English Electric Extravagance – the new Maeving RM1S builds on the success of the RM1, providing an improved hub-mounted motor (now with a top speed of 70 mph), larger capacity batteries (you now get two as standard), and numerous other tweaks that step this model up against the current RM1, most crucially also against the competitors in the same electric-space.

Though, this does come with a price. The starting price for a new 2024 RM1S is set at £7,495, and depending on which accessory parts and paint options you select, you could be looking at a hefty purchase for what is still a 125cc equivalent motorcycle – though with the caveat of potential electric benefits, like remote recharging.

We head to Bolt Motorcycles in London for the UK press launch to learn more. It’s not often that a day's ride in London, with the majority of speed limits in the city at a firm 20 mph, can be quite as fun as this…

First up, the price. The Coventry-based manufacturer will build and assemble your new Maeving RM1S at their new larger home in Binley for the base price of £7,495.

Maeving primarily operates a ‘direct-to-consumer’ approach, allowing you to head to its website for the order process, with delivery direct to your door by a Maeving specialist who guides you through the bike – furthering to mobile servicing and repairs where needed, once the bike is yours.

Test rides can be booked and sourced on the website, and the RM1S is due to be ready to ride in July 2024. Note also that you’ll need a CBT at minimum to ride one.

As for accessories and colour options, on the launch we had the Martini-racing esque ‘Gilbert’ which adds £700 to the purchase price, and the ‘Vincent’ akin to the Vincent Black Shadow (as ridden) which adds £500. Otherwise, you have 7 other colours to pick from for no added price.

This price is fairly hefty when compared to the petrol alternatives, and certainly places the Maeving RM1S as a premium product, but it certainly fits the bill that it creates itself - and you can't refuel your PCX at your desk for pennies!

With the RM1 used as the base model, at a quick glance the two models do look fairly indistinguishable – but delve deeper and the differences become apparent.

Adding to the impeccable style are some Carbon inlays and panels, there is a lovely ‘RM1S’ plaque on the faux tank, and the analogue-yet-modern combination of LED lighting and retro speedometer with LCD inlay are nice touches.

One upgrade is the rear hub motor, now branded with Maeving as opposed to Bosch, and larger capacity batteries that weigh 2 kg more at 15 kg – but unfortunately cannot fit into the RM1 housing. Though, new to the RM1S, they can now be charged onboard.

Similarities are the diamond stitch bobber-style seat, bar end mirrors, 10L of lockable storage space, and a rear hub motor.

Wheel size remains 19-inch front and rear with Dunlop K70 hoops, the suspension setup is the same, and overall weight has gone up to 133 kg overall (+ 22 kg). We’re told the storage space is watertight, too, which is a huge positive for riding year-round in London! Having 19-inch wheels is particularly unusual for a 2024 motorcycle, and whilst giving a stable ride, it does also give a ride quite reminiscent to a mountain bike - no real bad thing.

Interestingly, and a note I made on the RM1 review elsewhere for Visordown, on the RM1 the indicator light on the speedometer was placed right where the needle would sit at around 20 mph, obscuring the flashing light – this has now been moved to the lower portion of the dial.

Capable of reaching a top speed of 70 mph, the Maeving rear-hub motor is rated for 7.0 kW of continuous power, and 10.5 kW of peak power, giving a huge torque figure of 250 Nm.

With three ride mode to pick from (Sport – top speed 70 mph, Ride – 45 mph, Eco – 30 mph), the boost in power is absolutely noticeable, particularly when pulling away from a stop or twisting on from a rolling 10-20 mph.

The modulation of that power, particularly at the low end, is incredibly smooth, yet responsive enough to provide that reassurance to go for a quick dart onto a roundabout. With greater power when pulling away and the capability of reaching a higher top speed, the Maeving RM1S effectively unlocks the faster roads of the UK – so you can now commute into the city with ease, rather than be constrained by the fear of being overtaken by a lorry on your way home.

Our road ride did venture onto a faster road to allow us to stretch the legs of the RM1S up to about 60 mph, and it was smooth and perky up until that point. Acceleration does noticeably drop after about 40 mph, but it is a 125 cc equivalent after all. Just be aware that prolonged riding at 60-70 mph will deplete the battery much faster, a circa 10-minute ride at 50~ mph depleted about 5% of the battery.

What’s more, the motor is impeccably silent, which frees up your senses when riding to chat with other riders who will incessantly be asking you all about the bike – get used to that. However, a slight caveat here is that any otherwise unnoticeable squeaks and squeals are much more perceptible!

Moving to that updated battery tech, Maeving states the following spec:

• Traction battery: Dual battery pack design with LG MJ1 cells
• Energy: 5.46 kWh (2 x 2.73kWh batteries)
• Single battery weight: 15kg
• Charger: 1500 W
• Charger input: 230V AC
• Auxiliary battery: 12 V / 7 Ah

Recharging times are 0 – 100% in 5 hours 57 minutes, or 2 hours 30 minutes for 20 – 80 %. Though we weren’t able to run the bike for a full potential limit of 80 miles, I finished the ride with about 60% charge remaining, and this was riding through the day from around 10 am to 4 pm. Battery discharge rates will naturally depend on your riding style (full-throttle action is fun, but draining), payload, and even other variables like the weather.

Both of the 15 kg batteries are removable, but can also be charged whilst plugged into the bike with a port hidden beneath the Maeving logo on the side. As both batteries are now mounted beneath you in the compartment, the centre of gravity when riding feels much lower, giving a responsive and nimble ride feel when navigating city streets and filtering.

The simplicity of removing and placing the batteries is a great positive, too, both when placed in the motorcycle or on the external charging plate.

A steel cradle frame is for the most part exposed on the Maeving RM1S, which continues the sleek and stylish visual appearance in this 2024 model.

Non-adjustable telescopic forks are up front, with 110 mm travel, and at the rear are twin RSU shocks with pre-load adjustment, and 80 mm travel. Considering city roads are notoriously extremely bumpy, the setup worked very well to keep you in the seat of the 133 kg bike with wheels on the ground at all times, particularly noticeable when seeing the other riders on the RM1S at launch motionless in their seats whilst the suspension worked hard to soften repeated bumps.

Brakes are uprated for this model, now a 300 mm single front disc paired to a 180 mm rear disc, with the linked brakes working at a 40/60 front/rear bias. Braking power felt strong and responsive, particularly at low speeds, only losing a fraction of stopping power at higher speeds. Some riders may have allegedly put these brakes to the test by rapidly stopping in hopes of skidding the rear wheel, it's possible, but not quite the intended use of the bike (unless you're on a private bit of land when it somehow becomes infinitely more fun).

Spending all day in the 785 mm bobber saddle was comfortable, too, especially for a taller rider - I could easily get my feet to the ground, and I believe riders of any height will have no issue at all. There was talk of a pillion seat being available for this model as an accessory, too - but if that's the case make sure you have the correct licence!

With the tank space that was previously used for battery number 2 now freed up, you can now utilise the 10 L storage space (with a built-in USB-C charging point) without reducing your potential total mileage.

You can fit quite a bit in the lockable storage, gloves, security, phone wallet and keys…

As mentioned, the overall styling here is spot on, very much modern classic motorcycle with some outside influences from Triumph and Norton, with superb overall build quality that sets this machine apart from its rivals. Always the conversation starter at a red light, if you’re after English Excellence and electric power, this RM1S does it all.

Pros

• The undisputed best styling for a 125 cc equivalent electric.
• Great effortless fun to ride in the city.
• A significant improvement to the RM1 by all accounts.

Cons

• Quite pricey when compared to petrol alternatives.
• Range and recharge times remain similar to RM1.
• More features in line with the price could appeal – phone integration with TFT, ABS.

Proudly Built in Britain, the new Maeving RM1S is a big step forward for the fairly new manufacturer with spades of style. Improvements in the motor, batteries and overall offering are met with a fairly premium price tag, but as an overall package, you’d be hard-pressed to find something with this much style and elegance on the roads.

Perhaps you could ask for a greater range from the battery, or an improved tech offering, but this RM1S by no means is crying out for any huge changes – as it is, it’s a stunning motorcycle that’s well suited for commuting in the city, and with a significant improvement to the motor, can now unlock those A-roads for longer commutes (I’d say within 25 miles to ensure you can get home).

We’ll eagerly wait to see the reception of this new retro-modern machine, but if it’s following in the footsteps of the RM1 before it, there’s no doubt that it’ll be successful.

Big thanks to Maeving for inviting me to the launch, head to their website for more specs and info.