The Skoot
Funny how these things work… after posting about the Voltitude, I came across this folding bike design from Skoot. Although it's a proper bike rather than an electric or 'assisted' one, it's a pretty cool design.
I can't find out a lot more about it other than what is written about it on the blog (or journal as he puts it), Mr Porter, and he is featuring a book on iconic bike designs "Cyclepedia" (itself a nicely designed tome on cycle design) rather than the Skoot itself.
The other source of information was here, which fleshes out the story a bit… it was designed by Vincent Fallon, in 2001. Rather beautifully I think. The rationale was to "Ride where you want to go, and fold the Skoot away, in seconds, into its case. Then carry it into offices, restaurants or hotels, or take it further on trains, buses, trams, or taxis. All without hassle, loss of dignity or greasy hands".
At one stage it looked like you could get hold of one from an Essex (UK) based company, Skoot International, for about £850, but their website is no longer up… and the skoot.com name is up for sale. (GREAT brand name for a scooter or citycar, anyone out their "namestorming").
Perhaps it was just a little ahead of it's time. With the resurgence of cycling and commuting in London for example, maybe now the market has caught up.
Know more about the Skoot? Is it still being made? Have you owned one? Get in touch, or leave a comment.
