Last month, the New York International Auto Show displayed a variety of vehicles at the Jacob Javits Convention Center; however, this was not the only form of transportation they highlighted. For the first time at the Auto Show, New Yorkers also got an up-close look at e-bikes and scooters to not only admire but to also test-drive in an indoor track.
During the COVID-19 pandemic the demand for electronic bikes and scooters rose for delivery workers and others who wanted to avoid taking public transportation. The New York Auto Show’s organizers decided to underscore this new form of travel at their grand return in New York.
The lower level of the Javits Center was dedicated to electric transportation, with one side offering attendees an opportunity to take a ride in a Kia car with a professional driver (in an indoor track), and there was also a section dedicated to the latest electronic bikes and scooters.
On display were bikes/scooters by Veo, Spark Cycleworks, Jupiter/Bike, Jetson, and more. The Veo, which offered both a seated and standing scooters that can reach up to 15 miles per hour. This scooter had thick tires and was very comfortable to ride due to it’s wide build, and while it felt a bit heavy to the touch the sturdiness and balance makes for a secure ride. The only set back is storing this scooter, particularly the seated version, because of it’s large size.
The Jetson bike addresses this storage issue by creating a model that can be easily folded. This bike is just as fast as the Veo but is great for people who want to jet over to a location and not worry about chaining it outside. Another great option is the seatless scooters, which will have you zooming through the city streets and if you have to take the subway to another borough, just fold your scooter and tuck it under your train seat.
Each of these electric bikes and scooters help reduce carbon emissions, but they come at a hefty price ranging from $600 to over $2,000.
Photos by: Amanda Moses
