Mini: One for the hipsters

The Mini Scooter E Concept runs on a lithium-ion battery stored under the seat. Photo / Supplied

Clearly BMW hasn't let its short-lived C1 experience put it off scooters. Mini launched an electric scooter at the Paris Motor Show.

This urban runabout mixes Mini design cues with a super-modern zero-emissions powerplant mounted within the rear wheel.

Its lithium-ion battery is recharged via a conventional domestic power socket via a retractable 5m-long on-board charging cable.

Mini draws parallels between this scooter's design and that of its cars. The headlights and mirrors are certainly reminiscent of the Cooper's, underlined by similar levels of finish, quirky details and chrome accents.

Mini displayed two variants, one with a pillion-suitable seat, the other shaped to encourage a solo rider and is finished in British Racing Green with a brown leather seat artificially aged to recall classic British sport racers.

But the scoot's features are thoroughly modern, from the fluid-filled speedo that acts like a thermometer, to the smartphone dock integrated into the instruments, the phone itself delivering satnav, music or communication through a helmet intercom.

Mini takes it further; the satnav will tell its rider when same-brand scooters are nearby. Feeling sociable? Press a button to invite them to join you.

But Mini's keeping mum about its two-wheeled partner, and won't say whether the concept will be built. But production is implied by the thought that's gone into everyday useability, from storage cubbies to a mounting rail on which to clip items you'll need on arrival - like your Mini umbrella, sunglasses or thermos.

Electric scooters are already a reality; that suggests Mini's variant could be built.

After all, it'd make a suitably funky companion to any inner-city hipster's garage.