A First Ride With Lightfoot, a Solar-Powered Scooter

That's essentially what the Lightfoot feels like—something tinkered into existence in a garage, rather than a factory overseas. It's like a rectangular pod on wheels, with two large solar panels on the side and a bench seat up top that fits a rider and a passenger. It's designed to be ridden in the bike lane—without pedals, it's designated as an electric scooter rather than an ebike—and has a top speed of 20 miles per hour.

Almost everyone who sees it says it looks ridiculous, but in a fun, whimsical sort of way. No doubt that's why its maker dubs it the “smile machine.” No other vehicle I've ever ridden has commanded this much attention. People have commented on the Lightfoot at traffic lights and even mid-ride, where several cyclists precariously pulled out their phones to take photos.