Electric scooters are certainly in vogue this season, as three major car manufacturers will unveil their own versions at the Paris Motor Show.

We've already reported on MINI's three Scooter E concepts. BMW designer Adrian van Hooydonk gave us a sneak preview last night (September 23) at the Vinyl Store in London. The official line is that 'they're just concepts' but the knowing grins on the faces of MINI's staff suggested that production is quite likely.

Smart is also in on the act with its escooter (pictured above). It too is only a concept for now, and it's powered by a 4kW electric motor with a 48-volt lithium ion battery.

It's good for a range of 62 miles in city traffic and additional energy comes from a set of solar cells in a panel at the front. An airbag and regenerative brakes are also part of the package, as are Blind Spot Assist and - like the MINI scooters - a clip-on smartphone feature.

Though it's no stranger to two-wheeled vehicles, Peugeot also has electric scooters in the Paris pipeline. The e-Vivacity will go on sale in 2011, but the centrepiece will be the e-Satelis concept. The company will also release a new range of bicycles to mark its 200th anniversary. Now if only we could convince someone to lend us one of these to get around the show halls...

Jack Carfrae - 24 Sep 2010