Electric Scooter History: Who Invented It & When It Was First Made

Electric scooters have become a staple in modern urban transportation, but their history dates back over a century. This article delves into the origins of electric scooters, highlighting key inventors and milestones that have shaped their evolution.

The Birth of the Motorized Scooter: The Autoped

In 1913, inventor Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson filed a patent for a "Self-Propelled Vehicle," which would later be known as the Autoped. Manufactured between 1915 and 1919 in the United States, and subsequently in Germany by Krupp from 1919 to 1922, the Autoped featured a collapsible steering rod for easy storage and transportation. Notably, some versions of the Autoped were equipped with electric motors, making them among the earliest electric scooters.

 

Early Electric Scooter Innovations

While the Autoped was a significant milestone, other inventors also contributed to the development of electric scooters. For instance, physicist Elmer R. Johnson is credited with inventing an electric scooter in the early 1900s, with his design emerging around 1915. These early innovations laid the groundwork for the diverse range of electric scooters available today.

The Modern Kick Scooter Revival

In the 1990s, Swiss banker Wim Ouboter reinvented the kick scooter to address his need for a convenient mode of transportation over short distances. His design led to the creation of the modern portable lightweight kick scooter, which gained popularity worldwide and influenced the development of contemporary electric scooters.

The Segway and Advancements in Personal Transport

In 2001, inventor Dean Kamen introduced the Segway, a two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter. Utilizing gyroscopic sensors and electric motors, the Segway represented a significant advancement in personal electric transportation, despite facing market challenges.

Conclusion

From the early 20th-century Autoped to modern electric scooters, the evolution of electric scooters reflects ongoing innovation in personal transportation. Understanding this history provides insight into the technological advancements that have made electric scooters a prevalent mode of urban mobility today.