Bristol, UK-based startup Bo has announced the move to production and confirmed launch specifications for its new M electric micromobility vehicle for city riders. The e-scooter has been updated with hundreds of design advancements to bring more performance, reliability, and quality, all within a form that stays true to the concept revealed in 2022.

Bo’s founders—two engineers formerly of Williams Advanced Engineering, and a Jaguar Land Rover designer—are said to give the company a fundamental understanding of vehicle dynamics and manufacturing, which has been applied to the M, the first product in a range of lightweight EVs (electric vehicles).

“Moving to production is a momentous moment for our company,” said Bo Co-founder and CEO Oscar Morgan. “The team has been focused on developing game-changing features, like our Monocurve chassis with integrated Lock and Load hooks, and safety enhancements such as Safesteer, whilst using our experience in automotive design to build visually exciting vehicles people feel proud to own and ride.”

Following 24 months of development and engineering refinement, the M enters production with a raft of technological features and advancements. The improvements include a 100% increase in chassis strength and an increase in peak power output from 1000 W to a category-leading 1200 W. The main chassis section has been retooled, increasing the width for improved ergonomics and battery capacity with extended range. Further lighting system developments result in a maximum headlight power increased to 800 lumens, the addition of automatic temperature control, and signature start-up and power-off light animations.

The Monocurve chassis is said to represent a foundational shift in vehicle design and engineering, with the company calling it the single greatest sector advancement since electric scooters arrived in cities. It has been designed to enable the integration of multiple sector-leading innovations without adding complexity for the user.

“From the early sketches to prototypes and through to these pre-production models, the M’s lines come together without complication,” said Bo Co-founder and CCO Luke Robus. “This is a testament to the rigorousness of our first-class engineering team integrating all the technology we’ve packed into the M. Never cluttering, or getting in the way of the product’s purpose, instead celebrating this new-found simplicity with a design language you’ll see in evidence across the range of lightweight EVs we have planned for the future.”

Forged from high-strength aluminum, the chassis is said to be the first unibody structure in the sector. Designed to automotive principles, it allows for the steering to be separated from the chassis, forming a robust mounting point for the Lock and Load cargo solution while providing a strong and stable platform for riders. The geometry is optimized for stability and ergonomics. Features include a wider handlebar at 580 mm, a generous 930-mm wheelbase for more standing room and relaxed riding handling, and a 76-degree steering angle for naturally controlled dynamics. The 22-kg (49-lb) vehicle has a maximum rider weight of 100 kg (220 lb).

“Our rider research discovered the majority of people seldom or never fold their e-scooters, so we made a conscious decision to introduce the Bo M with an unbroken Monocurve unibody chassis and eliminate this source of weakness,” said Bo Co-founder and CTO Harry Wills. “We’ve packed the M with technology that enhances the rider experience, but tailored to exactly what is needed as a lightweight electric vehicle you can use every day. There are no superfluous gadgets or gizmos that can compromise reliability or detract from the riding experience.”

Novice and experienced riders often cite stability as their primary concern when riding over mixed terrain, so Bo created Safesteer. Said to be a world-first in micromobility vehicles, the dynamic steering stabilization system is meant to set the benchmark for rider control and confidence. The patent-pending technology assists the steering through bumps, dips, and potholes to keep the rider comfortable and in control.

The mechanically simple and reliable system is based on opposing force from a pair of wound torsion springs housed within a unique mechanism that delivers predictable steering corrections at up to a 50-degree turn angle. This system recreates the natural centering dynamics of a larger wheel for smooth control.

The Lock and Load system features dual-purpose revolving hooks that act as both secure locking points for the vehicle as well as stable cargo-carrying solution. With the hooks mounted through the core structure of the chassis, cargo of up to 10 kg (22 lb) can be carried, negating the need to hang anything on the handlebars or risk bag swing disrupting the steering. The system is magnetically secured, so when not in use as a locking point or cargo loading, the hooks can be spun 180 degrees and hidden within the “steerer,” preserving the clean lines of the chassis.

The Airdeck is an engineered elastomer footpad created from 11-mm EVA anti-vibration foam based on the same material technology found in high-performance running shoes. The lightweight deck panel is tuned to eliminate the need for complex, heavy, and “largely ineffective” suspension systems and increases comfort on longer rides by isolating the feet from vibrations from the road surface.

The Bo team is based out of Bristol, a famously hilly city in the UK, and ensuring impressive hill-climbing performance was a core requirement of the powertrain development program. The custom high-current electric motor is optimized for mid-range torque, maximizing efficiency across the broadest rpm range possible, and a precise throttle map allows for optimum control of output of power and responsiveness. Tested on hills up to 22.5 degrees, the M’s powertrain features a high-torque (30-N·m) motor providing a peak power output of 1200 W and rated power of 500 W for a top speed of up to 35 km/h (21 mph). The battery capacity of 655 W·h delivers a range of 50 km (31 mi). Fast charging time is less than 3 h to 80%.

The low maintenance braking system features a regenerative rear-wheel e-brake, controlled by the left brake lever to add energy back into the battery under braking, and a front sealed drum brake controlled by the right brake lever. The two levers are engineered to give riders intuitive control over which brake to use and when, depending on the situation and the desired feel. They can choose to only use the strong and futuristic-feeling e-braking, or the front drum brake, or both if they need to stop quickly.

A distinctive daytime running light wraps around the Monocurve chassis to create a world-sector-first Light Halo that delivers 270-degree visibility. This signature design dramatically increases road presence and awareness from other road users by ensuring both the M and rider are visible from every angle. Complementing the Light Halo, a powerful headlight with up to 800 lumens from three temperature-controlled LED lights housed in an aluminum enclosure, illuminates the road ahead, while a wide-angle high-lumen rear light keeps the rider visible from behind, flashing brightly under braking.

Pricing starts at £2249, with the first M pre-order deliveries due to start in November and further units available from February 2024. More details on other Bo models are to be announced in the coming months. For further information and to reserve the Bo M, visit https://bo.world/.