Who Is It For?

The Maeving RM1S and RM2 are designed for both beginning riders or ebike riders interested in simple-to-operate, stylish full-size motorcycles, and experienced riders looking for a dedicated citybike that requires no gas, offers excellent style and retro charm, along with high build quality and real motorcycle riding dynamics.

Maeving Technical Overview

Both the Maeving RM1S and RM2 use essentially identical hard parts, but the new RM2 features a different rear frame section that accommodates a rider and a passenger, while the RM1 - the original model - and RM1S are solo-seat machines with no option to add a passenger perch due to the frame design.

All models are powered by a clever dual-battery system housed in the large brushed aluminum and carbon-fiber-trimmed box under the "gas tank," which is actually a roomy 8.5-liter storage cubby (above) that holds a fair amount of gear, snacks, and even a water bottle. A USB powerlet is also tucked inside.

Both 2.73 kWh batteries are removable, quick-swap style, from the lower section for charging off the bike (above). They will also charge on the bike using the included 1,200-watt charger. The smaller rear compartment houses charging and electrical control components. Riding range is specified as up to 80 miles in Eco mode, and 52 miles in Sport. Your wrist, local hills and load will affect those figures, of course.

Motive power comes from a quiet 7,200-watt rear hub motor (above) that can roughly double its output for quicker acceleration or short stints on the highway, since the bikes can hit 70 mph on flat terrain, according to Maeving. However, high-speed riding will chew through the batteries in a hurry, as is the case with any electric vehicle. The bikes I rode were both Euro-spec machines and, as such, had hand brakes for both wheels; U.S.-spec machines will include a foot brake for the rear brake per DOT regulation, but customers used to hand brakes (as on an ebike, for example) will likely have inexpensive retrofit options. Also, the brakes are linked, so grabbing a handful (or a foot full) activates both wheels via a ratio system, adding braking power during a panic stop. However, there is no ABS system.

The bright headlight, retro-cool deco tail light and slim turn signals are all LEDs, and the single-clock cockpit display (above) features an analog-style speedometer with an inset panel for charge status, odometer and more. U.S.-spec bikes will have VINs and require a license, registration, and insurance to ride, although what tier and what training will be required for legal operation will vary from state to state.

Riding Impression

I was worried the Maeving bikes would be too small for me since I’m 6-foot-1 and a tick over 220 pounds, and on the RM1S my legs did feel a tiny bit cramped due to my long inseam and the solo seat, which limits how much you can move your buns around. But for city riding, it’s not an issue and that’s where these bikes operate best. My hands fell to the bars with no issue, and adding in some preload to the rear shocks may very well help alleviate the cramped space complaint. On the RM2, with its long, flat seat and revised (more robust) rear suspension, the fit was pretty much perfect, plus there was room for my glutes to roam a bit. Adding a passenger will make for typically cramped quarters while underway, but anyone who’s ridden with a passenger on a small-displacement machine will be prepared.

The Maeving bikes are scooter-simple in terms of riding, just twist and go as with most electric motos, there are no gears or clutch to operate. There are three ride modes, much like an ebike, including Eco (lowest power), "1" (or "normal" mode"), and Sport for maximum power.

I started in Eco mode, and it provides an experience much like an ebike, with gentle acceleration and a top speed capped at about 30mph. Normal mode opens up the top speed to 45 mph with a bit more fizz on acceleration, and I rode in this mode most often. Sport mode allows for maximum use of the rear hub motor’s 193 foot pounds of torque and a claimed top speed of 70 mph. I stuck to city streets on my rides, but on an inner-city roadway with a 50 mph speed limit, I cranked it to the stop in Sport and the speedometer slowly cleared 60 mph before I had to brake for an upcoming tight turn.

Portland has a LOT of hills. Inactive volcanic buttes dot the city, providing good hill-climbing tests. The hills definitely scrub some speed off as the bikes climb, but they made it up every hill at an acceptable velocity. So while the Maeving can achieve “freeway speeds,” said highways will need to be flat (or perhaps a bit downhill) to hit the claimed top speed of 70 mph, at least with a rider of my girth aboard, let alone with a passenger and/or cargo.

Ride quality is good on the RM1S, with well-damped suspension and good compliance over small imperfections. However, it’s better on the RM2 due to the more robust twin-shock rear suspension, which is adjustable for preload. Fork action was also good on both bikes, but the front legs are not adjustable. Brakes were a strong point (thankfully) with the 300mm front disc providing robust stopping power thanks to a three-piston caliper, and the linked braking system that also activates the rear brake. Again, there’s no ABS, but that would be unusual (and expensive) on a bike in this category. The linked braking system is a good interim step and is especially useful for beginning riders in a panic stop.

On a more twisting section of roadway, the RM2 again has the edge over the RM1S, feeling more neutral while turning, while the RM1S needs a bit more pressure on the bars to hold a line. Again, suspension setup greatly affects ride quality, so I encourage buyers to spend time learning how to adjust the Maeving’s rear shocks for optimal performance for your specific weight and riding conditions.

The bikes do not regenerate power on trailing throttle as some electrics do, so you can coast for quite a while in the flat with the throttle closed.

Conclusions

As I mentioned at the top of the story, my interest in Maeving wasn’t so much about performance as it was about design and the style of the bikes. The clever design trick? Maeving routes the main motor power wiring outside the battery box and frame, then encases it in a large metal-mesh tube with components that make it look like an exhaust pipe on a gas-powered bike (below). Trust me, this has the desired effect.

Numerous onlookers asked me about the bike and the size of the engine, thinking it was a regular gas-powered motorcycle. They were typically astonished when I told them it was an all-electric bike. Most - but not all - serious motorcycle enthusiasts I showed the bike to were not fooled, but they largely praised the Maeving’s style and had strong interest in both models. Overall, the Maeving models, especially the RM2, have a great look; they are definitely winners in the style department.

In terms of performance and ride quality, the Maeving is in line with many of the 125cc minimotos prowling Portland streets, but it has torque output far beyond those junior gassers. That said, I’d like to see a bit more oomph from the electric propulsion system, especially for Big American riders like myself that are closer to the upper limits of the bikes’ carrying capacity or when hauling two people.

And while the EU may closely regulate electric motor performance and regulate bikes like the Maeving to certain licensing tiers, it’s still pretty much open season in the U.S., from what I can see with machines like the ONYX RCR 80V, Land Moto models and the swarms of not-street-legal electric dirt motos I see daily.

Price for performance is another factor to consider, as the RM2 at $10,999 is only $1,000 less than a $11,999 LiveWire S2 Del Mar, which boasts true highway capability with its 100+ mph top speed, larger battery, and similar full-size ergonomics. The Del Mar doesn’t quite have the stylistic panache of the Maeving, but its significantly higher performance quotient is hard to ignore.

I enjoyed my time on the Maeving models and for new riders trying to decide the best route forward for a real motorcycle experience, the Maeving RM1S and RM2 are good choices. Easy to ride, easy to care for, fun and stylish, these electric urban runabouts are a great way to get into the fun and excitement of motorcycle riding.

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