Less speed, more taste

Cayte Williams hops on the latest trend in transport - the portable scooter

Cayte Williams
Saturday 07 June 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The coolest accessory this summer is not a bag or a baby - it's a portable scooter. The Zip and the EMX are the latest products from Board Silly, the hip scooter company whose clients include The Prodigy, Jamiroquai, Goldie and the Sultan of Brunei.

The Zip is a streamlined slick of fibre-glass with a detachable seat, so you can stand or sit while dodging traffic. The EMX has standing room only. The Zip folds down into a kind of industrial skateboard you carry around, while the heavier EMX folds and fits easily into a car boot.

"Both scooters are Pedestrian-Assisted Electrical Vehicles, which means you don't need a number plate, helmet, licence, road tax or MOT," explains Board Silly co-owner Jago Anderson.

Both of the scooters run on rechargeable batteries. A cord and plug uncoils from the handle-bars which you plug into a wall socket. "The Zip goes up to 20 mph, the EMX up to 30mph and they both last for up to four hours before re-charging," says Anderson.

As well as the trendy, the scooters are a hit with pensioners. "There's this ex- Lancaster Bomber," says Anderson. "He stopped riding bicycles when his arthritis set in and now whizzes into town on his Zip."

The Zip costs pounds 650, the EMX pounds 1,995, both available in white, yellow, blue, red, black and green from Board Silly, 0171 352 6456.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in