An Idea

Michigan innovation is happening more often than one would realize.  Just a few weeks ago, while traveling through the state, MLC’s resident technology enthusiast, Tim Ward, stopped at Fido Motors Café in Kalamazoo for a coffee.  While there, he couldn’t help but notice that something special was happening, beyond the good coffee.  That’s when he was introduced to Fido Motors.  Owner, Jeb Gast, had an idea to fill the gap between a moped and a motorcycle.  As is often the case, he had a desire for such a scooter but couldn’t find one on the market.  He decided to take matters into his own hands; he dreamed up the technology and began working with a small crew to hand build each Fido.

The Design

When thinking of the concept, Jeb visualized what key features he would want in a scooter.  He knew he would want it to be 100% electric, however that faced the challenge of how would the battery be charged?  What about the owner living several floors up in an apartment building?  To solve this problem, Jeb decided to make the battery removable and allow owners to charge their battery where it’s most convenient.  This is a great solution for not only apartment dwellers, but also a commuter who needs to quickly charge the battery while at work.  Additionally, the key design components center around the ease of ownership by requiring minimal service, coupled with a sleek design.  For ease of use, the scooter has an adjustable seat, keyless entry, and modular cargo options. 

How Can You Get One?

There are two Fido versions available for preorder.  Given the nature of a growing business, at this time they are only accepting twenty-five pre-orders for the Limited Edition model.  Many startups rely on early supporters to grow their business, allowing early adopters to not only purchase the newest technology, but to know they played an integral role in reshaping a market as we currently know it.

Michigan is Leading the Way

Fido Motors is just one of the numerous examples of new technology innovation that is happening here in Michigan.  The state is quickly becoming a nationwide leader in fostering an environment conducive to innovators such as Jeb, allowing them to start with an idea and remain in Michigan to travel through the process, ending in a technology that will shake-up the market.

For more information on Fido Motors, please visit http://www.fidomotors.com/.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.