The days when microcars were considered the future of the automotive industry dawned in the late ‘60s, so most of today’s microcars are designed with children in mind. That’s not to say, though, that grown men and women still can’t have their fun.
Blaze is an e-scooter maker from Japan and the latest product in its lineup, while still classified as a “moped,” aims to appeal to the lover of classic race cars from the ‘30s. Meet Blaze EV Classic, a cute and quite dashing all-electric, single-seat microcar that combines a retro design with an electric drivetrain in the smallest package possible.
Legally classified as a moped, the EV Classic can be driven on public roads without a permit and the inspections that actual cars would have to undertake. Naturally, this also means less impressive performance figures, but considering you’re driving an open-cabin minicar, you’d probably not want to be driving that fast anyhow.
With a maximum output of 4 hp, the EV Classic can top 50 kph (31 mph), while the battery is good for 50 km (31 miles) on a single charge. Charging can be done at a 100V household outlet in eight hours’ time, and stopping power is provided by front drum and rear disc brakes.
Measuring 233 cm (92 inches) in length, 117 cm (46 inches) in width, and 116 cm (44.6 inches) in height, the EV Classic weighs 200 kg (441 pounds) and stands out for a decidedly retro design. It has spoke wheels and an open cabin (but users can also opt for a closed cabin), as well as bright LED lights in retro housing.
Blaze offers only one model but with a variety of accessories and four color options for the paint: silver, black, green and red.
The bad news is that, as of the time of press, this fun toy for the grown-up men and women who are still kids at heart only sells in Japan. Pricing is 880,000 yen, or roughly $8,480 at today’s exchange rate.
Legally classified as a moped, the EV Classic can be driven on public roads without a permit and the inspections that actual cars would have to undertake. Naturally, this also means less impressive performance figures, but considering you’re driving an open-cabin minicar, you’d probably not want to be driving that fast anyhow.
With a maximum output of 4 hp, the EV Classic can top 50 kph (31 mph), while the battery is good for 50 km (31 miles) on a single charge. Charging can be done at a 100V household outlet in eight hours’ time, and stopping power is provided by front drum and rear disc brakes.
Measuring 233 cm (92 inches) in length, 117 cm (46 inches) in width, and 116 cm (44.6 inches) in height, the EV Classic weighs 200 kg (441 pounds) and stands out for a decidedly retro design. It has spoke wheels and an open cabin (but users can also opt for a closed cabin), as well as bright LED lights in retro housing.
Blaze offers only one model but with a variety of accessories and four color options for the paint: silver, black, green and red.
The bad news is that, as of the time of press, this fun toy for the grown-up men and women who are still kids at heart only sells in Japan. Pricing is 880,000 yen, or roughly $8,480 at today’s exchange rate.