This one has already been around for years, actually. 2014 is the earliest I've known of them.
Formerly "Bolt Motorbikes" they changed their name sometime around when the Chevy Bolt started becoming a real thing.
I test rode one when they were still building out of Nathan's garage in San Francisco. Really nice guy.
It's an ebike, really. Inspired by some of the bigger mopeds, trying to find that sweet spot right between a normal ebike and a motorcycle.
Fun thing to ride, but of course the 750w 20mph legal requirement for ebikes means it's either really heavy for its power or in "offroad mode" it's illegal. The same problem most high-powered ebikes have. They base a lot of their advertising appeal on being as powerful as a motorcycle while being able to skirt by without insurance and registration, basically expecting people to ride it in offroad mode on the street.
And while I like the styling of the M1 unfortunately I feel like it would attract more attention, suspicion, and disdain from those that don't like this type of vehicle. A ticket magnet, I imagine.
Here's a video from the early days.
I like the M1 a lot, but it is of course a bit expensive for what it is. It's also another example of our vehicle laws not really being equipped for all these emerging electric vehicle possibilities. I'm also a much bigger fan of the older more squared off battery boxes, the new rounder shape isn't doing it for me.
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Topic: Another new electric city motorbike (Read 655 times)