Almost 10 years to the day after the reborn MINI was unveiled in Paris, the English/German brand has now presented a pair of Scooter E Concept variants.

Sporting styling cues that mimic the MINI automobiles, like the twin vertical taillights, the oval headlight and the glitzy circular chrome trim spread here and there, the Scooter E Concept is driven by an electric motor that’s integrated to the rear wheel and fed by a compact lithium-ion battery. The Scooter can be plugged into any standard AC power outlet.

photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com

A smartphone acts as the ignition key, and integrates a navigation system, a music player and Bluetooth wireless phone capability. One interesting feature is the navigation application that enables drivers to know where other MINI Scooter E Concept drivers are located on the map in order to encourage social interaction.

The Scooter also incorporates the MINI Centre Rail system that was introduced in the Countryman crossover. The clip-on mechanism allows the customer to choose from a range of options for transporting objects like a helmet, sunglasses or a thermos.

Three distinct design versions were developed, and two are on display at the Paris Auto Show. The first one is a two-passenger version that mimics the colour scheme of the electric MINI E hatchback concept car, while the second one has only one seat that’s covered in dark brown leather and sports a British Racing Green paint job as well as silver mirror caps.

The third version, which was shown in London a couple of weeks ago, is inspired by the colour schemes of the Sixties, painted white and draped with stickers as well as a perforated leather seat graced with the Union Jack.

World Rally Car
MINI also launched the stunning MINI Clubman World Rally Car. The original version of the MINI won the famous Rally of Monte-Carlo three times in the past.

It will be powered by BMW's 1.6 litre turbocharged motor and prepared by Prodrive. It is based on the Clubman model.