Yamaha seems to have made major strides towards the future of electric mobility. Here are fresh patent images from the company of its new electric scooter, which appears to be pretty close to production. Although Yamaha hasn’t officially announced the model’s name or anticipated launch date, the leaked patent indicates that the Japanese maker is developing an elegant, urban-friendly e-scooter model, “sporty” in design, functionality, and its new electric platform.
Design: Sporty Yet Practical
Leaked Patent Image reveals a scooter that’s a far more aggressive and powerful stunner than Yamaha’s current scooter line-up. For the front, its solid LED DRL is creatively arranged in a V shape above vertically stacked LED projector head lamps, which also lend the scooter a futuristic identity. A more sharply creased body, muscular side panels and slim streamlines provide a high quality sort look that might please younger buyers.
The layout features a wider stance with the scooter’s large alloy wheels and chunky bodywork, offering a much more aggressive silhouette than traditional family scooters. The long, flat floorboard is sure to give good riding posture and a seat that is made in one piece seems wide enough for 2 adults.
Yamaha has also stitched LED tail lamps into the side panels of the rear, also contributing to the modern design of the scooter. Overall proportions suggest that this scooter will sit above entry-level electric scooters in terms of positioning.
Patent Reveals New Electric Platform
One of the most surprising aspects of the leaked patent is actually the drivetrain configuration. Instead of using a hub motor, Yamaha would use a centrally mounted electric motor that is mated to the rear wheel through a belt-drive system.This setup typically provides superior weight distribution, superior handling and easier maintenance of the rear suspension than hub-motor setups.
What Could Power It?
No technical specs have been released as of yet, so battery range, motor power, range, and maximum riding speed are still unclear. The design of the centrally mounted motor and belt-drive system, however, indicates that the scooter may be geared towards achieving more powerful acceleration and greater highway stability, deflecting from the usual city maneuverability seen in electric scooters.
Additional, spotted cues that Yamaha is focusing on ride quality include the twin rear shock absorbers and the traditional swingarm. It also appears that the battery pack is located below the seat and the battery could be swappable, but it is not an official feature revealed by Yamaha.
Premium Features Expected
The patent images reveal several premium components expected on the production model, including:
- Fully digital TFT instrument display
- LED lighting package
- Keyless ignition (expected)
- Front storage compartment
- Spacious footboard
- Large under-seat battery compartment
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Telescopic front forks
- Twin rear suspension
These features indicate that Yamaha intends to position the scooter in the premium electric segment rather than the budget commuter category.
Expected India Launch
Yamaha has just made the design patent in Japan, and hasn’t revealed a formal launch date. While patent applications do not necessarily mean that products will be manufactured, it is usually a good red flag that development is moving towards commercialization. In case Yamaha starts to manufacture its electric scooters globally, India could be on the horizon after its international debut, with the premium electric scooter segment showing new and exciting growth.
