Lavoie Series 1 e

The first product of McLaren Applied's new premium mobility brand, the Lavoie Series 1 folding electric scooter is designed for urban commutes: can it outperform its rivals?

This is the debut product from Lavoie, a new mobility brand set up by McLaren Applied, the technology and research arm of the British luxury sports car manufacturer, responsible in part for developing the constant stream of innovation required for Formula 1 racing.

The parity between an e-scooter and an F1 car might be hard to parse, but Lavoie has been set up to bring performance, quality, and simplicity to a crowded marketplace. E-scooters still exist in a legislative grey area across much of the world, and there's a jumble of brands and services offering devices to buy and rent. How does the Lavoie Series 1 stand out?

The company claims the machine is built to ‘supercar standards’, with key elements such as the folding mechanism given particular attention so that it works seamlessly time and time again. This ‘Flowfold’ hinge collapses the entire scooter down into a portable size with a single button push, and the magnesium-framed machine weighs 16.5kg, making it suitably portable for train rides and stashing securely off the streets.

Other premium aspects of the design include a bespoke app for navigation and security, with integrated lights and indicators, including a ‘halo’ at the front to show the road ahead. Former Jaguar design chief Ian Callum has also been tapped to create the Series 1's colour schemes and will stay on hand to help shape future Lavoie projects.

Two hours of charging should give you enough range for 31 miles of riding, plenty for a few days of urban commuting. Prices and other details will be revealed shortly, as will the rest of the Lavoie range of premium micro-mobility projects.

lavoielectric.com

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine's Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper's first podcast.

Cyclists have never been more spoilt for choice. Although many cities are awash with rental e-bikes, the devoted rouleur demands their own machine. Here are some of the best e-bikes for 2023

By Jonathan Bell•Published 3 June 23

At Svenskt Tenn, Margherita Missoni curates 'A postcard from Italy,' a summer takeover of the Stockholm gallery (until 27 August 2023), as well as special edition pieces

By Rosa Bertoli•Published 3 June 23

Carlotta is bringing all the chintz and meatballs of the best Italian-American restaurants to London's Marylebone

By Mary Cleary•Published 3 June 23