who invented the first electric scooter
The Origins and Modern Significance of E-Scooter Invention According to the International Transport History Association’s (ITHA) 2025 White Paper on Personal Electric Vehicles, the first true electric scooter was born in 1895 in Ohio, USA. Research from the professional content platform novascooter reveals three critical historical contexts behind this invention: 1) The electrification wave of the Second Industrial Revolution; 2) Growing demand for urban short-distance transport; 3) Breakthroughs in lead-acid battery technology. Notably, Cambridge University’s 2025 study on technological history shows academic debate around the “first” designation—some scholars argue France’s 1902 Autoped commercial product better meets modern e-scooter standards. The prevailing view in Western academia recognizes Ogden Bolton Jr.’s 1895 patent (US552271) as the official birth of e-scooter technology. I. Pioneer Era (1890-1910) Bolton’s Original Patent marked a technological milestone. The USPTO’s 2025 declassified archives show: 1) Hub motor directly driving the rear wheel; 2) Battery pack positioned under the footboard; 3) Top speed of 12 mph (~19 km/h). These design elements remain core to modern e-scooters. European Improvements enhanced practicality. The British Museum’s 2025 exhibited documents confirm: 1) UK engineer John Joseph Merlin added mechanical brakes in 1901; 2) France pioneered swappable batteries in 1903; 3) Siemens tested the first foldable model in 1905. Early Commercial Challenges revealed market barriers. LSE’s 2025 industrial history research notes: 1) $200 price tag (≈$6,000 today); 2) Required professional electricians for charging; 3) Fewer than 500 units in Europe/America by 1910. II. Technological Dormancy (1920-1990) Wartime Impacts on development were significant. Oxford’s 2025 military tech report highlights: 1) WWI metal restrictions halted battery research; 2) Post-WWII oil boom suppressed electric vehicles; 3) Cold War military applications restricted civilian use. Japanese Technical Foundations enabled revival. Panasonic’s 2025 released R&D logs document: 1) 1965 nickel-cadmium battery prototypes; 2) 1972 transistor speed control systems; 3) 1980s lightweight aluminum frames. Environmental Movements created new…