With almost every automaker unveiling their own electric car concepts at auto shows, electric cars are no longer the centre of coolness at the shows. The latest trend that has been picking up, however, is the introduction electric motorbikes. And the latest one to follow suit is none other than German giant, Volkswagen. The E-Scooter concept was unveiled at last week’s Shanghai Motor Show.

The E-Scooter weighs just 20 Kg without its batteries, and is powered by a combination of a 350-watt electric motor and a nickel-metal-hydride battery, which can be removed for charging indoors. The two wheeler can travel up to 40 miles attaining its top speed at 30 mph on a single charge. Volkswagen claims that this range can be easily extended by adding a lithium ion battery, while the bike’s performance could be improved by adding a 700 watt motor. Future upgrades that may be added to the E-Scooter include regenerative braking, LED lights, a leather saddle, and lithium-ion batteries.

At the moment, Volkswagen is working out business prospects for the E-Scooter. Apart from selling it directly to consumers, they plan to install city ‘hubs’ located outside train stations, shopping centres and at key business parks, from where customers can rent the bikes. Of late, electric two-wheeled vehicles have gained incredible popularity. Whether the E-Scooter will go into mass production is yet to be seen, but for now, VW is considering trialling a fleet in a yet-to-be-confirmed Chinese city in 2012. If the scheme turns out to be successful, a worldwide market launch would be the next plan of action.

via motortrend