Maeving’s RM1S underlines the importance of asking the right questions. In this case, the UK-based electric motorcycle manufacturer didn’t ask how it could replace internal combustion engines, but how it could offer simple, stylish, and practical alternatives for anyone with short commutes in big cities. The answer? An all-electric urban commuter that weighs less than 300 pounds, has a top speed of 70 mph, and a range of 80 miles.The formula has proven popular in the UK. So much so that Maeving is venturing across the Atlantic—first to California and, if all goes well, to other densely populated parts of the country.Luckily (or maybe not), our home base is just a few miles from Los Angeles, city number six on the list of US cities with the worst traffic, giving us the perfect opportunity to test the RM1S in its intended environment. Is this latest EV a legitimate answer to the urban commuting conundrum, and how much fun can be baked into such a simple package?

All About the RM1SThe key word in that last question is “simple.” The RM1S consists of a basic steel tube frame, nonadjustable fork, and preload-adjustable shocks. Narrow, 19-inch spoked wheels and a solo seat hint at the design team’s love for old boardtrack racers, while the upright riding position, 2.6-gallon storage box, and multiple ride modes give the bike an added dose of urban preparedness.If it feels like we’re breezing past the important components of a modern motorcycle, that’s because the main attraction is the RM1S’s 7kW hub motor and 2.7kWh batteries. Those batteries weigh roughly 36 pounds each and can be removed for easy charging in your house, office, or any place with standard wall outlets—like the local coffee shop. Charge time is 6.5 hours when going from 0 to 100 percent, and just under 3 hours when charging 20 to 80 percent.

Range is listed as 80 miles, but Maeving suggests the bike can go up to 100 miles per charge if your commute consists entirely of slow-moving traffic. That number drops to around 60 miles if you’re riding continuously at top speed, with things like wind, rider weight, and hills playing equally important roles. Fortunately, the RM1S charger fits in the faux tank for easy hauling.A bulk of the RM1S’s other electronics, including a control module and 12-volt battery for on-board systems, are housed in the bike’s rearward compartment, while high-voltage wires run through a large steel-braided hose that gives the bike its neo-retro look. Old meets new elsewhere, through a combination of LED lights and an analog display with small LCD screen. The bike we rode was equipped with carbon fiber mud guards and accessory K-Tech shocks, but not the 2.5-gallon roll-top bag that Maeving will also offer as an accessory.

All that is to say that the Maeving has some class, but never forgets its main goal of being a viable tool for local transportation. Storage, style, and overall convenience are a big deal here.Riding the RM1SThe first thing you notice as you walk up to the RM1S is its high level of fit and finish, which reminds you of another UK-based brand of motorcycle. A coincidence? Not exactly; a bulk of Maeving’s engineering team comes from Triumph, and they’ve brought with them a recognition that quality can be seen and felt. Paint is brilliant on the RM1S, metal work looks phenomenal, and miscellaneous components appear to be high-quality. The overall look is unique, yes, but fits into the urban environment better than Kawasaki’s aggressively designed Ninja e-1 and Z e-1. Lines are much more traditional than BMW’s CE 02, another recent addition to the growing all-electric urban commuter category.Since the RM1S is intended for new riders just as much as experienced motorcyclists, seat height is kept to just 30.9 inches and curb weight to a claimed 293 pounds, making this an easy motorcycle to throw a leg over and balance.

Power delivery has been tuned with accessibility and range in mind, meaning the RM1S lacks the immediate, arm-stretching acceleration you might expect from an electric bike. In its place is a controlled, manageable ramping of power that gives you a sensation of floating through town rather than racing through it. That sensation is made even more interesting by the fact that the RM1S doesn’t use regenerative braking technology, meaning it rolls freely into corners with a sense of calmness you don’t get on most motorcycles.For more intense commutes, the bike is quick enough to get a jump on traffic and accelerate to acceptable speeds on California freeways. We wouldn’t want to cover long miles on an open highway, but the RM1S is fast enough and stable enough to ride at least a few miles of freeway at a time—even more if there’s slow-moving traffic.

The RM1S’s commuter-first design brief means Maeving didn’t need to unearth the latest chassis secrets when building the bike (or at least the lower-tier RM1 that it’s based on), and yet it’s obvious that the team put a lot of effort into designing a well-balanced and very composed motorcycle.The bike we rode was equipped with the sportier K-Tech shocks, but post-ride debriefs with Maeving’s team suggests they’ve done a lot of work to find a balance with all available suspension components, and it shows in the overall ride quality. The bits we rode on are supportive and don’t clatter over rough pavement or manhole covers, yet have enough plushness to not beat you up on the morning commute. Something tells us Triumph alumni also played a role in this.

If you expected that solo seat to point out every bump in the road, you’ll be surprised to hear that it’s nicely cushioned and plenty supportive for local stints. The upright riding position helps with overall comfort, and while the bike is sized similar to a 125cc or 300cc streetbike, it’s moderately accommodating for taller riders. The best part, at least for those in the anti-scooter club, is that you get all of this practicality in an intuitive and easy-to-ride package that doesn’t, well, look like a scooter.That may not mean a lot to some people, but the reality is that much of motorcycle ownership comes down to being proud of (and excited by) the bike you’re on. The RM1S offers that, while also being quite practical for anyone with a short urban commute. For reference, we were able to go 38 miles on 68 percent of the charge, riding in a mix of quiet neighborhoods, congested city streets, and roughly two miles on the freeway—a typical downtown ride.

Final ThoughtsMaeving recognizes that, despite everything the RM1S has going for it, the bike has a hill to climb in the American market. Here, the vast majority of people don’t look at motorcycles as transportation tools but as recreation. Most don’t live a few city blocks from their office either.There are still places for the RM1S though, and in many ways, this is one of the more honest electric motorcycles to hit the market in recent years. It positions itself as a stylish, user-friendly urban commuter, and it very much delivers on that. Plus, Maeving is taking other steps to limit barriers of entry, through things like direct-to-consumer sales and mobile servicing—stuff larger manufacturers simply can’t offer at this time.The result is a unique experience from start to finish and a legitimate alternative to the norm for urban commuters. The question then shifts to, how many moto-curious urban commuters are out there?Rest assured, those who are will enjoy their time on the RM1S, just as much as they enjoy looking at it.

Maeving RM1S Specs

GearboxHelmet: Arai Classic-VJacket: Roland Sands Design Punk RacerPants: Rev’It Davis TFGloves: Alpinestars OscarBoots: XPD X-Goodwood