PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Skeptical About MINI's Scooters? THIS May Change Your Mind...

BMW Group must have one nicely-sized, vested interest in Apple stock. Not only have we been able to appreciate BMW's work with the iPad and iPhone integration in some of its other products , but after seeing this we're impressed.

Although last week I was skeptical of a MINI electric scooter, it seems to make a lot of sense now that I've seen its execution: 1) it's a pretty nice looking scooter 2) it has really nifty smartphone integration.

As 00R said last week, as guest on FOX Car Report with Gary Gastelu, I'd rather ride around on one of these as opposed to an Aptera.

Anyway, check out how MINI has retrofitted the iPhone between the handlebars to provide the driver with useful information. The smartphone can serve as a navigation device, music player or telephone. And, look at the graphic user interface, sure looks pretty and clean.

The coolest part though has to be how the navigation unit will inform you of a shortcut and approximately how much time you can save. If you're like Agent00R and live your life in seconds, you need all the time you can get and this would prove very useful in a complex urban environment, like Paris or Washington D.C.

What say you, Spies? Do you want to see more of this cool technology making its way down into future products?


**Make sure to check out the photos displaying the MINI Scooter's functions...


An excerpt from MINI's press release follows:

Progressive, stylish, uncomplicated operation.

The MINI Scooter E Concept is a rallying call for spontaneous riding enjoyment. This is fostered by intuitive operation and agile ride characteristics. Thoroughbred mobility in hallmark MINI style entails vehicle handling that is completely intuitive and needs no further explanation. That applies to the immediate activity of riding as well as charging the lithium-ion battery. The operating concept is also directed towards enabling straightforward and effortless use of the other functions designed to enhance driving fun.

This challenge is met by an innovative way of integrating mobile devices. The cockpit of the MINI Scooter E Concept comprises a Centre Speedo in the circular shape familiar from MINI, with a smartphone integrated in the middle. The wraparound speedometer is in the form of a tube filled with fluid, the content expanding in line with the speed rather like a thermometer. In the lower area of the Centre Speedo, a battery charge level display indicates the range currently available. The design of all the control elements for lights, direction indicators and other driving functions corresponds to the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel of MINI cars.

Smartphones as key, display and central control element.

The inside of the round instrument comprises a snap-in adapter for a smartphone, which operates simultaneously as the vehicle key, display and central control element. As soon as the rider docks his mobile phone and switches it on, the vehicle is ready to go. This configuration in the MINI Scooter E Concept yields new initiatives for integrating infotainment, communication and navigation functions in a two-wheeler. While the scooter is in motion, the smartphone can be used as a navigation system, music player or telephone as required. A wireless Bluetooth interface can be connected to a helmet from the MINI Collection. This is fitted with a microphone and headphones so that riders are able to use the telephone function or access their personal music collection while on the road.

The innovative operating concept creates a network between the rider, the vehicle and the environment which paves the way for numerous new interactive functions. Building on the MINI Connected services already available in current MINI production cars, specific features can be implemented by adding further smartphone applications. For example, the navigation function can be supplemented by a special map view in Google Maps which indicates the current position of other scooters from the brand in the immediate vicinity. This provides a feature similar to social networks on the internet where riders who are friends can be identified and invited to come together on a whim by simply pressing a button. A greeting function has also been developed for the MINI Scooter E Concept to further strengthen the community appeal and highlight the friendly and open-minded personality of this vehicle. An automated full-beam headlight function that operates when two vehicles meet strengthens this sense of community....