Scooters have always been a focus for electrification in urban landscapes, but they are now evolving beyond being just lightweight rides. At the head of that change are XOTO and founder Tim Huntzinger, who joined John Biggs on Grit Daily Startup Show to discuss his innovative take on two-wheel transportation: a self-stabilizing, full-size electric scooter designed to blend the safety and utility of a motorcycle with the simplicity of urban mobility.
A Scooter Like No Other
“This is a true scooter,” said Huntzinger, clarifying that XOTO’s creation isn’t your average kick scooter. Comparable in size to a Vespa, the scooter boasts a 45-mph top speed and a 90-mile range. What sets it apart is its capacity to carry cargo, making it a practical alternative to both e-bikes and motorcycles.
The real innovation lies in its self-stabilization and front-wheel drive. “There aren’t any other front-wheel-drive motorcycles in the world,” Huntzinger noted, crediting advancements in hub motor technology for making this possible. “You have so much more control because you can actually point your power where you want to go.”
Bridging Gaps in Urban Transport
Huntzinger explained that XOTO’s scooter is fully Department of Transportation (DOT) approved, making it road-legal anywhere in the U.S. except highways. This strategic limitation addresses urban mobility challenges: “Forty-five miles an hour is fast enough to keep up with traffic. You don’t have the jerk behind you honking because you’re blocking a lane.”
For city riders, the scooter promises a smoother integration with traffic while offering all the safety features of a larger vehicle — brakes, turn signals, and rearview mirrors. Huntzinger emphasized the vehicle’s utility in urban environments like Maui, where speed limits align perfectly with the scooter’s capabilities.
The Right Time for Innovation
So why now? Huntzinger believes the timing is ideal due to advancements in battery technology. “For a nickel, you can charge this battery and go 90 miles,” he said. This affordability, combined with urban parking challenges, underscores the appeal of smaller vehicles. And at $7,400, the scooter rivals the price of premium folding e-bikes while offering more utility and range.
However, Huntzinger acknowledged that the scooter won’t suit every environment. “There are certain places where a pickup truck is the thing that makes sense,” he admitted. Instead, XOTO is focusing on urban markets and international regions where two-wheelers dominate, such as Vietnam.
Navigating the Challenges of Hardware
Building a product like this wasn’t without hurdles. “Making vehicles is hard,” Huntzinger shared. From ensuring the ride remains enjoyable to navigating DOT approval and manufacturing at scale, XOTO tackled numerous obstacles. “Many major manufacturers have tried to make a vehicle like this and failed because the ride is terrible. It drives more like a golf cart and less like a motorcycle.”
What made XOTO different? They have kept their team small — just five people — and focused on de-risking the project. The company now has 80 units in the U.S., with plans to scale production while maintaining profitability.
Looking Ahead
To protect its innovation, XOTO relies on patents and local manufacturing in Arizona. Yet, Huntzinger knows competition is inevitable. “The best thing to protect innovation is to continue innovating,” he said.
Ultimately, XOTO’s mission goes beyond technology. How do you give somebody the joy of riding without all the hazards? For Huntzinger, the answer lies in creating a vehicle that integrates seamlessly with both urban infrastructure and human interaction. “Our cities would be happier, kinder places if more people were interacting face to face.”
How to Get One
XOTO scooters are available now on their website, with a six-week delivery window. Buyers can customize their rides with extra batteries and carrying cases, further enhancing the vehicle’s utility.
With its unique blend of innovation, practicality, and safety, XOTO’s scooter offers a glimpse into the future of urban mobility — one that’s lighter, smarter, and more sustainable.
