At the Salone EICMA 2021 Helbiz presented his sporting activities through the newly formed stable Helbiz Racing Team. The team, whose team manager will be Gian Maria Gabbiani, will participate in the eSkooter Championship, the world championship for racing scooters. This is a real novelty, expected in 2022, in the world of two-wheeled racing. Thanks to this occasion, it was possible to see a specimen of S1-X, with Helbiz colors: it will be the vehicle used in the championship, and it has remarkable performances.
Technically, compared to a city electric scooter, it is a real revolution. The S1-X scooter was developed by the Parma-based company YCOM, a two-wheel drive that goes over 100 hours thanks to two 6 kW motors, and a lithium-ion battery of 1.33 kWh (200 Ampere maximum current). It weighs 35 kilos and allows inclinations of over 45 degrees. the wheels are 6.5 inches, the tires are racing, the brakes are hydraulic. YCOM was able to draw on its extensive experience in the field of racing, which also resulted in a consultancy for the F1 team of Faenza, AlphaTauri. FormulaPassion spoke to the co-founder of YCOM, Nicola Scimeca, to discover the secrets of this scooter developed in Italy.
What are the main features of this racing scooter?
“The frame is made of carbon fiber, the suspensions are made of aluminum, the motors are 6kw each, the body is made of linen fiber, which is a completely sustainable material. All the electrical and electronic parts are specially developed by YCOM. The scooter has five ‘maps’ on the front and the same number on the back, which can be adjusted according to the circuit and conditions, using controls on the handlebar. I want to remind you that this is the only racing vehicle two-wheeled with two-wheel drive, so traction management is an interesting issue“.
Did the project start from a blank sheet of paper?
“Basically yes. We started with a single brief: you have to have two small wheels and you have to stand up. Let’s say it’s like inventing an entire sport from scratch. Electric scooters are starting to be widespread, but taking them to the limit is another matter entirely“.
What technical freedom will the teams have within the championship?
“The races will be short, so there will be no autonomy problems. The batteries will be optimized for the duration of the ride. The teams will be able to change the mappings, the heights, and will be able to intervene on various parameters. But above all at the beginning it will all be a discovery“.
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