We can argue endlessly about the practicality of electric motorcycles for sport riding or adventure riding due to the range, weight, and charging requirements of the bikes currently available. It is, however, indisputable that an electric motorcycle makes for great urban two-wheeling. While a full-on electric motorcycle is considerably more expensive than the cheap electric bicycles on the market, a true motorcycle offers more capability, and it’s a lot more fun. Coming to America from Coventry, England, the 2026 Maeving RM2 brings style and practicality to the world of electric motorcycles—though at a price. We tested the latest from Maeving on the streets and freeways of Los Angeles, so let’s get started.
- The 2026 Maeving RM2 is a real motorcycle. When you get on it, the ergonomics are those of a motorcycle, not a glorified e-bike. The seat height is a moderate 30.5 inches, and there’s room for two—a first for Maeving, a company founded in 2017 that has been making motorcycles since 2022. At 320 pounds filled with electrons, the RM2 is a substantial urban ride that weighs about the same as a Honda CB300R. The 55-inch wheelbase, 25 degrees of rake, and 4 inches of trail are all numbers familiar to motorcyclists.
- With retro-modern styling, the RM2 grabs the attention of passers-by. The 19-inch wire-spoke wheels, twin shocks, bench seat, organic faux-fuel storage tank, and lots of round elements—headlight, taillight, dash, and mirrors—all contribute to an unintimidating presence. While the battery isn’t traditional, it has an industrial styling treatment that ties it all together visually, with additional assistance from the carbon fiber fenders. Even the hub motor adds to the look, as it has the appearance of a drum brake, at least from the left side.
- The simplicity of operation makes the Maeving RM2 enticing to riders new to powered two-wheelers. Just turn it on and it’s ready to go. You can pick Eco mode, which limits the top speed to 45 mph. Both Ride and Sport modes will take you up to 70 mph, though Ride does it with a less aggressive throttle response. Basic switchgear and software make it easy to pick the mode you like. The dash, which features an analog-style speedometer, reminds you of your choice, along with keeping you apprised of the range and charge level.
- On urban and suburban streets, the RM2 is a blast to ride. As an experienced motorcyclist, I immediately gravitated to the Sport mode. While it has a smooth delivery, it provides plenty of acceleration off the line—more than a novice might be ready for. New riders can use Eco in low-speed areas or Ride if 45 mph isn’t enough, and still enjoy good acceleration. In Sport mode, you won’t have to worry about cars swallowing you up when the light turns green. It’s not an issue in Ride, unless the cars around you are in a hurry. In that case, be prepared to add more throttle.
- As the geometry and weight suggest, the Maeving RM2 has natural handling. It behaves like a motorcycle, which is exactly what we want from a motorcycle—electric or otherwise. Although the pair of 19-inch wheels is unusual, and Mitas H-02 tires aren’t a familiar choice of rubber, it all works fine in an urban environment. I enjoyed a bit of time in twisties, and the RM2 is an agile ride—maybe even a bit too nimble for newer riders, though they likely won’t be pushing any boundaries.
- Lane splitting is a way of life in California, and the RM2 obliges. It’s great not to have to worry about changing gears or stalling the motor. You can concentrate on the other vehicles without distraction. The bar-end mirrors reduce clearance, so you pay a price for the cool look.
- The suspension is excellent, as long as you avoid potholes. With the unsprung weight of a hub motor, I was concerned about how the RM2 would perform on the rough roads of Los Angeles. For most of the rolling bumps and lesser imperfections, the suspension did an outstanding job. The ride is supple, with excellent damping to prevent the bike from getting upset. However, the rear suspension meets its match on potholes and the most severe dips. Then, the momentum of the heavy rear wheel assembly blows through the rear shocks’ travel—no surprise, really. Regardless, the hub motor is well-suited for this application, as the handling and suspension meet urban standards.
- Freeway legality expands the horizons of the RM2. The RM2’s 15 horsepower is enough for a 70 mph top speed, which allows the rider to carefully take on the traffic on urban freeways like the Santa Monica and San Diego Freeways in congested West Los Angeles. The RM2 will get swallowed up on high-speed suburban freeways such as the Foothill Freeway, but its agility and acceleration get the job done in traffic or when the speed limit of 55 mph actually comes into play.
- Slowing down the 2026 Maeving RM2 is all about the disc brakes. Maeving made a conscious decision to let the RM2 virtually freewheel when the throttle is off. According to a Maeving insider, the purpose is to give the bike a smoother ride that a bicyclist will find familiar. Battery regeneration on a bike like this is negligible, so Maeving lets the RM2 glide. Given the urban speeds, the RM2’s 300mm front disc and 240mm rear disc are more than adequate. Maeving links them, so it doesn’t matter if you use the right foot or hand brake.
- The range is enough for most urban dwellers. In Sport mode, the 52-mile range is just about right if you’re not spending a lot of time on the freeways or climbing the steep hills of Echo Park. Using the Worldwide Harmonised Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC) standard, Maeving says you can get 90 miles in Eco mode. That’s probably attainable in normal circumstances, though likely not much fun.
- The RM2 has two batteries that you charge at standard outlets. Critically, the bonus is that the batteries are removable, allowing you to charge them indoors if an outside outlet is not available. Charging requires patience, as simply getting from 20 percent to 80 percent of battery capacity takes 2 hours, 45 minutes. A full charge from empty is an overnight affair or all-day at the office, as six and a half hours is required. These are Maeving numbers, as we didn’t charge the batteries. Again, they seem reasonable.
- With a list price of $10,995 MSRP, the 2026 Maeving RM2 isn’t for everyone. It’s urban mobility for someone with a chunk of disposable income who is willing to pay a premium for high-end, steampunk design and the cachet that comes with riding a motorcycle from England. If that’s what you’re looking for and you want to front-load your costs—maintenance and fueling costs are minimal—the Maeving RM2 is a sensible luxury.
Photography by Don Williams
2026 Maeving RM2 Specs
MOTOR
- Type: Brushless DB hub motor
- Maximum power: 15 horsepower
- Maximum torque: 193 lb-ft
- Estimated op speed: 70 mph
- Cooling: Air
- Transmission: Clutchless single-speed
- Final drive: Direct
BATTERY
- Type: Dual battery pack w/ Design LG M50LT cells
- Battery voltage: 51.66 volts
- Maximum capacity: 2.73 kWh per battery
CHARGE TIMES
- 0 to 100%: 6.5 hours
- 20 to 100%: 4 hours
- 20 to 80%: 2.75 hours
ESTIMATED RANGES (WMTC)
- Eco mode: Up to 90 miles (limited to 45 mph)
- Sport mode: Up to 52 miles
- Combined: Up to 80 miles
CHASSIS
- Frame: Chromoly cradle
- Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 37mm fork; 4.3 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Spring-preload adjustable shocks; 3.1 inches
- Wheels: Wire-spoked
- Front wheel: 19 x 2.15
- Rear wheel: 19 x 2.50
- Tires: Mitas H-02
- Front tire: 3.50 x 19
- Rear tire: 3.5 x 19
- Front brake: 300mm disc w/ 3-piston floating caliper
- Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ single-piston floating caliper
- Linked braking bias f/r: 40/60
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 55 inches
- Rake: 25 degrees
- Trail: 4 inches
- Seat height: 30.5 inches
- Curb weight: 320 pounds
2026 Maeving RM2 Price: $10,995 MSRP
2026 Maeving RM2 Review Photo Gallery
