Here’s a true Brit with designs on changing the world. Maeving are a British start-up determined to transform the way we think about electric motorcycles. The entry-level Maeving RM1 - pictured here - is anything but basic. Idea is to provide battery propulsion on a motorbike that draws on the great traditions of British motorcycle engineering. At first glance, you’ve got to say they’ve done quite the job here. And that’s before its key selling point.
First though, just drink in that style. We’ve called it eclectic electric and with good reason. Old-school leather saddle is cantilevered out of the back of the black frame, effortlessly adding comfort and a glance at the past to a clean sheet design that speaks of tomorrow..
Ahead of the rider is what looks like a conventional motorbike fuel tank and is in fact a handy 10 litre storage box for all your essentials on the go. Ideal, too, for that quick trip out for the evening’s caviar, to be complemented with some drinkables from the local budget supermarket on the way home. We did say eclectic, after all.
And all of this will cost virtually nothing, involve zero emissions and have all of the acceleration advantages of instantly-there electric power. Choose from single or dual battery models with up to 30 or 65 mile range. More than enough for whatever posh shopping you have in mind. Top speed of 45 mph exceeds anything you’ll need on the urban runaround. Plug in for full charging time of just over four hours.
Maeving RM1: A fresh approach to charging
That key selling point? A removable battery, in the manner of many electric bicycles. Drawback of most electric motorcycles is that they’re heavy and you need to manoeuvre the entire bike to a dedicated charging point. Maeving aim at near standard weight - and you can take the battery indoors to charge. Power it, using the supplied fan-cooled charger, from any three-pin plug - while you tap away at a laptop in your local cafe for instance. Simple.
There’s more. Customisation options include seven different colourways for the tank - we’re taken with minimalist black - and hand-stitching to the saddle. Double battery option increases range, but you do lose that handy storage space. Might this be a case of basic model is the best model? Delivery is to your door and there’s a mobile service option as well. Spare batteries are available, if you’d like to keep one always charged up.
We think Maeving’s RM1 is the ideal city runaround: low cost, zero emissions, fast and stylish. But what do we know? The nice people at Meaving - who but nice people would design so desirable an object?- are waiting for your call to arrange a test ride and to hear your views. With prices starting at £4,995, this is one electric motorcycle that makes few if any compromises on style, ability - and affordability. We’ll see you for an organic espresso at your favourite hipster hangout.
Next up: 10 of the best electric motorcycle brands.
