Lightfoot is a 20-mph electric scooter with two large solar panels, but its panels are an assist—not a guaranteed substitute for plugging in. In WIRED’s October 6, 2026, first-person report, journalist Julian Chokkattu rode 36 miles on one charge, while finding that rain and backyard shade produced no visible solar gain. The difference between those outcomes is the key to understanding what this unusual scooter can—and cannot—do.
What Lightfoot is—and what its numbers mean
Lightfoot, made by Otherlab, is a two-wheeled scooter with no pedals, a bench seat, internal storage and a pair of large solar panels. WIRED describes it as intended for bike-lane riding. Its October 6, 2026, report lists a 20-mph top speed and these specifications:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Specification | Value reported by WIRED |
|---|---|
| Motors | Dual 750-watt brushless hub motors |
| Battery | 1.5 kW |
| Solar panels | Dual 120 W panels |
| Claimed range | 37 miles |
| Weight | 137 pounds |
| Maximum payload | 419 pounds |
| Top speed | 20 mph |
These are specifications and a range claim reported by WIRED, not independent measurements. Chokkattu’s 36-mile ride is a separate, single-use observation; it does not establish a repeatable range under other riders, routes or weather. His account is at WIRED.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How it rode in New York
Quick acceleration and strong braking
Chokkattu says the scooter reached 20 mph quickly with its twist throttle. He found the initial delay in throttle response awkward at first, and the torque potentially strong for some riders. On his ride, Lightfoot held 20 mph on steep New York City bridges. When he stopped throttling, regenerative braking engaged aggressively.
#1 Best Overall
- 350W Brushless Motor Delivers 19 MPH Top Speed for Urban Travel：Equipped with a dependable 350W brushless motor, this adult electric scooter provides steady acceleration for city roads and small slopes. Reach up to 19 MPH to beat traffic and simplify your daily commute.
- 15 Miles Max Range Per Single Charge for Short Daily Trips：High-capacity battery delivers up to 15 miles riding distance after one full charge. Perfect for commuting to work, running errands and short city excursions without frequent recharging.
- 8.5 Inch Solid Tire for Stable & Puncture-Free Riding：Comes with durable 8.5-inch honeycomb solid tire. No inflation required, it buffers bumps on rough pavement and eliminates the trouble of flat tires to keep your ride stable.
- Dual Brakes & Built-in Lights Ensure Safe Riding Day & Night：Responsive dual braking system offers reliable stopping power. Bright front headlight and rear warning light boost visibility, protecting you whether riding in daylight or after sunset.
- Smart APP Control & Lightweight Foldable Construction：Connect to the smart APP to view riding data, adjust speed modes and lock your scooter. Lightweight foldable design allows quick storage and easy transport for daily commuting.
Otherlab founder Saul Griffith told WIRED that regenerative braking could return about 15 to 20 percent of battery life. That is Griffith’s claim, not a measured result from Chokkattu’s ride. The reviewer also said it was difficult to isolate how much range came from regenerative braking versus solar charging.
One 36-mile ride, not a range test
Chokkattu reports riding 36 miles across Brooklyn and Manhattan on one charge and getting home without plugging in; he rode again the next morning. That account offers a useful real-world example, but it is not a controlled test and should not be treated as a guarantee that Lightfoot will cover 36 miles—or its claimed 37 miles—for every rider.
Rank #2
- 350W Powerful Motor & 19 MPH Top Speed for City Commutes：Our adult electric scooter comes with a robust 350W brushless motor to deliver steady power for flat roads and gentle inclines. Hit a max speed of 19 MPH to skip traffic jams and arrive at work or errands faster.
- Up to 15 Miles Max Range on a Single Full Charge：Built with high-density rechargeable battery. Get up to 15 miles of riding per charge, great for short daily commutes and nearby errands without frequent plug-ins.
- 8.5" Anti-Puncture Solid Tire, No More Flat Tire Troubles：Designed with 8.5-inch honeycomb solid tire. No air pumping required. It buffers road bumps and avoids sudden flat tires, bringing you worry-free urban riding.
- Dual Brake System + Front & Rear Lights for Safe Riding：Dual brakes offer fast, reliable stopping power to keep you safe while riding. Bright front headlight and rear warning light improve visibility for both daytime and night trips.
- Smart APP Control & Lightweight Foldable E Scooter：Pair the scooter with smart APP to lock device, monitor battery level, view ride stats and adjust speed modes easily. Lightweight foldable design makes it easy to carry and store for daily use.
What the solar panels contributed
The solar contribution depended on weather and where the scooter was parked. Chokkattu saw no visible battery gain during several rainy days in a backyard. In the same spot, about six hours of sun raised the battery meter from around 50% to 60%; after another sunny day, it reached 72%.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Otherlab claims the panels can add up to 18 miles of range per day in good conditions. Chokkattu did not encounter those conditions and could not test that claim. His observations show that sunlight can contribute charge, but they do not establish a daily range gain: the meter changes he describes are tied to his particular parking spot, weather and scooter use.
Rank #3
- Powerful Motor & Smooth Acceleration: This electric scooter is equipped with a 350W motor, delivering reliable performance with a top speed of 19 MPH. It effortlessly climbs 15% inclines and allows riders to switch between Eco mode and Sport mode for different riding needs
- Enhanced Performance & Long Range: The electric scooter for adults features a high-capacity battery, providing a smooth ride for up to 15 miles per charge. In addition, scooter features fast charging, eliminating the need for long waiting times.
- Stable Riding: Designed for daily commuting, this electric scooter comes with 8.5 inch solid tires that maintenance-free for a smoother ride.
- Smart App Integration & User-Friendly Controls: The foldable electric scooter connects to the smart App, allowing riders to monitor speed, battery life, and activate cruise control. Easily switch riding modes and turn lights on/off via the app, compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones
- Safe Night Riding: This electric scooter adults model features a durable aluminum frame, a bright front headlight, and a responsive red taillight for increased visibility. The built-in bell on the handlebar ensures added safety for urban travel, making it a reliable choice for commuting
Charging, parking and security tradeoffs
The battery cannot be removed, according to WIRED’s report. If solar charging is insufficient, charging from an outlet means having a power source within reach of where the 137-pound scooter is parked. Lightfoot is designed to be parked outside, so a buyer’s parking arrangement matters as much as the panel specs.
The report says the scooter has no app, speed modes, turn signals, alarm or built-in GPS. Chokkattu suggests using a lock and an optional Bluetooth tracker; these are general precautions, not tested or model-specific recommendations. The absence of built-in tracking or an alarm is worth weighing when deciding where to leave a heavy vehicle outdoors.
Rank #4
- Powerful Performance: With up to 395W peak power, this electric scooter delivers smooth acceleration and a top speed of 18.6 MPH. The default speed limit is 15.5 MPH and can be adjusted by pressing the power button six times. The 36V 10.4Ah battery provides up to 15 miles of range, making this adult electric scooter a practical choice for daily commuting and short trips
- Smooth And Easy To Use: The 8.5-inch solid tires on this electric scooter for adults never need inflation, helping reduce the hassle of flat tires and regular maintenance. Simple assembly gets you ready to ride quickly, while the folding design makes this e scooter easy to store at home, in the office, or in your car
- Safety You Can Count On: The EABS front brake and rear disc brake provide responsive braking control, while the front and rear lights help improve visibility and safety in low-light conditions. Safety certified to UL 2272 by SGS, this electric scooter is designed for confident everyday riding
- Simple Controls, More Convenience: The power button does more than turn the escooter on and off. Press once to control the lights, twice to switch riding modes, three times to activate cruise control, four times to change speed units, five times to adjust zero-start, or six times to adjust the speed limit
- Built For Everyday Rides: With a sturdy design supporting riders up to 225 lbs, an easy-to-read LED display, and IP54 water resistance, this scooter is built for everyday transportation. IP54 protection helps against everyday splashes and light water exposure; avoid riding in rain or on wet, slippery surfaces
Fit, storage and preproduction details
WIRED lists a rider-height range of 5 ft 2 in to 6 ft 2 in and a maximum payload of 419 pounds. Chokkattu says he is 6 ft 4 in and 220 pounds and completed his reported ride. That anecdote does not change the listed fit range or establish a fit recommendation for riders outside it.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →He liked the suspension, low center of gravity and internal storage. He also found the kickstand awkward to reach and saw seams around the panels and seat that could allow water into the storage area. The tested scooter was described as preproduction, so those fit-and-finish observations may not reflect a final production unit.
Best Value
- 【Powerful Motor & Long Range】 Equipped with a 350W motor, the Aovowheel purple scooter reaches speeds up to 16 MPH and delivers up to 16 miles of riding on a single charge. Perfect for school commutes, weekend adventures, or park rides, this electric scooter offers excitement and reliable performance for young riders
- 【Dual Braking & Bright Lighting System for Safe】The scooter has EABS front brake and rear drum brake for responsive stopping power. Bright LED headlights illuminate the path, while the rear brake light increases visibility during evening rides. The 8.5-inch solid tires provide shock absorption and a smooth ride across different terrains
- 【Cool Graffiti Deck & Non-Slip Design】The Purple model features a vibrant graffiti-style purple foot deck, making it visually appealing and unique. Great for kids to show off their personality while commuting to and from school, cruising around the neighborhood, or enjoying outdoor fun!
- 【Intelligent APP control & Three Adjustable Speed Modes】Supports connection to dedicated APP, allows monitoring of escooter status and setting speed limits, customizable cruise mode, and lighting settings. This scooter features three speed modes (E-7.5 MPH, D-11 MPH, S-19 MPH) suitable for beginners to advanced riders. The high-definition LCD screen clearly displays battery level, speed, mileage, and other data, allowing you to understand your riding status at a glance
- 【Lightweight & Foldable for Easy Carrying】Our Innovative e-scooter features 3-second fast folding technology, enabling one-click storage. Weighing only 22 pounds and compact in folding size, it can easily fit into the trunk of a car or take public transportation, it’s perfect for family trips or city living. Kids can bring their scooter anywhere with no hassle
Griffith told WIRED that using common, off-the-shelf components could make repairs easier for local bike shops after the panels are removed. That is an expectation from the project’s founder, not a serviceability test.
Who Lightfoot may suit
Lightfoot is most compelling for someone whose regular parking spot gets strong sun and who can still reach an outlet when needed. It is a less straightforward match for a shaded or rainy parking location, or for someone who needs a removable battery to charge indoors. The reported ride suggests the scooter can cover substantial urban distances, but it does not prove that the solar panels will replenish a set number of miles in an ordinary day.
For context on the project, Griffith described solar as a meaningful contribution to a simple vehicle people might engage with. He also argued that many potential riders do not want pedals. Those are design aims, not evidence that the scooter will suit every commuter.
Availability and reported price
WIRED reported on October 6, 2026, that Otherlab was initially focusing sales in California, with Lightfoot listed at $4,495 and a $100 reservation option. The report named sky blue and solar orange color options. These are terms reported at that time, not confirmation of current price, stock or reservation conditions.
Otherlab’s plans described in the report included potential expansion to other southern states and conversations with resorts, campuses and fleet managers; Griffith also envisioned possible sales in countries including Vietnam. These were plans and discussions, not completed launches.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
