Retro electric: Maeving RM1 review

29 May 2023 , 17:23

905 0

Fraser rides the RM1 (Image: Megan Rudd)

Sales of electric bikes in the UK continue to grow with the vast majority of those leaving showrooms being in the 50cc and 125cc-equivalent categories.

That makes perfect sense.

It was always going to be easier to attract new riders to battery-powered bikes than to try to convince middle-aged, dyed-in-the-wool petrolheads to make the switch.

There are some really great electric bikes available in the smaller capacity sectors now, although most tend to focus on practicality and functionality above design.

So it’s refreshing to have the opportunity to test a bike whose makers seem to have put as much thought into creating something a bit different as something that operates well, too.

Complete all-rounder: Kawasaki Versys 650 reviewed

Super cool - The RM1

Maeving is a British company which hand-builds its 125cc-equivalent RM1 model at its facility in Coventry.

Bikers will be well aware the Midlands was always the home of the British motorcycle industry, so it’s fitting that this forward-looking outfit is based there.

It was founded by university pals Seb Inglis-Jones and Will Stirrup, and benefits from an excellent team of – mostly ex-Triumph – engineers.

Maeving RM1

First impressions are that the RM1 is a unique and striking-looking bike, like a cross between and old-school board-tracker and a retro bobber.

The bike is available in a choice of seven different liveries and the paint finish is deep and lustrous, providing a great contrast with the cool, stitched brown seat.

Quality - Stitched seat

Let’s address the questions most people first ask regrading electric bikes - range and charging.

My test model came with the optional second battery, which doubles the range to around 80 miles on a full charge.

Bear in the mind that this is unashamedly an urban/city bike intended for shortish jaunts around town, so that is more than enough.

Easily removable

The Samsung batteries are very easily removed and can be carried into your home or office to be charged at any three-pin socket.

They even look stylish – finished in brushed aluminium and bamboo.

Seventies style: Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro review

You definitely wouldn’t feel embarrassed to have one sitting by your desk on charge in the office, although when the cooler kicks in, it does make a bit of a noise.

Removable battery can be charged at ordinary socket

A full charge from zero to 100%, takes about four hours, but of course, you’re unlikely to ever let it get down to nothing.

Jump on board and the quality and attention to detail is immediately apparent – it oozes class.

The low seat height and light weight (125kg with two batteries) make the bike feel very manageable, which it is, aided by and excellent chassis design, low centre of gravity and big turning circle.

As with all electrics, torque is instantaneous when you twist the throttle and acceleration from standstill, via the wheel-mounted Bosch motor, is brisk.

Brisk - smooth power delivery (Megan Rudd)

The RM1 can be ridden on a CBT (learners’ ) licence, so top speed is officially restricted to 45mph, although my test bike seems happy to purr along at 48mph.

While more than adequate around town, when I headed out on a 50/60mph A-road, the bike did feel out of its comfort zone.

There are three ride modes, as indicated on the round dash, which also shows speed, odometer and percentage of charge left.