In a world where personal mobility devices are getting sleeker and more compact, Cocoa Motors has unveiled the WALKCAR 2, a device that might just make you question the need for walking altogether. Imagine a laptop-sized gadget that lets you glide through the streets or mall with zero effort. It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, right?
I promise this isn’t an April Fools joke.
The WALKCAR 2 is touted as the world’s smallest portable mobility vehicle, weighing in at a mere 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) and roughly the size of a laptop. This ultra-lightweight design means you can literally carry your “car” around in a backpack. Forget parking woes – just tuck it under your arm and go!
But don’t let its diminutive size fool you. The standard WALKCAR 2 model boasts a top speed of 10 km/h (6.2 mph) and a cruising range of 7 km (4.3 miles) on a single charge. Need a bit more oomph? The WALKCAR 2 Pro version ups the ante with a top speed of 15 km/h (9.3 mph) and an 8 km (5-mile) range. The two models feature 380W and 460W of power, respectively.
Both models can tackle inclines—10 degrees for the standard and 12 degrees for the Pro—making hilly commutes a breeze.
Operating the WALKCAR 2 is designed to be an intuitive process controlled simply by shifting your weight:
To speed up, riders press down with the toes of both feet to accelerate. The longer you press, the faster you go, up to the device’s maximum speed. To slow down, lift the toe of either foot slightly to decelerate. Continue this motion to come to a complete stop.
Turning is accomplished by shifting your weight by bending your knees slightly and leaning in the direction you want to turn. The device responds to your center of gravity, allowing for smooth navigation.
It’s said to feel like surfing the pavement. And compared to alternatives like e-bikes, scooters, or skateboards, there’s no handlebars or remote controls, just you and your balance.
Given its compact form, you might expect a bumpy ride, but Cocoa Motors built an innovative suspension system. The WALKCAR 2 features a “2D suspension” design that absorbs vertical and longitudinal vibrations, ensuring a smoother ride over common urban obstacles.
The WALKCAR 2 Pro takes it a step further with “3D suspension technology”, absorbing vibrations in all directions—vertically, longitudinally, and laterally. This means enhanced stability even on rough or uneven surfaces.
To recharge, a laptop-style charger can fill the battery 80% of the way in just 30 minutes, with a full charge taking one hour. The 68 Wh battery is likely compliant with nearly all major international airlines, meaning it could make for some slick airport transportation.
The WALKCAR 2 is priced at US $1,299 while the Pro version carries a higher price tag of $1,499. Both models come in four color options of Sonic Yellow, Celeste Blue, Sand Beige, and Sumi Ink Black. Shipping should start this month with deliveries continuing throughout April and May.
Electrek’s Take
Yeah, it’s pretty ridiculous. But that’s what also makes it so awesome. And since I’ve never shied away from testing ridiculous forms of transportation, it sounds right up my alley.
Of course, I’m also a daily runner and rarely miss my 10k step goal, so I’m not sure I’m exactly the intended audience here.
I sure hope this doesn’t truly lead to a Wall-E future of adults no longer using their legs, but I can see the benefit of an extremely portable device that can whisk someone around at 9 mph using hardware barely larger than a bathroom scale.
Of course, what that means for your actual bathroom scale, well that’s for you to consider.
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