Maeving, a Coventry-based British electric motorcycle startup, raised $14 million (£11 million) in funding, including $630,000 from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund. This capital enables scaled production of their RM series, including the new 2026 RM2 model optimized for two-up riding, with North American market entry planned. Riders gain a polite, retro-styled EV alternative to high-performance bikes, prioritizing city usability and removable batteries over raw speed.
Background: Maeving’s Rise in the Electric Motorcycle Space
Maeving, founded by Will Stirrup and Sebastian Inglis-Jones in Coventry, UK, focuses on restrained electric motorcycles that mimic classic designs rather than futuristic speed machines. The company produces the RM1 (single battery, 45 mph top speed, from $6,495), RM1S (dual battery, 70 mph, from $11,495), and now the RM2 (two-seater, from $10,995, delivery January 2026). Their approach emphasizes quiet urban commuting with removable batteries, avoiding the complexity of high-power EVs.
The recent $14 million funding round provides runway for production scaling and North American expansion, targeting U.S. and Canadian markets where electric motorcycles remain niche. Maeving positions itself against dominant players like Zero Motorcycles by offering simpler, lighter bikes with home-chargable batteries, appealing to A1 or M1 license holders seeking 125cc-equivalent performance without range anxiety.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $10,995 (RM2 starting) |
| Motor | 7.2 kW continuous / 11.1 kW peak brushless rear hub (15 hp peak) |
| Torque | 261 Nm (193 lb-ft) |
| Battery | 5.46 kWh total (2 x 2.73 kWh removable LG M50LT cells) |
| Battery Weight | 36 lbs per battery |
| Range (WMTC) | Up to 80 miles combined; 90 miles Mode 1, 52 miles Mode S |
| Top Speed | 70 mph (claimed); 76 mph tested |
| Weight | 320 lbs (145 kg) |
| Seat Height | 30.5 inches |
| Wheelbase | 55.0 inches |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | 37 mm fork, 4.3 in travel / Dual RSU shocks, 4.0 in travel, preload adjustable |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | 300 mm disc, 3-piston caliper / 240 mm disc, single-piston (no ABS) |
| Tires | Mitas H-02, 3.50 x 19 in. front & rear |
| Payload | Up to 215 kg (RM2) |
| Charge Time | 6.5 hours @ 120V Level 1 |
| License | M1 or CBT equivalent |
Sources confirm consistent specs across reviews, with minor variances in torque (193-261 Nm) and weight listings (320-330 lbs).
Design and Powertrain: Retro Simplicity Meets Practical EV Tech
The RM2 builds on the RM1S with a beefier steel cradle frame and welded rear subframe for two-up capability, replacing the solo tractor seat with a bench-style dual seat. This boosts payload from 129 kg (RM1S) to 215 kg while adding only 4 kg, keeping the weight at 145 kg (320 lbs). A new metal ‘tank’ offers 8 L storage and USB-C charging, enhancing touring utility.
Power comes from an award-winning rear hub motor with three modes: Eco (45 mph limit, extended range), Ride (70 km/h, 145 km range), and Sport (full 110 km/h power, 90 km range). Dual removable batteries slide out from a side-opening box, charge via standard outlets, and use braided cables for a mechanical aesthetic reminiscent of exhaust pipes. Suspension remains conventional—non-adjustable forks and preload-adjustable shocks—paired with 19-inch wire wheels for retro proportions.
Performance and Real-World Usability
At 15 hp peak and 70 mph top speed, the RM2 matches 125cc gas bikes for city zips and marginal highway use. WMTC-certified range of 80 miles reflects mixed urban/rural/highway riding, with real-world tests hitting 76 mph in supertuck. No ABS limits appeal to purists but raises safety questions on wet roads. Servicing at the door and an optional GPS tracker add convenience, while the upright position suits daily commutes.
Critically, battery removal (36 lbs each) requires effort, and single-battery use drops to Eco/Ride modes only. Range drops with passengers or cargo, untested in reviews. Maeving’s ‘polite’ ethos delivers smooth torque without drama, ideal for brunch runs over drag strips.
Market Comparison
| Model | Price | Power (Peak) | Range | Weight | Two-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maeving RM2 | $10,995 | 11.1 kW (15 hp) | 80 miles | 320 lbs | Yes |
| Zero S | $11,995+ | 34 kW (46 hp) | 100+ miles | 413 lbs | Limited |
| Super Soco Hunter | $6,500 | 4 kW (5.4 hp) | 50 miles | 280 lbs | Yes |
| Honda EM1 e: | $4,700 (EU) | 2.3 kW | 19 miles | 236 lbs | No |
Maeving slots between budget scooters and premium EVs: more capable than Honda EM1, lighter than Zero S, with a unique two-up focus and removable batteries absent in competitors.
Verdict
The 2026 Maeving RM2 excels as a practical, two-up urban EV for riders valuing classic style, 80-mile range, and home charging over superbike thrills—perfect for couples commuting in cities like London or LA under M1 licenses. At $10,995, it justifies the premium with British build quality and expansion backing, but lacks ABS and real-world two-up range data. Buy if you prioritize serenity; wait if highway speeds or lightweight solo riding matter more. Unanswered: U.S. pricing finality and cold-weather battery performance.
