Innovation: McLaren’s scooter folds in four

Independent from the F1 team, McLaren Applied always applies cutting-edge technology, even through its Lavoie electric scooter.

The name is the same, but the company is very distinct from the one involved in F1 or sports cars. The British group sold McLaren Applied in August 2021, but the spirit of innovation remains. They thus unveil a new brand of electric scooter Lavoie, with its first model Series 1.

An innovative folding system for the scooter

Initially, visually, it resembles a high-end model, similar to Yeep.me. To fold the Lavoie scooter, the process begins much like a normal model. Simply push a latch at the base of the fork to start folding. This initiates the “Flowfold” maneuver, which is very quick, where the front part pivots on the deck, and the handlebar stem folds in two forward and sideways. Tada! The principle is different from that of the Pure Advanced Flex, with a slightly larger footprint. However, the folded McLaren scooter is much more compact than any other machine on the market.

Transporting the Lavoie is eased by a limited weight of 16.5 kg. That’s less than high-end versions, often closer to 20 kg. This is at least what the English manufacturer communicates, with a 468 Wh battery, the largest of 702 Wh adding a kilo more. As for the motor in the rear wheel, it delivers 500 W continuously (800 W peak), sufficient to support 10 km/h on slopes of 15%. McLaren claims a top speed of 40 km/h, a speed that is prohibited, as per legislation that only allows 25 km/h in France.

Optimal stability and visibility for the Lavoie

Being visible on an electric scooter is crucial, maybe more than anything else. On the McLaren Lavoie, the triangular-shaped LEDs at the front ensure this. Additional lighting on the sides and along the rear fender complement the setup, along with turn signals. These are accessible from both sides of the handlebars, even when releasing one hand.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep both hands on the handlebars, although the curved handlebar and the angle of the stem enhance stability. The platform also appears wide enough to briefly place your feet side by side, while the dual braking system – front disc and rear electronic brake – manages stopping effectively.

The McLaren Applied electric scooter currently has no listed price. It does, however, come in four colors: white, Racing Green, Electric Blue, and Sunset Orange.

Also read: Red Bull Racing Scooter: a scooter that blows your mind!