Challenger brands have become the norm these days, with the disruptor playgrounds of fintech, artificial intelligence and computing fuelling significant changes in traditional industries. Transport is a perfect example, and while the electric car world is grabbing all the headlines, especially with Elon Musk’s Tesla and his ill-fated bromance with the president of the United States, there is also a more dignified, quiet revolution occurring in the electric motorcycle market.
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It’s an industry filled with several well-established brands that date back over a century. T en years ago no motorcycle aficionado would have even heard the name Maeving. Today, however, this small British firm founded by a couple of university friends is at the forefront of electric motorcycle sales in the UK and is expanding its reach globally.
The Maeving philosophy appears relatively straightforward but is undoubtedly challenging to execute, especially when competing against industry titans. The product proposition is clearly electric-only, emissions-free power first. Yet right behind that is a handsome design aesthetic that nods to traditional motorcycle building while embracing the future optimism of the new tech. The Maeving RM1 that came out a few years ago epitomises this approach. Within a year of its launch it was the bestselling electric motorcycle in the UK. Maeving’s latest creation, the RM1S, leverages the company’s early learnings and public goodwill to create a bike that retains all the charm of the RM1 but with some notable upgrades.
First, power and, inevitably, performance have been increased, given the RM1S a top speed of 70mph, compared to the 45mph of the RM1. Second, the batteries have been placed lower down in the engine casing, which is crucial for a low centre of gravity. This also handily frees up space in the faux fuel tank, which is very useful for storing mobile phones, gloves or that essential pack of Haribos for a longer road trip.
Removable batteries make charging simple on a charging pad wired to a standard three-pin plug — or, new to the RM1S, the ability to charge in situ while still on the bike, allowing you to take advantage of public charging points en route. The heightened top speed should be as fast as you’d ever need to go, and a full charge will get you 80 miles of range — again, enough for a bike that will mostly appeal to commuters or weekend pleasure seekers. The RM1S also provides an accessible entry point into motorcycle riding, requiring only a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) certificate. However, it is worth noting that to ride on a motorway in the UK you will need at least an A1 license.
Electric power has undergone significant development over the past few years. Apart from the all-important zero emissions, the silent delivery of clean power offers a unique contrast to the time-honoured image of a roaring motorbike. The liberty of a motorbike ride becomes more of a peaceful freedom on an electric version, which has often been seen as an expression of rebellion or a symbol of the free spirit. The Maeving brand ambassador Ashley Walters is a passionate exponent of these virtues. The actor and director talks enthusiastically about being “drawn to the silence” on his Maeving — something you wouldn’t always have associated with motorcycle riding. He describes how this adds a refreshing dimension to the joy of riding and escaping the daily grind. In his Maeving “rider story” he reflects on his motorbike journeys, stating, “I’m riding for peace in the moment.”
The Maeving RM1S is a handsome, convenient, emissions-free commuting tool, but more than that, and of interest to most potential purchasers, it achieves all this in a stylish and silent manner.
Discover Maeving’s full range and Ashley Walters’s rider story at maeving.com