One problem many public transport commuters face is the last-mile – the distance between the station and their home or workplace. In many cases, walking is not a convenient solution, as our local weather and lack of easy pedestrian access does not make foot power conducive.
Some have turned to a folding bicycle as a solution, with such personal vehicles now allowed on the mass transit systems in Kuala Lumpur. But there might be a more elegant solution in the Stigo folding e-scooter, brought into Malaysia by official dealer Stigo Global.
Combining the frame of a folding bicycle with a hub-mounted 250 watt motor, the Stigo – certified as an “L1e” street-legal electric scooter – comes in two versions – the base Stigo and the Stigo+. The Stigo carries a single 36-volt 5.8 Ah lithium-ion battery pack which translates to 209 watt hours, while the Stigo+ gets two packs for double the capacity.
This gives the Stigo and Stigo+ a range of 15 and 30 km, respectively, with a maximum governed speed of 25 km/h. Charging time is approximately three hours, using household current.
Weighing in at 13.9 kg for the Stigo, and 15.2 kg for the Stigo+, this e-scooter will fit into the boot of a sedan. For hatchbacks, the rear seat will have to be folded down.
Unfolding the Stigo is a simple two-step operation, with folding being the reverse. Folded up, the Stigo has a footprint of 48 by 40 cm. Switching on the Stigo is with a push-button and transponder key, which also switches on the front LED headlight and brake/tail light.
Riding the Stigo is easy, with power controlled by a twist grip on the right handlebar. Braking is with levers on the left and right, activating a V-brake in front, and a cable-operated disc brake at the back. The tyres are proper pneumatic items, and there is no suspension.
Designed to be a last mile solution for commuters, or a quick and easy run-about for short trips close to home or work, the Stigo is sold at an introductory price of RM5,990 for the base version and RM6,990 for the Stigo+, while stocks last. Made in Estonia from aluminium, with the battery pack located inside the frame spar, its folding design also makes it easy to store at home or work.
AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments on the blog post about the Stigo folding e-scooter in Malaysia mainly focus on its practicality, pricing, and legal considerations. Many users find it enticing and convenient for last-mile commutes, especially due to its foldability and portability for train travel. However, there's skepticism about the high price (~RM6,000), with suggestions to consider cheaper alternatives like secondhand bikes or electric unicycles. Several comments highlight concerns about road legality, safety, and suitability on Malaysian roads, mentioning that the scooter might be too fragile or impractical for diverse terrains. Some critics deride the price as overly high, comparing it unfavorably to cheaper options. Overall, perceptions are mixed—while some see it as a useful, innovative product, others criticize its high cost and usability issues.