DAB Motors has launched the DAB 1 into serial production, a 31 hp (23 kW) electric supermoto weighing 145 kg with 395 Nm torque at the wheel and a top speed of 120 km/h. Priced from €9,990, it offers up to 150 km city range or 120 km WMTC mixed cycle, accessible with an A1 license in Europe from age 16. This marks the French startup’s shift to mass production after Peugeot Motocycles’ 2023 acquisition, targeting urban riders seeking lightweight electric performance without high costs.
Background: From Bayonne Garage to Peugeot-Backed Production
DAB Motors began in 2016 in a Bayonne garage with one computer, a 3D printer, and a Honda motorcycle, focusing on lightweight custom builds like the LM project for new proportions and materials. The company evolved to street-legal models with the LM-S, addressing customization while maintaining road legality. In 2023, Peugeot Motocycles acquired 80% of DAB, enabling industrialization and assembly at Peugeot’s French factory, leveraging 125 years of engineering expertise.
Based in Bordeaux with roots in Bayonne, DAB emphasizes lightweight architecture, design-led engineering, and refined urban riding over maximum range or speed. The DAB 1 builds on the limited DAB 1α series, known for transparent bodywork and celebrity collaborations like Burberry (20-unit edition), Rosalia, FKA Twigs, and J Balvin. Now L3e-A1 approved (equivalent to 125cc), it requires only an A1 license in Europe, broadening appeal.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Peak Power | 31 hp (23 kW) |
| Continuous Power | 8-11 kW |
| Max Torque (at wheel) | 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) |
| Top Speed | 120 km/h (75 mph) |
| Weight | 145 kg (320 lb) |
| Max Gross Weight | 288 kg |
| Battery | 6.2 kWh nominal / 7.1 kWh max, 72V lithium-ion |
| Range | 150 km city / 120 km WMTC mixed / 93 miles (150 km) mixed per some tests; 75 miles (120 km) aggressive |
| Charge Time | 3.5-4 hours (2 kW onboard, household or Type 2) |
| Ride Modes | Eco, Street, Sport, Nitrous, Reverse |
| Frame | Steel double cradle + trellis subframe |
| Suspension | 46 mm Kayaba USD fork (100 mm travel front), central shock (100 mm rear, preload adjustable) |
| Brakes | Brembo: 4-piston radial front (320 mm disc), 1-piston rear (240 mm disc), ABS both wheels |
| Wheels | 17-inch both ends |
| Seat Height | 800-880 mm (adjustable) |
| Drive | Belt drive, brushless DC motor |
| Price | From €9,990 (~US$11,790) |
| Markets | EU, UK, Switzerland, UAE (US pending) |
Performance and Powertrain Analysis
The DAB 1’s standout is its power-to-weight ratio: 31 hp peak from a brushless DC motor delivers instant 395 Nm torque via belt drive, achieving 120 km/h top speed on a 145 kg curb weight. Continuous power under 11 kW keeps it A1-eligible, ideal for younger riders. Five modes—Eco, Street, Sport, Nitrous, Reverse—allow tuning from efficient commuting to aggressive pulls, with Reverse aiding tight maneuvers.
Battery claims vary slightly: official site lists 120 km WMTC / 150 km city, while New Atlas reports 93 miles (150 km) mixed and 75 miles aggressive, likely due to testing conditions. Real-world factors like style, load, terrain, and temperature affect this; no independent tests confirm figures yet. 2 kW charging from household outlets suits urban use, but faster DC options are absent.
Aircraft
Xpeng X3: The Flying Electric Car of the Future
A Futuristic Vision Takes Flight The idea of flying cars has long captured the imagination of sci-fi enthusiasts and forward...
News
Ford F-150 Lightning: A More Affordable Electric Pickup
In a significant move, Ford has slashed the prices of its 2024 F-150 Lightning lineup by over $5,000 across several...
Cars
BMW i4 Gets A New Face And Laser Tail Lights
BMW’s all-electric i4 four-door liftback receives a subtle refresh for 2025, featuring a redesigned face with full LED headlights, laser-accented...
Chassis, Brakes, and Customization
A steel double cradle frame with aluminum swingarm and trellis subframe supports dynamic supermoto handling. Kayaba 46 mm inverted fork and preload-adjustable rear shock offer 100 mm travel each, balancing street and light off-road. Brembo brakes with radial 4-piston front (320 mm disc) and single-piston rear (240 mm), plus dual-channel ABS, provide confident stopping on 17-inch wheels.
Adjustable seat (800-880 mm) aids accessibility, with 3.4L glovebox, Quadlock mount, USB, and GPS options. The online configurator allows color, equipment, and accessories like luggage racks or top cases, preserving DAB’s customization heritage from DAB 1α.
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | Range (km, mixed) | Price (€) | License |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAB 1 | 31 | 145 | 120 | 9,990 | A1 |
| Super Soco Hunter | 5 | 120 | 100 | 6,500 | AM/A1 |
| Zero S (street) | 46 | 185 | 160 | 13,000+ | A1/A2 |
| Triumph TF 250-X (electric equiv) | N/A (gas 39 hp equiv) | 133 | N/A | 5,000 | A1 |
DAB 1 outperforms budget options like Super Soco in power while matching light weight, undercutting Zero’s premium pricing with similar A1 access but less range. Against gas supermotos like Triumph, it offers silent torque without fuel costs, though range lags adventure-focused EVs.
Verdict
The DAB 1 delivers compelling value as a production electric supermoto: superior power-to-weight, premium components, and A1 accessibility at €9,990 make it ideal for urban commuters, new riders aged 16+, or style-focused buyers wanting French craftsmanship. Peugeot’s backing ensures reliability, but unanswered questions remain on real-world range verification, long-term battery durability, and US availability timeline. For lightweight EV thrills under €10k, it’s a strong contender—order now for free EU delivery on the first 50 units.
