The 2010 Paris Motor Show featured a number of interesting models, presenting the latest vehicles offered by European, Asian and American manufacturers as well as several concept designs. One concept present wasn't even a car, rather it was an electric scooter, designed for the niche MINI Cooper brand.

Yes, MINI may go even smaller, by offering a two-wheeled electric bike to complement its vehicle line.

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The Mini Scooter E Concept is turning heads for several reasons: it is an all-electric bike, features a beautiful contemporary design and it is being proposed by a brand best known for selling chic UK-styled cars. That MINI is owned by BMW should be noted as the German automaker is also a motorcycle manufacturer, making it easy for MINI to enter the segment.

Three Scooters

Three versions of the Mini Scooter E Concept were on display in Paris, scooters most likely to hit the auto show circuit and show up stateside at several popular shows including Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago and New York.

Key features of this bike powered by a lithium-ion battery pack includes an onboard cable suitable for plugging in to your home's household outlet. Additionally, the concepts featured a docking station for a smart phone, which can be used to unlock the Scooter. A music player, GPS device and a hands-free phone are among the other amenities included.

Nifty GPS

One cool feature of the GPS is that it will track other Mini Scooters on the road and automatically flash the scooter's headlight at them when passing them. Social networking, scooter style!

Each version of the MINI Scooter will make use of the retro circular instruments and speedometer used in current Mini models. Chrome trim is found on the scooter's body, a design cue harking back to the original Mini Coopers popular throughout the 1960s.

Steep Price

If or when the Mini Scooter E gets green-lighted for production, it will most likely carry a steep price tag with it, perhaps costing ,000 or more. Remember, this is a scooter -- not a motorcycle -- where prices for the former generally start below 00. However, this model is all-electric and features a design scheme that may enhance its value and appeal.

No matter what path BMW decides to take with its Mini Scooter E Concept, the automaker is proving that it is thinking of the broader market in a bid to reach more customers for its iconic MINI brand.

An Electric Scooter For MINI Cooper?

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including cat-back exhausts and bumpers.

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