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China's Self-Driving Scooter

Move aside, regular scooters, there’s a high-tech caterpillar rolling your way. Omoway, founded by ex-Xpeng execs, recently unveiled the Omo X, a two-wheeler packed with car-like features, blurring the line between scooter and autonomous vehicle (Electrek).

Halo Pilot: Scooter with a Mind of Its Own

At its debut event in Jakarta, the Omo X didn’t just sit, it drove itself onto the stage using its “Halo Pilot” system. This intelligent tech supports adaptive cruise control, remote summon, one-touch parking, automatic reversing, and even self-balancing at low speeds. Imagine asking your scooter to fetch itself from the garage, sounds sci-fi, right?

Under the hood, the Omo X is no toy either. It offers collision warnings, emergency brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, bringing automotive-grade safety tech into two-wheeler form.

Modular Design = One Bike, Many Styles

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Another standout feature is its modular build. You can switch it between step-through mode for city rides, straddle mode for sportier rides, or a touring mode with luggage accessories making it suitable for various riders and uses.

Indonesia Launch Backed by Market Boom

Choosing Jakarta makes sense. Indonesia has over 120 million two-wheelers and saw a nearly 400% surge in EV scooter sales in 2024. Omoway’s plan to launch locally in early 2026 (price estimated at €3,500 or ~$3,800) puts it between entry-level and premium models.

Also Read: Top 10 Scooters June 2025: EVs Squeezing In But Petrol Still Rules

Why It Matters: Unique Insights

1. Infrastructure-ready innovation
Global EV adoption is hindered by lack of charging infrastructure. Omo X’s ability to auto-drive itself to a charger could reduce anxiety for users, imagine waking up to a fully charged scooter with zero manual effort!

2. Real-world weight vs benefit
Advanced tech means extra sensors and actuators that could add 10–15 kg. Assuming a 10 kg weight bump, this could cut range by ~7–10%, a trade-off buyers must weigh.

3. Software longevity = lasting value
Unlike most scooters, Omo X can receive over-the-air updates, evolving its AI features and safety systems over time. If supported well, that adds true long-term value.

4. Use-case scenario: smart campus shuttle
Picture fleets of self-driving Omo X scooters in large campuses or gated communities on-demand rides between buildings, auto-parking in charge bays, minimal staffing needed. A fit for smart urban campuses.

5. Could inspire local regulations
Omo X’s smart tech may push Indonesia and other SE Asian countries to build new safety and autonomous vehicle guidelines starting regulations around V2V communication, parking rules, and remote control.

The Big Picture: Bold Move or Overkill?

Omo X is clearly a bold statement, backed by ex-Xpeng founders and top-tier funding. But its futuristic tech brings complexity, costs, and weight. And in markets like Southeast Asia, where riders prefer rugged and simple, the question remains whether people will embrace this smart monster of a scooter.

Still, Omoway isn’t playing small. If they nail software support and make service accessible, Omo X could redefine what a scooter should be. And even if it doesn’t dominate, it’ll inspire a generation of smarter, safer two-wheelers across the world.

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