It was just past dawn in Bhubaneswar, and the mist was still clinging to the edges of the Eastern Ghats when I fired up the Maeving RM1S for the first time. Or rather, twisted the grip and rolled forward in complete silence. The urban pulse of Bhubaneswar may be known for its temples, but on its outskirts lie winding hilly roads, lush, unpredictable, and endlessly fun if you’re riding the right machine. The Maeving RM1S, a retro-styled electric 125cc straight out of Coventry, England, might not be the most obvious tool for mountain riding, but it surprised me. Massively. Built with craftsmanship that nods to British motorcycling history and powered by modern electric tech, the RM1S straddles a line few others dare walk. With 19-inch wheels, a cafe-racer silhouette, and a soul inspired by the Vincent Black Lightning, it looks too beautiful to be ridden hard. But I wasn’t going to hold back, not in these hills.
Awesome Driving Pleasure Guaranteed
Riding pleasure is one of those vague terms that gets thrown around a lot. On the Maeving RM1S, though, it’s not vague, it’s physical. The bike weighs just 141 kg, and paired with 11 kW (about 15 hp) of peak electric power and a monumental 210 Nm of torque, it punches well above its weight in the twisties. Twist the grip in Sport mode, and you feel an instant surge. There’s no delay, no vibration, just torque and glide. It felt like cheating physics, especially while carving through those tight uphill corners toward Khandagiri. Three riding modes, Eco, Intermediate, and Sport, let you dial in the aggression. I tried all three during different parts of the ride, but it was Sport mode that unlocked the grin-factor. Top speed? 110 km/h. And yes, I managed to touch that on a downhill straight before diving into a hairpin. Stability was great. The narrow tires (Dunlop K70s) gripped decently, and the 19-inch spoked wheels gave a planted, vintage feel even on gravelly bends.
Homage to the Vincent Black Lightning
This isn’t just a motorcycle; it’s a statement. Seb Inglis-Jones, Maeving’s co-founder, clearly had one eye on the past and the other on the future. The design harks back to the Vincent Black Lightning, the mythic 1,000 cc beast from 1948, all long lines and purposeful angles. While the RM1S is far less extreme, the DNA is unmistakable. That brushed aluminum battery housing between the wheels, the cantilever single seat, and the minimalistic cockpit with a round analog-look speedometer, it all feels like a respectful love letter to motorcycling’s golden age. In Bhubaneswar’s older quarters, heads turned. Kids pointed. A retired army man even asked me if this was a restored “old British bike.” That’s the magic of the RM1S. It bridges generations.
Large Spoked Wheels, Large Storage Compartment
Function meets form here. The 19-inch spoked wheels don’t just add to the vintage aesthetic, they swallow potholes with grace. And while the “tank” isn’t a tank in the traditional sense, it hides a surprisingly deep 10-liter storage compartment. I stashed my DSLR inside, zipped up a windbreaker, and still had room to spare. That, combined with a side-mounted waterproof canvas saddlebag (an optional accessory), made the RM1S surprisingly practical for a daylong excursion into the hills. It’s beautifully built, too. The steel mesh guiding the power cable mimics an exhaust header, giving the illusion of combustion power. Everywhere you look, the craftsmanship shows, like a Triumph, but electric.
Built for City Traffic
Let’s be real: Maeving built this for the city. And I tested it in the most chaotic Bhubaneswar streets, from the narrow lanes near Lingaraj Temple to the chaotic bus stops of Master Canteen. It excelled. You can sneak between cars with ease, the steering is feather-light, and the torque means you always get the jump at green lights. There’s no clutch, no gears, and no heat, perfect for the sub-continental chaos. The CBS brakes (no foot lever, both levers on the handlebar) provide intuitive stopping, though I would’ve appreciated a bit more bite in downhill runs. For urban commuting, this setup is more than enough. And most importantly: it’s silent. The absence of engine noise means you’re more aware of your environment. You hear birds, the occasional temple bell, and the world rushing past without the drone of an exhaust.
130 Kilometers Range Quite Realistic
Now, the numbers: I rode mostly in Sport mode, hammering it up hills and rolling quickly back down. Even then, after about 60 kilometers, I still had 56 percent battery left. This aligns with Maeving’s 130-kilometer range claim, which is honestly impressive. A friend who rode with me, admittedly lighter and more conservative with the throttle, had 66 percent battery left at the same point. So yes, it’s realistic. You get two LG cell batteries, each 2.73 kWh, combining to 5.46 kWh. Charging them is hassle-free. I plugged one into a standard outlet in a roadside dhaba while we had lunch. From 20% to 80%, it took about 2.5 hours. You can charge them inside the bike or pull them out like you would a power bank. It’s genuinely convenient.
Starting Price Maeving RM1S: from 8,995 Euros
Let’s talk money. At €8,995, it isn’t cheap. But it’s also not trying to be a cheap commuter. The RM1S is a premium urban motorcycle with British heritage, custom build quality, and electric convenience. The Vincent-inspired design alone feels like it belongs in a museum. If you want the even cheaper RM1, it starts at €6,295 (with one battery) and €7,490 with two, but then you lose that second battery slot’s practicality because it’s used for storage in the RM1. The RM1S doesn’t make that compromise. Paint options? Seven standard ones. Or splurge on the black-and-gold Vincent livery for €595 more, or the “Gilbert Design” in Martini colors for €795. Either way, this is rolling art.
Order Online Only
Maeving has taken the direct-to-customer route. You buy the bike online at maeving.com, and it’s delivered to your door, anywhere in Germany. That’s radical, and it works. You get detailed instructions with it, and the first service is after 1,000 km or six months, then annually or every 5,000 km. Cost? €199 per visit, and they come to you. This setup fits with their image: minimalist, modern, and focused on experience over dealership fluff. For basic stuff like tire swaps, any garage will do.
Conclusion Maeving RM1S
Riding the Maeving RM1S in Bhubaneswar’s scenic outskirts was unexpectedly poetic. It’s a machine that doesn’t bark or growl. It hums, glides, and whispers confidence. It makes you fall in love with riding all over again, but in a gentler, cleaner, smarter way. It’s not perfect. You ride alone, the price is high, and if you’re out of juice on a highway, you’re stuck. But in the city, on weekend escapes, or as a conversation starter parked outside a café, the RM1S shines. It’s charming without being gimmicky, functional without being boring. And while the electric revolution is still climbing its own metaphorical hill in Germany, the RM1S proves one thing clearly: motorcycles can evolve without losing soul.
Conclusion
The Maeving RM1S isn’t for everyone. But for those who appreciate fine design, enjoy thoughtful tech, and want a motorcycle that doesn’t scream for attention but still turns heads, this is your steed. Especially if you live in a city or within commuting distance of hills like Bhubaneswar, it makes electric sense. If Maeving is indeed a “pioneer,” as the name implies, then the RM1S is their trailblazer. Quietly, stylishly, and confidently pushing the electric two-wheeler movement forward, one beautiful mile at a time.
