A Boutique British Brand Just Unveiled the Best-Looking Retro-Styled Electric Motorcycle Yet

Look, for all the hype about electric motorcycles, we gas bike devotees know there are certain things about old-school motos that petrol-free alternatives just can’t touch. 

Unique sounds and smells, plus the sheer satisfaction of shifting, hold a special place in our hearts that will never be replaced.

Maeving

However, if you mostly ride around town and your predilections lie in the classically styled realm, there’s no way you can look at a recent launch out of England and not at least think about flipping the switch.

Because beyond its darkly dazzling good looks, Maeving’s new RM1S Blackout checks just about every other box.

Straight outta Coventry

Before we get started, what even is Maeving? 

With a name derived from maven (“one who is an expert or very experienced”), the brand was founded by former university buddies William Stirrup and Seb Inglis-Jones in 2018.

Based in the central England city of Coventry, Maeving has zeroed in on a particular niche: high-quality, classic-looking electric motorcycles with exceptional fit and finish and specs that lean toward urban appeal.

Maeving

They’re affordable, too, with the first two bikes — the RM1 and RM1S — going for less than $7,000 and $10,000, respectively.

With this special edition RM1S, the price notches up in accordance with a look and level of refinement that feels commensurate.

Black beauty

Let’s start with the look, because we’re super shallow that’s the first thing you notice. 

While the bike’s design generally mirrors that of the standard RM1S, it departs from that bike’s sunny attitude with a darker disposition and edgier attitude.

That means a blacked-out battery housing, matte carbon detailing (especially on the fenders) and badass bar-end mirrors.

What doesn’t change are a number of aesthetic attributes that should appeal to vintage moto lovers, including a round LED headlight, analog speedometer (with digital screen displaying additional info) and diamond-stitch bobber-style seat.

Maeving

All of those features complement a classic-looking silhouette emerging from a CrMo steel frame and cleverly finding new uses for traditional spaces and shapes. 

For instance, two battery packs occupy much of the “engine” area, while the beautifully contoured “tank” is actually a handy 10-liter storage compartment — with a USB-C port for device charging, of course.

City star

Now, as I alluded to earlier, this bobber isn’t exactly meant for the highway. Yes, you can ride it there, but the specs really lend themselves more to city streets and two-lane twisties. 

The power train is a hub-mounted brushless motor delivering 15 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque and a top speed of 70 miles per hour. 

Maeving

Powered by two 2.73 kWh LG battery packs, the bike offers a combined range of 90 miles (in Eco mode) and 52 miles in sport mode. 

With a seat height of just under 31 inches and a curb weight of 311 pounds, the Blackout is pretty approachable, even for beginners and shorter riders — and should prove plenty nimble navigating narrow city streets.

Easing its handling are 37mm front forks, K-Tech Razor Lite rear shocks with preload and rebound adjustment, plus disc brakes that are linked for balanced braking even if you panic and only squeeze the front one. 

Maeving

The batteries can fully charge in about six hours — and go from 20 to 80 percent in 2.5 — and in a move that signals Maeving’s sensitivity to city dwellers, they are removable. 

In other words, if the nearest available outlet for you is in the kitchen of your fifth-floor walk-up, you simply can take ’em out, tote ’em inside and charge ’em right up.

Availability and pricing

The Maeving RM1S Blackout is available now for $11,495. It’s limited to 100 units, and delivery is expected in late July/early August.

Maeving

Maeving RM1S Blackout

• $11,495 at Maeving

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