Yamaha is preparing to launch another electric scooter, design filings show

This is a heads up about a vehicle, not a home energy upgrade, but here's the rundown for anyone curious about electric two-wheelers. Design filings in Japan suggest Yamaha is working on a new electric scooter, similar in size to its gas-powered RayZR 125. The design looks close to production-ready, though Yamaha hasn't said when or where it might launch.

A few details set this one apart from typical electric scooters. Instead of putting the motor inside the rear wheel arm, this design uses a centrally mounted motor connected by a belt, a layout more common on gas motorcycles that could improve balance and handling. The battery sits under the seat and appears removable, following Yamaha's existing swappable-battery scooters, though it's unclear which specific battery type it would use. The rear shocks are also positioned farther forward and wider apart than usual, likely to make room for that battery compartment. Other features spotted in the filings include a small digital display, extra storage built into the front panel, keyless start, and four small headlights around a central running light.

None of this affects home energy programs or rebates. It's simply a sign that Yamaha, despite mixed results with earlier electric scooters, is still developing new battery-powered models. Whether or where it will actually go on sale remains unknown.