The Motorman electric moped offers simplicity in a retro design:
The Motorman may fit the legal definition of a moped, but it has no pedals. The drivetrain is fully electric. No human power required. Tech-wise, though, this is no Tesla. The 2kw engine won’t allow you to do burnouts or evade the polizia. There’s no iPhone charger, blind spot detection sensor, or autonomous driving mode. Not even a lousy cup holder for your macchiato.
What you will get, though, is brilliant industrial design. While other moped and scooter companies are striving to make all their models look like Tron light cycles, Mr. Meijs has gone full retro. The Motorman — with its balloon tires, low-slung gas tank, oversized headlight, and spring-mounted leather seat — looks like a cross between a Schwinn cruiser and a 1915 Harley-Davidson.
The ride isn’t bad either. At just 99 pounds (less than half the weight of a typical moped), the Motorman is easy to balance and maneuver through congested streets. “If you can ride a bike,” says Meijs. “You can ride a Motorman.”
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That “fuel tank” holds a lithium polymer battery, the ideal choice for light EVs because of its high power density rating. That translates to some respectable specs. Range: 43 miles. Top speed: 28 mph. Charging time: 6 hours. Not road trip numbers, but ideal for office drones who like the idea of lowering their carbon footprint without breaking a sweat. The Motorman is also maintenance-free and economical to operate: less than two cents per mile. That may help soften the blow of the sticker price: $5,158 for the base model (available in Jet Black or Ruby Red). This being Europe, tack on another 21 percent for the V.A.T. Options, like Bauhaus paint jobs, leather saddlebags and custom logos, will pad the bill further. Which only proves that not every Dutch treat is cheap.
My first instinct is to drop the “fuel tank” to the lowest point on the frame.
“My first instinct is to drop the “fuel tank” to the lowest point on the frame.”
Good point. My first instinct would be to pad out that narrow seat a little. Ouch!
Second instinct is to raise the handle bars. Leaning back on a bike is *so* much better than squinching down and cocking the head back like it’s bouncing in a noose.
“My first instinct is to drop the “fuel tank” to the lowest point on the frame.”
If the battery decides to eat itself your thighs wouldn’t get roasted either.
If you design a bike for comfort you get a recumbent. I’d like to know what the standard config is designed for.
The traditional bicycle configuration is for balance and maneuverability. I’m having trouble imagining a recumbent BMX bike, for instance.
Drop the fuel tank? Raise handlebars?
As the Last Psychiatrist would say, if you don’t get it then it isn’t for you.
There’s a fair amount of World War I design in its DNA.
I find the lack of down tube disturbing. And it hasn’t taken over my corner of Europe. Maybe it is a city phenomenon?