Ray J is kinda the king of the unexpected pivot. One minute he’s dropping "One Wish" and the next he’s basically trying to become the Elon Musk of the R&B world. If you were online around 2016, you probably saw a video of a celebrity—maybe Justin Bieber or Snoop Dogg—gliding around on this weird, folding electric thing that looked like a cross between a bicycle and a futuristic chair.
That was the ray j scooter bike, officially known as the Scoot-E-Bike.
It wasn’t just a random gadget. It was the centerpiece of Ray J’s tech company, Raytroniks. While most people laughed at the sight of a grown man on a tiny folding frame, the business moves behind it were actually pretty serious. Honestly, the Scoot-E-Bike paved the way for the massive e-mobility boom we see today. You’ve seen those Lime and Bird scooters everywhere, right? Well, Ray J was out there pitching this stuff years before the "scooter wars" hit every major city sidewalk.
What Actually Was the Scoot-E-Bike?
The ray j scooter bike was a 100% electric, two-wheeled foldable scooter. It didn’t have pedals, so calling it a "bike" was always a bit of a stretch, but "scooter" didn't quite capture it either.
Technically, it was a sit-down micro-mobility device.
It had some decent specs for the time. We’re talking about a top speed of roughly 20 mph and a range of about 30 miles on a single charge. It weighed around 30 pounds, which meant you could theoretically fold it up and carry it into your office or apartment. Ray J famously called it the "Tesla of bikes," which was definitely some high-level marketing juice.
Key Specs and Features:
- Bluetooth Connectivity: You could sync your phone and blast music through built-in speakers while riding.
- USB Charging: It had a port so your phone wouldn't die while you were navigating.
- Remote Start: It came with a wireless key fob, sort of like a car.
- Zero Emissions: It ran entirely on a rechargeable Samsung lithium battery.
The price tag? It usually sat around $1,500 to $1,800, though you could often find "Ray J discount codes" floating around the internet for a few hundred bucks off.
The Celebrity Marketing Machine
Ray J didn’t use traditional ads. He used his contact list.
He basically gave these bikes to every famous person he knew. Within months, the ray j scooter bike was appearing on Love & Hip Hop, in music videos, and all over Instagram. Diddy had one. Chris Brown had one. Even Terrance J and Steph Curry were spotted on them.
This created a massive "FOMO" effect. People weren't buying it because it was the most efficient way to get to work; they were buying it because it looked like the ultimate "rich guy toy." Ray J was basically a one-man PR firm. He was seen riding his bike through the halls of office buildings and on the streets of LA, often with a camera crew in tow.
The $30 Million Lawsuit and Business Drama
Success usually brings lawyers, and the Scoot-E-Bike was no exception.
In early 2018, a guy named Jean Paul sued Ray J for $30 million. Paul claimed that he was the original "bike aficionado" who brought the idea to Ray J back in 2015. According to the lawsuit, they were supposed to be partners, with Ray J acting as the celebrity face while Paul handled the business side.
Paul alleged that Ray J basically ghosted him and launched a competing business—Raytroniks—to shut him out.
Ray J’s team fired back, calling the whole thing a "frivolous shakedown." They maintained that the Scoot-E-Bike was 100% independently owned and trademarked by Ray J. While the headlines were messy, the drama didn't stop the money from flowing. In fact, shortly after the legal noise started, Ray J secured a massive $31 million deal with Cowboy Wholesale to launch Raycon Global.
Where is the Ray J Scooter Bike Now?
If you try to buy a brand new Scoot-E-Bike today, you’re going to have a hard time.
In 2019, Ray J sold the brand.
A Canadian company called LOOPShare acquired the Scoot-E-Bike brand in a deal valued in the high seven figures. Ray J didn't just walk away with a check, though. He took a massive equity stake in the company (about 18 million shares) and became a consultant and brand ambassador.
The goal was to turn the ray j scooter bike into a ride-sharing service, similar to how Lime or Bird works. They wanted to have "Scoot-E" hubs in major cities where you could rent the sit-down bikes via an app.
However, the "scooter-sharing" market became incredibly crowded and regulated. While LOOPShare had big plans for 2020 and 2021, the brand has largely faded from the public eye. Ray J’s focus shifted heavily toward Raycon, his earbud and consumer electronics company, which turned out to be a much bigger "mainstream" hit than the bikes ever were.
Why the Scoot-E-Bike Actually Mattered
It’s easy to look back and think of the ray j scooter bike as a celebrity fad. But that’s missing the point.
Before 2016, "electric bikes" were mostly for hardcore enthusiasts or delivery drivers in New York City. Ray J made them "cool" for the general public. He proved that there was a massive market for "last-mile" transportation—the idea that you need a small, portable vehicle to get from the train station to your final destination.
He also demonstrated the power of the "Tech-Influencer" model. He didn't just endorse a product; he owned the company, controlled the manufacturing, and used his social capital to build a brand from scratch.
Practical Takeaways for E-Bike Buyers Today
If you’re looking for a similar vibe to the original ray j scooter bike, the market has changed a lot. You can now get much better performance for half the price.
- Check the Motor: The original Scoot-E-Bike had a 350W motor. Nowadays, you should look for at least 500W if you want to handle hills without the bike struggling.
- Battery Life is Key: Look for bikes with removable batteries. The original required you to plug the whole bike into the wall, which is a pain if you live in a third-floor walk-up.
- Safety Standards: Make sure any electric scooter you buy is UL 2272 certified. Early e-mobility devices had issues with battery fires, and this certification ensures the electrical system is safe.
- Portability: If you liked the "folding" aspect of Ray J's bike, look for "compact folding e-bikes" from brands like Lectric or Jetson. They offer the same "fit in the trunk" convenience with better build quality.
The ray j scooter bike might be a piece of tech history now, but it was the spark that got a lot of people thinking about electric travel. It wasn't perfect, and it was definitely overpriced for what it was, but Ray J’s hustle changed the way we look at "toys" on the street.
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If you're interested in the current state of e-mobility, your next step should be researching UL-certified folding e-bikes in the $500–$800 range. You’ll find that the technology Ray J was promoting in 2016 has become significantly more affordable and reliable for the average commuter today.