We Tested the Maeving RM1S: An Electric Motorcycle with Neo-Retro Design and Fine Finishes
Electric motorcycles aren’t the norm yet in the United States. With traditionalists who swear by the roar of an engine and limited options available, it’s tough to decide. However, the Maeving RM1S might just turn heads. British in origin, with a vintage design reminiscent of the glorious days of motorcycles, it doesn’t go unnoticed. How does it fare on the road? We’ve tested it and here’s the lowdown!
A Design That Boasts British Style
At first glance, the RM1S makes it clear that it embraces the neo-retro aesthetic. Taking cues from the legendary Triumph Bonneville, it sports a refined look with a round headlight, embossed leather seat, and optional carbon fenders. No cheap plastic here; the use of quality materials, especially the brushed aluminum around the battery, stands out. Remarkably, it’s indeed “Built in Britain,” a rarity in a market dominated by Asian manufacturing.
With its bold 17-inch cast wheels and bar-end mirrors, it makes a statement. Sure, the mirrors aren’t the most functional in traffic, but they sure look cool! Regarding size, the bike measures 2.15 meters in length with a seat height of 785 mm. It’s a comfortable riding position, though at 6 feet tall, I felt the “tank” pushed me back a bit too much.
Simple but Effective Technology
No need for the latest TFT screens with CarPlay or Android Auto on this RM1S. Instead, a classic analog speedometer shows speed in mph. A small screen at the bottom right displays battery charge, time, and the current riding mode (Ride, Sport, Range). Simple and effective with no unnecessary fluff.
A notable plus: if you skip the second battery (which goes under the faux tank), you get a lockable 10-liter storage space with a USB-C port to charge your phone. Pretty handy, right?
How Does It Perform on the Road?
In terms of performance, it features an electric motor delivering 7 kW (about 9.5 horsepower). While it’s not going to rival a sports bike, for city driving and short trips, it’s more than enough. The immediate response, thanks to the lack of a clutch and gearbox, is a delight, especially in Sport mode where the torque kicks in!
Regarding range, Maeving claims about 80 miles with a single battery and up to 155 miles with the dual battery setup. For daily use, that’s quite respectable. Charging time is reasonable: about 4 hours on a domestic outlet. While there’s no ultra-fast charging, for an urban bike, it works.
Why Should You Care?
Electric motorcycles might not have won everyone over yet, but the Maeving RM1S offers several compelling reasons:
✔️ A stunning vintage look
✔️ High-quality British build
✔️ Decent range for a bike of its kind
✔️ More affordable than the premium competition
Of course, it’s not a bike meant for hitting the track hard, but for cruising around with style and silence, it’s an absolute joy.
