With the increasing awareness of low-carbon environmental protection and the popularity of electrification, there are more and more startups entering the electric two-wheeler market. Even many well-known automotive brands are venturing into this field, hoping to grab a share of the electric two-wheeler market.

In the first half of the year, Wuling Hongguang, an automotive brand known for producing vehicles based on consumer demand, launched its first electric scooter called “Jueying.” Recently, there’s news that China’s electric vehicle giant, BYD Group, has signed a contract with the Singaporean electric two-wheeler brand Scorpio Electric. BYD’s subsidiary in Shenzhen is assembling their first electric scooter, the X1. Currently, they are collaboratively producing the pre-production prototype (PPR) unit of the X1 electric scooter.

X1 is not equipped with BYD’s iron-phosphate battery; instead, it uses a 5kWh battery from South Korean’s  Samsung. According to the official spokesperson of Scorpio Electric,“The X1’s  development is too advanced for us to switch,” he said. “But we are in discussion with BYD to use its battery for future products.”

Power for the X1 comes from a 10 kW electric motor fed by a 4.8 kWh, 72-Volt, 73 Ah lithium-ion battery, with a claimed range of 200 km and a governed top speed of 105 km/h. Meanwhile, charging is said to take 2.5 hours from a drained battery to 90% charge capacity.

Suspension is done with telescopic front forks and single shock absorber in the rear. Braking uses a single hydraulic disc on the front and rear wheels, with LED lighting, windshield and seating for passenger and pillion fitted as standard.

Three ride modes are provided – Eco, Urban and Sport – along with reverse assist from the motor to ease parking. Inside the cockpit, a TFT-LCD screen displays all the necessary information and smartphone connectivity is provided allowing for functions such as scooter location, navigation, theft alarm, battery level and charging station locator, along with remote activate and deactivate.

As of now, the X1 is priced at $9,800 (approximately 70,000 RMB), and it is available for pre-order on the official website. The X1 is set to make its official public debut at EICMA 2023.  During the expo, we will provide more detailed coverage and reports for our readers in Milan.