Up close with the lightweight Emicro One electric scooter

The $1,000 (£750, AU$1,500) Emicro One is the smallest folding electric scooter we've seen yet. It's barely bigger than a Razor scooter -- the ones kids ride around.

Sure doesn't look like a kid's toy, though.

The main reason to consider it over the competition: it doesn't weigh 30+ pounds. Many scooters do, but the Emicro One is just 16.5 lb (7.5kg).

Oh, but there's a catch -- no throttle lever or even a power button on this bad boy.

To move...you've gotta kick.

The hidden electric motor inside the rear wheel is where all the magic happens. Whenever you push off, the motor kicks in to extend your stride. You'll travel way further and faster than you would by kicking alone -- up to around 15 miles per hour.

To stop, push down on this foot brake over the rear wheel. Don't worry, it's a regenerative electric brake, so it doesn't just rely on the friction of the fender against the wheel.

There are three speed settings you can access by rotating a little included magnetic dial on top of the black circle you see in this picture, too.

The solid front tire has an air core, so it provides a teensy bit of protection against bumps...but you'll still want to avoid streets when possible.

To fold the scooter, simply undo this quick release lever, then press the blue buttons on either side. It's quick, and easier than many scooters since this one's light enough to lift into the air.

There's only enough room on the deck for one foot -- but that deck's low enough to make kicking really easy. Your other foot doesn't have to stretch far to touch the ground.

One last look at the Emicro One, including a closer glimpse of the handlebars.