The Lightfoot "Smile Machine" Solar Scooter

Lightfoot is the company. The Smile Machine is the solar-powered scooter. Small footprint. Big freedom.

I came across this on former Mythbusters Adam Savage's Youtube channel. 20 MPH top speed, 35+ mile range, can get another 18 miles per day on solar charging alone. As Adam describes "It looks like a kid's drawing of a future vehicle, but not the way that you think".

poVoq 7 points 7 days ago

I mean, aside from the fact that you can buy a small second-hand car for the asking price, why not 🤷

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Jimny_Crkt 5 points 7 days ago

It's 100% more solar and 25% more punk! 😆

I thought was a cool concept that others on here might enjoy seeing, if only for the aesthetic.

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fyzzlefry 3 points 6 days ago

Waaaaaay less maintenance and upkeep costs. Plus insurance.

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budget_biochemist 3 points 7 days ago

Isn't that typical for normal for road-registered city scooters like electric Vespas etc? E.g. the Benzina Zero range have a top speed around 50kph and are $4000-$5000 AUD new which is the price of a second hand car.

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keepthepace 1 point 6 days ago

As someone tangentially involved in similar projects, it is almost impossible to sell something legal to run on roads for less than that. There is a missing legal category for self-built low cost low power vehicles.

I can make a 500 euros electric scooter from a second hand bike. It will be safe, but it won't be legal.

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HerbGrower 2 points 6 days ago

Really need categories for higher powered ebikes tbh. Just stick it on a CBT or what ever your equivalent license is to ride a 50/125cc bike.

People are often building and using them anyway and they are the ones most likely to abuse them and ride dangerously. People who would get one registered or what ever the process you want is are far more likely to be fairly responsible with them.

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HerbGrower 5 points 6 days ago

I mean its interesting, but I would also suspect its far more effective to get an electric moped and some solar panels separately. Been a while since I looked but Horwin seem like they do some decently priced options, easily obtainable for under £3k and over 100km range. Generally 50 and 125 equivalent bikes

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Jimny_Crkt 2 points 5 days ago

Just looked up Horwin, you Europeans get all the cool stuff!

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HerbGrower 1 point 5 days ago

Yeah, I don't drive though as I cycle instead. Sadly our ebike laws are very restrictive to the point of barely being worth using. 250w pedal asist capped at 25kmh, I already cycle at around that speed so half the time it may well end up holding me back by being excess weight.

Would love a few more lightweight vehicle classifications below a 50cc moped tbh.

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hash 3 points 6 days ago

Holy shit, $4500?!? Also they're quiet enough about specific solar range I think they know it's not gonna be that useful on average.

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masparfad -1 points 3 days ago

you want a smaller footprint? dont bought it.

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