While most electric motorcycles still look they’ve been beamed in from Tron, the Maeving RM1S Blackout is refreshingly retro. This British-made beauty manages what few battery-powered bikes have accomplished: it turns heads while powered off. With its blacked-out finishes, matte carbon details, and bar-end mirrors, the Blackout proves that going electric doesn’t have to mean abandoning style. Even better, with removable batteries that can charge from any standard outlet, this bike solves the biggest pain point of EV ownership for apartment dwellers and city slickers.
British Boutique Electric
Maeving might not be a household name yet, but this Coventry-based startup is quietly building some of the most thoughtfully designed electric motorcycles on the market. Founded in 2018 by university friends William Stirrup and Seb Inglis-Jones, the company has focused on crafting premium electric bikes that feel like proper motorcycles, not oversized scooters with an identity crisis.
The RM1S Blackout is the latest evolution of their flagship model, taking the classic silhouette of the standard RM1S and giving it a menacing makeover. With textured black battery housing, matte carbon fiber mudguards, and an overall stealthier appearance, the Blackout trades the original’s sunny disposition for something decidedly more serious.
Urban Performance That Makes Sense
Let’s address the elephant in the room—no, this isn’t a highway tourer. With a top speed of 70 mph and a range of 80 miles (or 90 in Eco mode), the Blackout is designed primarily for urban environments and secondary roads. But honestly, that’s where most riders spend the majority of their time anyway.
The bike’s brushless hub motor delivers a modest 15 horsepower but a much more impressive 193 pound-feet of torque at the rear wheel, which is enough to give it surprisingly punchy acceleration from a stop. Three riding modes (Eco, Ride, and Sport) let you balance range and performance based on your needs for the day. In Sport mode, expect the range to drop to around 52 miles, but you’ll have access to the full power of that hub motor.
Beautiful Solutions to EV Problems
The RM1S Blackout’s most innovative feature might be its approach to charging. The bike uses two removable 2.73 kWh LG battery packs that can be taken out and charged from any standard wall outlet, something apartment dwellers with no garage or outdoor power will certainly appreciate. Alternatively, you can plug the entire bike in if you have access to an outlet near your parking spot.
A full charge takes about 6 hours, but you can go from 20% to 80% in just 2.5 hours. For most urban commuters, that means you could easily charge while at work and always have enough juice to get home.
Classic Style, Modern Details
The Blackout’s appearance is where Maeving really nailed it. The round LED headlight, analog speedometer (with LCD info display), and diamond-stitched bobber seat all contribute to a timeless look that won’t be outdated in five years. The bar-end mirrors add a cafe racer touch that enhances the bike’s sporting pretensions.
And the “tank” that would normally hold gasoline is repurposed as a 10-liter lockable storage compartment, complete with a USB-C port for charging your devices on the go.
Spec Sheet
Model: Maeving RM1S Blackout
Motor: Brushless DB hub motor
Continuous Power: 7.2 kW
Peak Power: 11.1 kW (15 hp)
Max Torque: 261 Nm (193 lb-ft)
Top Speed: 70 mph
Range: 80 miles combined (90 in Eco, 52 in Sport)
Battery: Dual LG M50LT packs, 2.73 kWh each (5.46 kWh total)
Charging Time: 6 hours (0-100%), 2.5 hours (20-80%)
Frame: CrMo steel
Suspension: 37mm front forks, K-Tech Razor “Lite” rear shocks
Brakes: Linked system with disc brakes front and rear
Seat Height: 787 mm (31 inches)
Weight: 141 kg (311 lbs)
Storage: 10L tank compartment with USB-C charging port
Production: Limited to 100 units
Pricing & Availability
The Maeving RM1S Blackout is available now for £8,995 (approximately $11,495) with deliveries expected in late July or early August. Production is limited to just 100 units, and the company offers direct-to-consumer sales with at-home delivery and mobile servicing.
Recap
Maeving RM1S Blackout
This British-made electric cafe racer combines 70 mph performance and 80-mile range with timeless styling, featuring removable batteries for easy apartment charging, matte carbon details, and a clever 10L storage tank with USB-C charging.
