This funky solar electric scooter could handle your commute without ever plugging in

A new solar-powered electric scooter called the Lightfoot is now available for order from San Francisco company Otherlab. It seats two, tops out at just under 20 mph, and has solar panels built into both sides of its body that can add 3-4 miles of range per hour in good sun, or up to 18 miles over a full day. Its battery holds 1,560Wh and is rated for up to 37 miles per charge, so someone with a short commute who parks outside all day could potentially cover most or all of their daily driving on sunshine alone. It still plugs into a regular wall outlet too, charging fully in about four hours.

Beyond the solar panels, the Lightfoot has two hub motors for climbing hills, full suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 45-liter lockable, weatherproof storage compartment built into the body — enough for a few bags of groceries. It weighs 141 pounds. The company says it doesn't require a license or registration, though rules for low-speed scooters like this vary by state and city, so it's worth checking local laws before assuming it can legally use bike lanes.

The first 100 units, called the Launch Edition, cost $4,495 including delivery, with a refundable $100 reservation to join the list. That's pricier than many similar 20-mph electric scooters without solar panels. It makes most sense for someone with short daily trips, outdoor parking, and interest in a vehicle that rarely needs plugging in.