Imagine a tiny electric scooter that weighs just 14kg — about the same as a carry-on bag — and folds up in seconds so you can roll it behind you like a suitcase. It has three wheels (two in front for stability, one in back with the motor), runs on next-generation batteries, and is protected by a worldwide patent. The idea is you ride it from home to the train station, fold it up, take it on the train, unfold it, and ride it to the office — door-to-door, no parking, no sweat, no emissions.
City commuters face a painful gap between public transport stops and their actual destinations — the 'last mile' problem that keeps millions dependent on cars. Existing solutions like e-bikes are too heavy and bulky to carry onto trains or store in small apartments. Companies managing urban fleets and transit systems need a vehicle that is genuinely portable, safe on crowded streets, and requires zero dedicated infrastructure.
The project delivered an optimized prototype and a standard production prototype of a 14kg folding three-wheel electric scooter, along with adapted production lines ready for serial manufacturing. A complete final definition plan with photos, specifications, and testing reports was also produced across 17 total deliverables.
If you are a micromobility fleet operator struggling with heavy, hard-to-store vehicles that clog up sidewalks — FREEWAY developed a patent-protected 14kg folding three-wheel electric scooter designed for intermodal use. Its compact folded form means reduced warehousing costs, easier redistribution logistics, and a vehicle that users can actually bring inside buildings.
If you are a transit authority trying to solve the first-mile/last-mile problem that keeps commuters in their cars — FREEWAY built a 14kg electric vehicle with 3 wheels for stability that folds into suitcase size within seconds. It was specifically designed for intermodal commuting, meaning passengers can carry it onto buses and trains without blocking aisles or needing dedicated bike racks.
If you are a corporate facility manager dealing with limited parking space and employee commuting complaints — FREEWAY created a folding electric scooter at just 14kg that employees can store under their desks. Unlike e-bikes that need secure outdoor parking, this device eliminates the need for cycling infrastructure while offering a clean, zero-emission commute option across a 9.1% growth-rate market.
The project data does not include specific unit pricing. However, FREEWAY positions itself as a competitor to electric bikes in a market projected at 1.9 million units in Europe. Given SME-2 funding was used to prepare production lines, pricing would likely target the mid-range e-bike segment to capture market share.
Yes — one of the key deliverables was 'Adapted production lines and FREEWAY standard prototype,' which indicates the company moved beyond one-off prototypes to production-ready manufacturing. The final definition plan includes specifications and testing reports needed for serial production.
FREEWAY is protected by a worldwide patent covering its unique design. The single-company consortium (FREEWAY SAS, France) holds full IP rights. Any licensing or distribution deal would be negotiated directly with the patent holder.
The project specifically lists safety as a core feature, with 2 front wheels designed for stability. The deliverable 'Final definition plan' includes testing reports. Based on available project data, the vehicle was designed to comply with European regulations for light electric vehicles, but specific certification details are not provided.
The project closed in November 2017 after completing its SME Phase 2 objectives. The project website was freeway.pro. Based on available project data, the company reached the stage of adapted production lines and a standard prototype ready for market entry.
FREEWAY was purpose-built for intermodal mobility — it folds in seconds and rolls on its 2 front wheels like a suitcase. At 14kg, it is light enough to carry onto public transport. No charging stations or docking infrastructure are needed, unlike station-based bike-sharing systems.
FREEWAY is a single-company project run entirely by FREEWAY SAS, a French SME. With 1 partner from 1 country and a 100% industry ratio, this is a focused commercial venture rather than a research collaboration. There are no university or research institute partners, which means all IP and know-how sit within one company. For a business buyer, this simplifies negotiations — there is one decision-maker and one patent holder. The SME-2 funding scheme confirms this was a market-oriented project aimed at scaling an existing concept to production readiness.
FREEWAY SAS is a French SME — coordinator contact can be sourced through SciTransfer's lookup service
Want to explore licensing, distribution rights, or technology integration for this patented folding e-scooter? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the FREEWAY team.
