Autonomous E-Scooters Electric Two-Wheelers in China Will Soon Drive Autonomously

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Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

The latest trend in the Chinese e-scooter market is autonomous driving functions. The two-wheeled, Vespa-like speedsters with electric motors are equipped with automatic navigation, braking, and parking functions, which until recently were reserved for smart electric cars.

A new product, dubbed "Omo X" and built by a Chinese startup, recently drove itself onto the stage during its launch at a press conference in Jakarta. This function is also called "smart summon," or in English, "remote summon."

The startup OMOWAY, which is producing this new high-tech vehicle, was founded by He Tao, a former co-founder of the e-car startup "Xpeng Motors." His new team also includes Zhang Lihua, the former head of the autonomous driving department at Xpeng, as well as Xpeng's former VP, Jiao Qingchun. Founded just last year, OMOWAY has already raised the equivalent of several tens of millions of euros in investments from "angels" and professional funds such as Sequoia Capital, ZhenFund, and Huiyou Capital.

Two Instead of Four Wheels

The electric scooter is equipped with the "Halo Pilot" system, which enables a range of features previously known primarily from intelligent e-cars. These include Remote Summon, adaptive cruise control, driverless parking, automatic reversing, and self-balancing at low speeds, as well as collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V).

Additionally, the Omo X features a modular frame that can be configured according to the rider's profile, varying for occasional leisure riders, regular commuters, and aspiring motorcyclists with a sporty riding style. Although the Omo X is not set to hit the market until the second half of this year, most reactions in the trade press are already positive. "The Omo X is the most impressive statement from a new manufacturer in years. Technologically advanced and a true eye-catcher, it seems specifically designed for continuous development via software updates. Features like remote summon and AI-powered assistance systems could genuinely simplify urban mobility—and capabilities like automatically driving to a charging station seem practical for everyday use," writes Electrec, for example.

Launch in the Giant Market

The fact that the launch with the autonomous mini-stunt took place in Jakarta is no coincidence. Indonesia has a large two-wheeler market with more than 120 million scooters, which is rapidly electrifying. The OMOWAY founding team thoroughly explored the market there and has consciously targeted this export market from the very beginning.

Another reason for this, aside from the promising market opportunities in Southeast Asia, is the increasingly fierce competition in this still young industry at home in China. In Chongqing, Sichuan Province, China's undisputed "motorcycle capital," the production of e-scooters has risen from 710,000 in 2022 to nearly three million units last year, according to Chinese trade media.

The predominantly young customers for this new form of e-mobility are generally very interested in modern technology, which is also reflected in the features offered by major manufacturers in the People's Republic. Ninebot offers easy smartphone connectivity and keyless starting. Incidentally, this Chinese company acquired Segway and produces both moped-like e-scooters and those without seats (eKickScooters).

Many of the new functions enabled by AI or digital technology aim both to enhance driving safety and to prevent battery fires when the e-scooter is parked and potentially being charged.

Longcin uses precision sensors and control algorithms to stabilize its e-scooters on wet roads or during hard braking. Zhongshen offers cornering ABS and millimeter-wave radar for warnings of dangers from blind spots. The AI of Qianjing's e-scooters enables interactive voice functions and numerous navigation aids.

Safety of the Batteries

The safety of batteries has recently become a major focus in the competition. In February, 15 people lost their lives in a large fire in a residential building in Nanjing, which, according to media reports, broke out in a corner where electric scooters were parked.

China itself is, of course, a massive market for the many manufacturers that have started producing e-scooters. The number of electric two-wheelers in circulation in the People's Republic has already exceeded the 400-million mark. In the language of statisticians, every fourth Chinese person already owns such a vehicle.

Aside from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.), the five Central Asian countries, and Africa, China's e-scooter pioneers also see significant market opportunities in the USA and Europe. "Indonesia is the starting point, not the end," says OMOWAY founder He Tao. So don't be surprised if a nearly silent, driverless two-wheeler suddenly overtakes you soon. (sb)

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