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Maeving’s new RM1S electric bike a sell-out success
New upgrade on original RM1 is capable of 65mph, with first batch selling out in hours.
Words by: Phil West
Published on 17 November 2023 | 0 min read
Remember the Maeving RM1? In case you missed it this was the appealingly retro-styled, 45mph-capable electric bike launched in 2022 by new British start-up. And now there’s an update on that machine, capable of 65mph and called the RM1S. It’s already proved so popular the first batch of 100 bikes sold out in just hours, with a second batch of machines now being built.
That first batch is scheduled to be delivered in March next year with the second batch now likely in April. Maeving has quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer in the zero-emissions, urban motorcycle market with its RM1 regularly being the best-selling, road-legal electric motorcycle in the UK. Maeving was founded in 2017 by Seb Inglis-Jones and Will Stirrup with idea of creating a retro-style but British-built electric bike with swappable batteries to take on the Chinese-built competition. The company is based in Coventry and has a workforce including many ex-Triumph engineers. Now the new RM1S looks set to build on the success of the original with an increased top speed of 65mph, more power and new battery technology, among other additional benefits. Visually, the RM1S looks little different from the RM1, with the same bobber-style seat, long wheelbase and classic 19-inch wheels along with 10-litre lockable storage area in the dummy ‘tank’. As before there are two removeable batteries, although these are new and now rated at 2.6kWh, a 30 per cent increase over the RM1.
That first batch is scheduled to be delivered in March next year with the second batch now likely in April. Maeving has quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer in the zero-emissions, urban motorcycle market with its RM1 regularly being the best-selling, road-legal electric motorcycle in the UK. Maeving was founded in 2017 by Seb Inglis-Jones and Will Stirrup with idea of creating a retro-style but British-built electric bike with swappable batteries to take on the Chinese-built competition. The company is based in Coventry and has a workforce including many ex-Triumph engineers. Now the new RM1S looks set to build on the success of the original with an increased top speed of 65mph, more power and new battery technology, among other additional benefits. Visually, the RM1S looks little different from the RM1, with the same bobber-style seat, long wheelbase and classic 19-inch wheels along with 10-litre lockable storage area in the dummy ‘tank’. As before there are two removeable batteries, although these are new and now rated at 2.6kWh, a 30 per cent increase over the RM1.
The hub motor is also a more powerful 7kW design (up from 3kW), producing 10.5kW (or 6.8 horsepower) at peak, enough for the 65mph top speed. Maeving claims its range under normal use is 80 miles and, as before, removeable batteries give riders the option of charging in situ or taking them with them to plug in at home, in the office or wherever they find themselves. As before, only a standard 17+ A1 provisional licence with CBT is required.
To celebrate the new RM1S’s launch, it comes in four new special edition paint schemes, all of which are a nod to inspiration drawn in the design process.
To celebrate the new RM1S’s launch, it comes in four new special edition paint schemes, all of which are a nod to inspiration drawn in the design process.
Co-founder Stirrup says, “The RM1S is the bike we have been asked over and over to build by those riders who want a zero-emissions motorcycle that looks like an RM1 but is capable of highway speeds. We’ve worked extremely hard to ensure that everything that has made the RM1 so popular with our customers is carried over to the new RM1S, whilst delivering the greater performance that will mean it can be used in a much wider variety of use cases.”
He continues, “The original Maeving RM1 has been a huge success for us and, for many riders who stay within inner city limits, it will remain the perfect motorcycle. Adding the RM1S to the collection provides an electric motorcycle for those that need to cover wider geographies at higher speeds. It’s an overused phrase, but we truly believe this is a game-changer - an EV that you can purchase for less than the cost of a monthly Oyster card, that can be used for the vast majority of one’s travel needs, with all the joy and convenience that motorcycling brings. We’re incredibly proud of it.” The new RM1S costs £7,495, an increase on the £4,995 RM1 but arguably worth it for the extra performance.
He continues, “The original Maeving RM1 has been a huge success for us and, for many riders who stay within inner city limits, it will remain the perfect motorcycle. Adding the RM1S to the collection provides an electric motorcycle for those that need to cover wider geographies at higher speeds. It’s an overused phrase, but we truly believe this is a game-changer - an EV that you can purchase for less than the cost of a monthly Oyster card, that can be used for the vast majority of one’s travel needs, with all the joy and convenience that motorcycling brings. We’re incredibly proud of it.” The new RM1S costs £7,495, an increase on the £4,995 RM1 but arguably worth it for the extra performance.
