The Consumer Electronics Show is slowly turning into a full-blown auto show, with more and more automakers coming to Las Vegas to showcase their latest technologies and vehicles. Motorcycle and scooter manufacturers are also joining CES with new products and the Ujet, which was just unveiled at the 2018 edition, is proof that scooters can also use state-of-the-art technology.

While scooters rarely stand out in terms of design, the Ujet catches the eye thanks to its unique styling. Body panels have been reduced to a minimum in order to save weight, while the orbital wheels are a modern alternative to the classic, stylish, yet somewhat boring multi-spoke design. It's available with either a low or high seat, but it's the technology behind it that makes it special.

The Ujet folds up for easy storage so it won't take a lot of space in your garage. Specific dimensions aren't yet available, but it should be small enough to fit inside a wagon or crossover trunk when folded. Traveling to Paris and don't want to waste time and gas in heavy traffic? Just leave the car parked outside the city and take the Ujet for an urban tour.

Granted, this concept is far from revolutionary, but the Ujet is more than just an electric scooter. It's designed so that it connects to the owner's smartphone, which is used to unlock the bike, to locate it, and disable it remotely if stolen. Owners can also use the phone to monitor performance, charge level, mileage, and service issues. These functions are displayed on a pop-up screen that's controlled though buttons on the handlebars. Smartphones can be connected to the bike via either Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 3G. Pretty cool huh?

But what about performance and range? The Ujet is powered by an in-wheel motor that delivers 5.44 horsepower and 66 pound-feet of torque. It may not sound like much, but with the scooter tipping the scales between 95 to 108 pounds (depending on battery size), it's by no means slow. The smallest battery provides about 43 miles of range, while the largest options will return 93 miles. Quite impressive! Making things easier is that the Ujet can be recharged from a normal outlet and that the battery is removable. Yup, you just take it inside and charge it up in just two hours.

With a frame made from alloy and carbon-fiber composite, the Ujet is arguably the most modern production scooter out there. The company also uses carbon nanotube technology in the tires, which last longer, provide better traction, and help save energy.

The Ujet will go on sale in Europe, the United States, and Asia in the second half of 2018. Pricing will start from around $9,000 in North America. Granted, it's only a couple of grand away from costing as much as a Nissan Versa Sedan, but given all the tech behind it, it's not as expensive as it seems.

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