OVERFUND: eFOLDi Lite smashes initial crowdfunding target after just 12 hours
Launched on the 18th June 2019, eFOLDi’s crowdfunding campaign for its new lightweight mobility scooter has already exceeded its £25,000 target by over 40 percent as the company prepares for mass production.
Reaching its £25,000 goal in only four hours, the latest eFOLDi model boasts a carry weight of 15kg – 30 percent lighter than its predecessor – due to its new magnesium frame, as well as a battery pack designed for long range, offering up to 22 km (14 miles) on a full charge.
At the beginning of June, the company released the first promotional video for the new model, calling it the world’s lightest mobility scooter.
Highlighting what makes the eFOLDi Lite to other folding scooters on the market, the company states in its FAQ: “Just like iPhone isn’t the first and only mobile phone, eFOLDi isn’t the first or only folding mobility scooter. What makes eFOLDi stand out is the true lightweight.
“All the other folding products are much heavier than eFOLDi. It’s the patented folding mechanism that enable people with physical challenges to rediscovery their independency and travel freedom!”
Having already run a number of successful crowdfunding campaigns over the last three years, including raising almost £1 million from more than 700 investors for equity in the company, this latest crowdfunding campaign is not offering equity in the company but instead unique deals to early adopters in order to secure finance from pre-orders.
“Kickstarter doesn’t work as a donation, you’re actually pre-ordering eFOLDi Lite (at our best-reduced price),” explained the company.
“Then at the end of the Kickstarter campaign, we’ll get in touch about where to send the eFOLDi, your details and then payment will be taken.”
According to eFOLDi, its new Lite model is planning to officially enter the retail market in spring 2020 at an RRP/MSRP of £2,399, which it says is in line with its current eFOLDi Mk 1.5 model.
Enticing early pledgers to back the new product on its Kickstarter campaign, eFOLDi is offering a special ‘Super Early Bird Backers’ deal, where individuals can purchase the new mobility device for less than half price at £1,199.
Aiming to deliver its Super Early Bird Backer orders by December 2019, the company says it will fulfil the rest of its Kickstarter orders up to three months later.
As of the 19th June, 32 backers have placed orders for the eFOLDi Lite totalling £38,077, with 29 days of the campaign remaining. Of that total figure, 25 have placed pre-orders for the ‘Super Early Bird Backers’ deal.
To find out the full story behind eFOLDi and its growth in the mobility sector, read THIIS’ ‘More About…’ special feature with the company’s Managing Director Sumi Wang.
Watch a demonstration of the new scooter below:
