From Paris with Zap: The DAB 1α X - Electric Scoot With a Bit of Ooh La La
Image Credit: DAB Motors.
Sensible electric scooters that look like they escaped from a futuristic laundromat? Not today. Today, we're talking about something with a bit more oomph. Something that wouldn't look out of place parked outside a trendy Parisian cafe or kicking up a bit of dust on a Sunday morning jaunt. Feast your eyes, my friends, on the DAB 1α X. Yes, the name sounds like a secret agent's call sign, and the bike actually lives up to the intrigue.
DAB Motors aren't exactly newcomers to the scene. They've built a reputation for crafting motorcycles that are less about mass production and more about "art on two wheels." Minimalist chic meets Gallic flair. And now, they've plugged into the electric revolution with this rather stunning scrambler.
Built in Peugeot's historic digs – yes, Peugeot – the 1α X isn't your run-of-the-mill electric steed. Lurking beneath that oh-so-stylish, handcrafted bodywork is a 25.5 kW motor. Now, for those of you still thinking in horsepower (bless your internal combustion engine-loving hearts), that translates to a respectable 34.6 ponies. But it is the torque figure where things get properly interesting: a whopping 395 Nm! That's enough twist to make your eyeballs do a little jig in their sockets.
Powering this silent but deadly beast is a 7.1 kWh battery, promising a range of up to 93 miles. I know, only 93 miles? But this isn't a scrambler designed for cross-country adventures. This is for looking effortlessly cool while zipping through the urban jungle or tackling some light off-road shenanigans. And when you do need to juice it up, a standard outlet will have you back in the saddle in around three hours. Plus, for those moments when you need an extra zing, there's a rather cheeky "Nitrous" button for a short burst of added power. Ooh la la!
Image Credit: DAB Motors.
Keeping things rubber-side down are some serious Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires, which look the business both on asphalt and dirt. And for when the going gets a bit bumpy, the fully adjustable Paioli suspension with a rather swanky TIN Gold treatment is there to soak it all up. Stopping? No worries there, thanks to Brembo brakes with dual-channel ABS. Safety first, even when you're looking this good.
The whole shebang weighs in at 275 pounds, which is lighter than my Aunt Mildred's prize-winning zucchini. And it can hit a top speed of 81 miles per hour. Not exactly warp speed, but certainly enough to put a smile on your face (and maybe make your hair do a little dance under your helmet).
But here's where the DAB 1α X truly struts its stuff: the details. The subframe? Crafted from upcycled carbon fiber that used to grace Airbus aircraft. Airplane bits on your motorcycle! The seat? Sumptuous Alcantara. The frame and finishes? Top-notch, absolutely top-notch. Even the battery is designed with repair and recycling in mind, which gets a big thumbs-up from this eco-conscious petrol-head.
Unfortunately, here's the bit that might make your wallet do a little weep: all this gorgeousness comes with a price tag of $16,725. Sure, it includes a two-year warranty and global delivery, but that is still a serious chunk of change. This clearly isn't meant to be your everyday commuter bike. This is more of a very stylish and capable toy.
Image Credit: DAB Motors.
Well then, who is this electric unicorn for? Probably not the folks who just need to get from A to B on a budget. The DAB 1α X is for the riders who appreciate the finer things in life, who value craftsmanship and design as much as performance. It is a two-wheeled, electric equivalent of a fancy sports car – one you can actually take off the beaten path.
Will it be a bestseller? I'm not too sure. But I have a sneaking suspicion that that's entirely the point. The DAB 1α X isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's exclusivity on two electric wheels. And I think it's rather fabulous.
