Personal mobility is transforming before our eyes, especially if you're watching the new INU: An electric scooter that folds up when you touch or speak into the accompanying app.
Built by Israeli company Green Ride, INU is a largish, though sleekly designed, portable scooter that weighs just 55 pounds. Folded, it's almost light and small enough to throw into a large piece of luggage and take with you on an extended trip -- imagine not having to rent a car. Once unfolded, INU can drive up to 12 miles on a charge. The smart scooter will come with a free app, as well as a dock for your smartphone and built-in GPS.
Still in prototype phase, Green Ride has yet to offer a live demonstration of the INU's folding capabilities.
The device recently gained a bit of notoriety earlier when flamboyant London Mayor Boris Johnson visited Tel Aviv and took INU for a spin.
Arriving to U.S. and European markets early next year, INU charges in roughly three hours and supports riders weighing up to 240 pounds. INU will actually be available in three different models. The entry-level model will cost around $3,000. A high-end version that can travel almost 25 miles on a charge will lost for around $5,300.
Sure, that's a lot of coin for what amounts to a highly designed electric scooter, but just think of all the money you'll save on gas, and the looks you'll probably get when the INU folds up by your side.