In a triumph for British ingenuity, electric motorcycle start-up Maeving has outpaced industry heavyweights such as BMW, Kawasaki, and Harley-Davidson to secure the title of Electric Bike of the Year from Motorcycle News (MCN), a well-regarded motorcycling publication in the UK.
Maeving's founders embarked on their journey in 2018 with a vision to redefine what an electric motorcycle could be. Instead of merely replicating traditional petrol bikes, they concentrated on creating something lighter, simpler, and more suited to daily use.
The award-winning model is the Maeving RM1S, a bike constructed in Coventry and lauded by MCN as 'beautifully built, works perfectly and offers something refreshingly different'. For those looking to add an award-winning bike to their collection, the RM1S is available for purchase starting at £7,495 on their website.
"Winning this prestigious award means a tremendous amount to the whole team. It's a testament to the prowess of British motorcycle design and engineering, and evidence that the removable battery technology - and the ability to 're-fuel' at any standard socket - is what makes electric bikes so compelling," expressed Seb Inglis-Jones, Co-Founder of Maeving.
A statement on the brand's official Instagram account claims that it 'brings motorcycling into the modern age without losing its soul. ' The high-end specifications certainly back this up, reports the Mirror.
Each bike comes with removable batteries that can be taken indoors and recharged from any standard household socket, much like a laptop or mobile phone. Alternatively, for those who prefer, the batteries can also be charged while still fitted to the bike.
This flexibility eliminates reliance on charging infrastructure, providing a practical solution to one of the biggest challenges facing electric vehicles.
According to the website, the Maeving RM1S has been designed with everyday practicality in mind. Riders can expect a range of up to 80 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.
Servicing is handled through a mobile team that comes directly to the rider's door. With just a basic Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) licence - required in the UK to legally ride a motorcycle - the RM1S is accessible to a wide range of motorcyclists.
The attention to detail is evident across the bike's design. It features a diamond-stitched seat made with sustainable, non-toxic materials.
There's also a 10-litre storage tank which provides a lockable, weatherproof space and includes a USB-C port for device charging. Riders also have the choice of nine paint schemes, allowing for some personalisation.
The RM1S features an analogue speedometer that provides needle readings for velocity and incorporates an integrated LCD display which shows details such as battery status, journey information and riding modes. Additionally, there's a linked braking mechanism that distributes stopping power between both wheels for smoother, more balanced deceleration.
Furthermore, riders seeking additional features can opt for the optional GPS tracking device which connects with Maeving's smartphone application to offer location updates plus theft notifications.
The motorcycle's specifications indicate it achieves a maximum speed of 70 MPH and the manufacturer states on its website that prospective buyers can test a Maeving for 14 days without risk.
Should they not be completely satisfied, the motorcycle can be returned for a full refund. Adolescence and Top Boy actor Ashley Walters owns a Maeving RM1S and shared with the brand: "Riding is a getaway. I don't know where I'm going. I don't know what I'm doing. I just get on the bike, ride, and get myself back to where I need to be."
As an alternative, buyers might consider The Kawasaki Z650RS with prices beginning at £7,799 which is said to blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary sport engineering. Design elements on this motorcycle include LED headlighting, needle instrumentation, 1970s-inspired bodywork and colour schemes plus a twin-cylinder powerplant.
A pricier alternative is the Street Glide Ultra from Harley Davidson, with costs beginning at £28,495. According to the website, the Street Glide Ultra is designed for dual touring for both rider and passenger, featuring a robust V-twin engine, ample storage space, and contemporary features.
The Maeving brand has received reviews on Trustpilot, with one customer commenting: "I bought my Maeving RM1 over three years ago, and it has completely transformed how I get around London. As someone who had never ridden a motorbike before, I was a bit nervous about making the leap, but the whole experience-from the initial purchase to getting on the road-was straightforward and reassuring.
"The bike is smooth, easy to handle, and perfect for city riding. I still look forward to every journey, and it's held up brilliantly over time. Maeving's team has been great whenever I've had questions, and I genuinely can't imagine going back to my old commute."
One satisfied customer shared: "Finally a beautiful electric motorbike. Love my Maeving that I have been riding for over a year now. Perfect for urban commuting and getting about town. I don't think I have ever parked it without at least one person coming over to admire how it looks."
Another added: "RM1S delivered yesterday, I was expecting just a drop off, but driver took his time explaining every aspect of the bike and more, making sure I was happy. The bike itself is amazing build quality, easy to ride, a fantastic thing for the commute to work. Looks absolutely stunning as well."
However, not everyone was as impressed, with one buyer stating: "The bike is okay. I have the RMS1. Expensive for the performance. If I was making the choice again, I suspect I'd choose to spend a few grand on a second hand petrol bike and a good quality electric bicycle.
"I'd still end up with a few grand spare from what I'll spend on the RMS1 (once finance is taken into account). The bike seems good quality so far.
"The ride and seat are less comfortable than my mountain bike but, to be fair, the RMS1 goes a lot faster uphill. I suspect it will last well but obviously too early to tell. One beef is with the fact you only get one key. Inevitably, the dog ran off with it shortly after arrival. It costs 56 quid to get a spare key, and despite saying 2 - 4 days on the website, it takes more like a week and a half."
Motorcycle News, in their review, noted: "It's roomy, thanks to a spacious, upright riding position and low seat, but after a few hours the standard stitched seat gives you bum ache. It's barely bigger than a pushbike saddle, so no surprise. The bar end mirrors wobble, too, but that's about it when it comes to niggles."