ESkootr debuts in London

Hardened racers may scoff, but the inaugural round of the eSkootr Championship might just prove to have been one of the most significant motor sport events the year.

Electric scooters have terrorised many a pedestrian on the pavement slalom since their introduction but a new series, whose co-founders include Le Mans winner Alex Wurz and Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi, is bringing the two-wheelers to bespoke race tracks in an accessible form.

The debut at London’s Printworks saw a full day of action as 30 riders, each with a scooter capable of 65mph, went head-to-head. The lower speeds and city centre locations meant young fans could get close to the action. The £10 entry fee also attracted youngsters interested in racing which bodes well for the future.

And it’s not just as spectators – eSC promises a route to the top for young riders with plans for junior series from the age of seven upwards. The idea is based around participants using an app which logs details in the form of performance stats, eventually becoming available to pro teams who can then hire riders themselves.

“We want to build a sustainable sport,” says COO Khalil Beschir. “The teams have to pay riders and there will also be prize money at the end of each season.”

eSkootr is pushing a message of micro-mobility and accessibility and some big names have become involved: Nico Hülkenberg owns a team, as does boxing champion Anthony Joshua.