San Francisco R&D company Otherlab has begun selling the Lightfoot, a solar-electric scooter designed for short urban trips rather than high-speed performance. It tops out at just under 20 mph, carries two people, and includes a 45-liter lockable cargo compartment. The most distinctive feature is the pair of 120W solar panels on its sides, which can add up to 18 miles of range per day under favorable sunlight.
The scooter's 52V, 1,560Wh battery is rated for 37 miles of range, and a 230W onboard charger can fully recharge from a wall outlet in about four hours. Otherlab says the solar panels can replenish 3–4 miles of range per hour in good sun, meaning a short commute parked outside could theoretically be solar-powered. The company positions the Lightfoot as a bike-lane vehicle that needs no license or registration, though the source notes that local micromobility laws vary and riders should check regulations.
Priced at $4,495 for the first 100 Launch Edition scooters, the Lightfoot is not cheap for a 20 mph vehicle. But the source argues its practicality comes from combining solar charging, cargo space, and passenger seating in a small footprint. The article also flags potential downsides, including crosswind sensitivity and an unclear locking solution, while acknowledging the design is an engineer's dream. As with any new vehicle category, real-world testing will determine whether the solar range claims hold up in daily use.