Bolt launches fifth-generation electric scooters

Present in Bordeaux as well as around a hundred cities across Europe, the self-service electric scooters Bolt are evolving with the Bolt 5.

The new electric scooters are coming rapidly, even in rental services. The Estonian company has just unveiled the new version of its model for its European fleet, the Bolt 5, following the Bolt 4 from December 2020.

What has changed with the Bolt 5?

The brand has made numerous modifications. The electric scooter now features a 12-inch front wheel, with the rear measuring 10 inches. This can improve comfort while riding, especially since the hydraulic suspension is integrated into the fork. Users will particularly appreciate this on potholes and cobblestones.

Braking is managed at the front via an electromagnetic brake, with the rear still using a drum brake, all controlled via a single lever on the left. For ergonomics, the handlebar is now slightly curved and features a phone holder with an integrated induction charger. The double kickstand has moved to the front, replacing the previous metal support at the rear.

37% increase in range

“The Bolt 5 is the safest and most durable scooter ever offered by Bolt,” explains rental director Dmitri Pivovarov, “it’s a great solution for people looking to give up car ownership.”

The platform is wider to accommodate the placement of the battery at the front, no longer just in front of the rear wheel. The fifth generation aligns with competitor Lime, which adopted a similar format with a handle to better manipulate the removable battery. It is also much larger. With a capacity of 677 Wh (14.4 Ah x 36 V), it would offer around 55 kilometers of range. The previous Bolt 4 only offered 40 km.

20,000 Bolt 5 units coming, including Bordeaux?

The Bolt 5 will join the self-service rental fleets with 20,000 units “in the coming months”. It is available in dozens of cities across Europe, likely including Bordeaux, the only French city served. Like the previous version, the electric scooter is designed for a lifespan of 5 years.

Let’s hope it doesn’t replace the Bolt 4 too quickly. In any case, operators have access to alerts in case of “unauthorized movements, falls, or low battery.”

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