A New Era of Electric Scooters
Electric scooters have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple urban transport devices. Today, they are being reimagined as high-performance machines capable of breaking records and challenging the limits of speed. One such example is The Turbo, an electric scooter developed by Bo, a team based in the UK that draws from the expertise of Williams Formula One Advanced Engineering. This unique creation is not just about speed; it’s about pushing the boundaries of what an electric scooter can achieve.
The Turbo: A High-Performance Machine
The Turbo is designed to participate in the Bonneville Speed Week 2025, where it aims to break the 100 mph+ record. This ambitious goal is made possible by its impressive power-to-weight ratio, which surpasses that of a Bugatti Veyron. The scooter is equipped with a dual motor propulsion system that delivers 24,000W of power, making it one of the most powerful electric scooters ever built.
In addition to its speed, The Turbo is also expected to accelerate faster than a Tesla Model 3. While the exact details of this claim are not fully disclosed, the implications are significant. The ability to outperform a well-known electric vehicle like the Tesla Model 3 would certainly make headlines and attract attention from enthusiasts and critics alike.
Technological Innovations
One of the standout features of The Turbo is its battery capacity. The main battery has a capacity of 1,800Wh, which is claimed to provide up to 150 miles of range on a single charge. If true, this would be enough energy to fast charge 1,500 iPhones simultaneously. However, it’s important to note that this range is likely to be reduced when the scooter is operating at full power due to the demands of the dual motor system.
To manage the heat generated by such a powerful system, The Turbo incorporates ram-air intakes inspired by Formula One brake duct designs. These intakes force high-speed airflow through the twin motor controller units and battery, helping to keep the powertrain cool during high-speed runs.
Availability and Pricing
A limited run of The Turbo scooters is currently in development, with a base price of $29,500. These vehicles will be built to order, and the first delivery is scheduled for a collector in Madrid, Spain, ahead of the inaugural Madrid Formula One race in 2026. Potential buyers are invited to submit their previous ride experience through an online portal on The Turbo website, ensuring that only those with the necessary experience are considered for purchase.
Safety and Stability
Despite its high performance, The Turbo is designed with safety in mind. It features a Safesteer stability system, a BoPower power control unit, and a Monocurce chassis. These features are based on the same base chassis as the company’s road-going scooter, the Bo Model-M, ensuring that it is both stable and manageable for relatively experienced riders.
The Vision Behind The Turbo
Bo CEO Oscar Morgan shared his vision for The Turbo, stating, “Working in motorsport I heard a phrase ‘Racing Improves The Breed.’ As The Turbo development progressed, we realised that we were creating a monster. The Turbo called upon all of our prior experience from the world of Formula One Advanced Engineering, and we identified there was the potential to do something unique and exciting in this sector: the fastest e-scooter in the world, perhaps even a Tesla-beater.”
Is It Worth It?
The question remains: is an electric scooter worth the price of nearly $30,000? For many, the answer might be a resounding yes, especially if it holds a Guinness World Record. For others, it may seem excessive. However, for those who appreciate innovation and high-performance technology, The Turbo represents a bold step forward in the evolution of electric scooters.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, projects like The Turbo highlight the potential for electric vehicles to not only be practical but also to push the limits of speed and performance. Whether it’s a Christmas gift or a collector’s item, The Turbo is sure to make waves in the world of electric mobility.
