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Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I just rode a $2,000 electric scooter designed by Formula One engineers — and I'm actually tempted to buy it
What do you get when a Formula One engineer takes his talents and designs an electric scooter? I found out for myself when I took the Bo Model-M for a test ride in Brooklyn last week. This new electric scooter has an aluminum monocoque chassis and a unique steering system that makes it unlike any other electric scooter on the market today. But how does this $2,000 machine compare to the best electric scooter? I went for a ride with CEO Oscar Morgan, who previously worked for Williams Racing, to see how well it handled. Motor: 400W (1200W peak)Speed: 22 MPHMax range: 40 milesBattery capacity: 672WhBrakes: Sealed drum (front), Regenerative e-brake with e-ABS (rear)Weight: 50.7 poundsMax rider weight: 265 poundsDimensions: 47.2 (length) x 44.5 (height) x 23.2 (width) The company is slowly introducing the Model-M to the U.S. You can order the base model — which has a top speed of 16 MPH and a range of up to 25 miles — for $1,990 at Bo's website. A version with a top speed of 22 MPH and a range of 40 miles sells for $2,490. The Model-M is also offered in four colors — silver, gold, black, and chrome — with the latter three being a bit more costly. For example, a gold version of the top-end Model M costs $3,399. That's a lot more expensive than the best electric scooters, but the company doesn't plan to release it in large numbers; each scooter is hand-built. Lest you think it can't go faster, Bo is developing a modified version of the scooter that can reach speeds of up to 100 MPH. At $30,000, it'll cost you as much as a car, though. Unlike most every other electric scooter, the Bo Model-M has a monocoque chassis, which means that the outer shell of the scooter itself provides support, rather than an internal frame. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. So, there's no vertical downtube like you'll see with most scooters; rather, you get an L-shape that swooshes down and blends seamlessly with the deck; it's the sleekest scooter design I've seen since the Unagi Model One. A running light sits about a third of the way up the scooter, with a headlight in the middle of the handlebars. Partly because of this design, the top of the scooter doesn't fold down, which makes it more suited for those who have a garage to store it. There are two small design touches I particularly liked. The first is the Model-M's kickstand, which is designed that that you'd find on a motorcycle: It folds down on both sides of the scooter, so it's propped up level, and more securely, than a kickstand that's just on one side. The other feature I loved are the folding loops for a bike lock. These are located about halfway down, and pop out so that you can slide a bike lock through the frame of the scooter, and then fold them back in for a sleeker look. These loops also have a small tab at the top, so you can use them to hang a bag from the scooter while you're riding. The Model-M lacks a built-in display. Instead, there's a mounting bracket in the middle of the handlebars, to which you attach your smartphone, and use the Bo app as your dashboard. Also, the steering is a lot tighter than a traditional scooter — you feel a lot of resistance as you turn the handlebars to either side, as they automatically return to center. In some ways, it feels like the steering wheel of your car. While I didn't try it, you could almost ride the scooter one-handed, as you don't have to focus on keeping the wheel pointed forward. The Model-M is powered by a 400W (1200W peak) rear motor, which felt pretty zippy around the admittedly flat streets of the area around the Brooklyn Navy Yard; I'd be interested to see how it would fare in hillier environs. Still, it felt very zippy during my time riding it; the Model-M has two speed settings, so you can keep it at a lower top speed until you get used to riding it. Another conscious design decision was to forego any sort of suspension system on the Model-M, and instead rely on its 10 x 2.5-inch pneumatic tires to absorb any bumps in the road. It was definitely more jarring than full suspension scooters like the Segway Max G3, especially when riding over the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn. There's a lot to like about the Bo Model-M; not only does its design stand out from the crowd, but it's thoughtfully made; I especially like touches such as the folding bike lock. While I'd like to test it out further, the Model-M's steering is also unlike any other electric scooter I've ridden, and definitely feels more stable when making turns; it felt more like skiing than scooting. I do wish there were some sort of suspension, though. At $2,000, this is definitely a boutique ride, and, as it doesn't fold and weighs around 50 pounds, I would not recommend it for those who live in a walk-up apartment. But, if you're looking for a scooter that will make a statement, this is it.
Extra.ie
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Extra.ie
World's fastest e-scooter can reach speeds of 160kmh - will it be available in Ireland?
A tech company have unveiled their new e-scooter, which can reach speeds of up to 100mph (160km/hr). Love them or hate them, e-scooters are still legal on Irish roads, but have come under intense scrutiny for the lack of licensing requirements surrounding them. While there are rules surrounding their top speeds — with scooters only being allowed to have top speeds of 20km/hr on public roads — one tech company in the UK have decided to take them to the next level, creating a scooter that can reach heights of 100mph. Pic: Bo UK company Bo, who make bespoke e-scooters, announced the unveiling of the 'Turbo' scooter, which they've called a 'monster.' 'As The Turbo development progressed, we realised that we were creating a monster,' Bo CEO Oscar Morgan said. 'E–scooters have been revolutionising how people move locally, but they are yet to enter the leagues of mainstream automotive culture. 'The Turbo is part of our mission to elevate these futuristic electric vehicles into the top tier of automotive performance.' Pic: Bo Right now, it appears that such a terrifying piece of machinery won't be available in Ireland due to the fact that it wouldn't be street legal. But even then, if it were to become legal on Irish roads, a lot of people may be put off by the price of the scooters, which are set to fetch a price tag of $29,500 (€25,310). As well as this, you can't just buy one — with the company saying that 'potential enthusiasts considering a build are invited to submit previous ride experience through an online portal on the Turbo site.' The scooters are made out of aerospace grade aluminium, and have a huge 1800Wh battery — powerful enough to fast charge 1,500 iPhones simultaneously. Yes, really. Pic: Bo They also have a massive range compared to the average charge of an e-scooter, being able to go 150 miles (240km) before needing to be charged. The scooters have since been tested out across 20 runs by a professional racer Tre Whyte, and reached speeds of 85mph (136km/h), but Bo aren't stopping there — and are hoping that the scooter's speed can reach triple digits. 'Having successfully completed the shakedown process on race tracks here in the UK, and with a high level of confidence in the stability and rideability of The Turbo, we are now initiating a process to increase the output and speed from the vehicle until we achieve our target,' Bo CTO Harry Willis said.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
World's fastest electric scooter nicknamed ‘The Turbo' set to hit the streets - what could possibly go wrong?
The world's fastest e–scooter has been unveiled – and it can reach dizzying speeds of up to 100mph. The vehicle, dubbed The Turbo, is the brainchild of UK company, Bo. Oscar Morgan, CEO at Bo, said: 'As The Turbo development progressed, we realised that we were creating a monster. 'E–scooters have been revolutionising how people move locally, but they are yet to enter the leagues of mainstream automotive culture. 'The Turbo is part of our mission to elevate these futuristic electric vehicles into the top tier of automotive performance.' Thankfully, the hefty cost will likely put off most potential buyers – The Turbo has an base price of $29,500. Bo spent 18 months developing The Turbo, which is crafted out of aerospace grade aluminium. At the heart of the vehicle is a 'cutting–edge powertrain', featuring a 24,000W dual motor propulsion system. Meanwhile, the main battery is 1800Wh – large enough to supply fast–charging to 1,500 iPhones simultaneously. So, while most e–scooters you see on the roads today have a range of around 15–40 miles on a single charge, The Turbo can travel up to 150 miles before you need to plug it in, according to Bo. The company carried out its first test runs at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. Across 20 runs, piloted by professional racing rider, Tre Whyte, the vehicle clocked in a top speed of 85mph. For comparison, the speed limit for e–scooters in the UK is currently 15.5mph. However, Bo isn't stopping there. The company now hopes to break the 100mph under Guinness World Record Supervision. Harry Wills, CTO at Bo, said: 'Having successfully completed the shakedown process on race tracks here in the UK, and with a high level of confidence in the stability and rideability of The Turbo, we are now initiating a process to increase the output and speed from the vehicle until we achieve our target.' A 'limited run' of Turbo commissions is currently in development, with a base price of $29,500. However, not just anyone can buy one.
Euronews
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Euronews
Is this the world's fastest e-scooter ?
Move away, Tesla – there's a new speed demon with half the number of wheels. With preliminary testing results of speed exceeding 160km/h, the 'Turbo' is aiming to be the fastest e-scooter in the world. The UK-based scooter start-up, Bo, adapted the chassis from its flagship urban scooter into a high-performance prototype to demonstrate the extreme capabilities of electric propulsion on two wheels. 'We want to do something which everyone can get excited about. And for us, that means pushing the limit as to how fast these vehicles can go,' Oscar Morgan, Bo's CEO and co-founder, told Euronews Next. He says the start-up aims to break the speed record for an e-scooter this year. 'The initial aim is to get it over 100 kilometres an hour with the Guinness World Record moderators watching,' Morgan said. 'And my personal aim is I would love to see it go past 200 kilometres an hour,' he added. He also adds that the Turbo is designed purely for record-setting and is 'not made for riding to the supermarket or gym'. 'We're not expecting many people to ride the turbo. It's terrifying, and it's not very safe. But what it does do is it gives people an opportunity to think about these things and to look at what maybe these vehicles are capable of'. Acceleration close to a Tesla The company says the electric scooter is so powerful that it could outrun some of the world's fastest cars from a standstill. 'One of the things that completely caught us out when we were first taking the turbo on track was just how fast it accelerates,' Morgan said. A Tesla Model 3 Performance can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.1 seconds, according to Tesla. Most regular scooters struggle to hit less than 10 seconds. The shakedown tests are not official records, however, they were carried out by a professional scooter racer, the company says. 'We've done quite extensive testing now. The turbo has been put through its paces, and it hasn't missed a beat. So we're really confident the engineering behind it is top grade,' Morgan said. With a higher power-to-weight ratio than a Bugatti Veyron, the Turbo has a 1,800Wh battery to travel up to 240km on a single charge. That's enough energy to fast-charge around 1,500 smartphones at once, Bo says. The Turbo wasn't meant for sale, but Bo is building a small number for approved collectors or riders with a strong use case, with a starting price of €27,500. The first delivery is already scheduled for 2026, where Madrid's inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix takes place. While the Turbo is designed for record-setting, Bo's road-ready version, the 'Model-M,' will hit the market in August 2025, starting in the United States. For more on this story, watch the video in the media player above.
Daily Mail
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
World's fastest electric scooter dubbed 'The Turbo' can reach top speeds of over 100mph - what could go wrong?
They've been dubbed a 'menace' on UK streets, with calls for them to be banned entirely. Now, electric scooters (e–scooters) are about to get even more irritating. The world's fastest e–scooter has been unveiled – and it can reach dizzying speeds of up to 100mph. The vehicle, dubbed The Turbo, is the brainchild of UK company, Bo, who describe it as 'a monster'. 'As The Turbo development progressed, we realised that we were creating a monster,' said Oscar Morgan, CEO at Bo. 'E–scooters have been revolutionising how people move locally, but they are yet to enter the leagues of mainstream automotive culture. 'The Turbo is part of our mission to elevate these futuristic electric vehicles into the top tier of automotive performance.' Thankfully, the hefty cost will likely put off most potential buyers – The Turbo has an eye–watering base price of $29,500 (£21,950). Bo spent 18 months developing The Turbo, which is crafted out of aerospace grade aluminium. At the heart of the vehicle is a 'cutting–edge powertrain', featuring a 24,000W dual motor propulsion system. Meanwhile, the main battery is 1800Wh – large enough to supply fast–charging to 1,500 iPhones simultaneously. So, while most e–scooters you see on the roads today have a range of around 15–40 miles on a single charge, The Turbo can travel up to 150 miles before you need to plug it in, according to Bo. The company carried out its first test runs at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. Across 20 runs, piloted by professional racing rider, Tre Whyte, the vehicle clocked in a top speed of 85mph (135kph). For comparison, the speed limit for e–scooters in the UK is currently 15.5mph. However, Bo isn't stopping there. The company now hopes to break the 100mph under Guinness World Record Supervision. Harry Wills, CTO at Bo, said: 'Having successfully completed the shakedown process on race tracks here in the UK, and with a high level of confidence in the stability and rideability of The Turbo, we are now initiating a process to increase the output and speed from the vehicle until we achieve our target.' A 'limited run' of Turbo commissions is currently in development, with a base price of $29,500 (£21,950). However, not just anyone can buy one. 'Potential enthusiasts considering a build are invited to submit previous ride experience through an online portal on The Turbo site,' Bo said. The news comes shortly after a crackdown on e–scooters was launched, following a spate of incidents that left members of the public 'scared and threatened.' A campaign launched by Crimestoppers this month is urging the public to report instances of dangerous and illegal use of off–road motorbikes, mopeds, e–bikes and e–scooters. It comes amid growing concerns that the vehicles are becoming a threat to the public, with the bikes being ridden in residential areas, on town centre pavements and parks. Angela Parker National Manager of Crimestoppers, said: 'We heard from many people who felt scared and threatened by the increased use of illegal off–road bikes. 'This illegal activity also damages the environment and heritage, taking years to recovers and costing thousands to repair. 'Our campaign aims to support communities in reporting anonymously to our charity and providing information on where people can safely and legally enjoy riding their bike.' How to ride an electric scooter safely If you're planning to ride an e–scooter, it's best to take some extra precautions: Wear a helmet: This isn't the slickest of options, but it really is the best way to save yourself from a nasty accident. Don't lock your knees: If you're stiff as a board on your e–scooter, you're more likely to lose your balance and fall if you hit a bump. Bend your knees slightly instead and you'll find it much easier. Ditch the music: It's best not to stick your headphones on when you're riding your e–scooter, since you might be focusing more on your tunes and less on what's ahead of or around you. Source: Currys
