Ooh La La! The French Do Electric with a Side of Attitude
When you think of "electrified moto with a whole lot of panache," France probably isn't the first country that leaps to mind. But, tucked away in the picturesque town of Bayonne is DAB Motors, a little boutique motorcycle maker that's out to prove electric can be not only practical, but downright sexy. And their first production electric bike, the DAB 1α, is making that point loud and clear.
Before you roll your eyes and assume this is just another gussied-up scooter in fancy clothes, hold your horses. The 1α has more in common with a supermoto than a Parisian Vespa. Think sleek lines, a muscular stance, and accents crafted from recycled Airbus carbon fiber. Because when you're this stylish, even sustainability looks good.
Of course, beauty is more than skin deep. Underneath the 1α's curves lurks a 25.5-kW (34.6-hp) electric motor that delivers a hefty 395 Nm (290 lb-ft) of torque directly to the rear wheel. This translates to a highway-friendly top speed of 80+ mph (130 km/h) and – I imagine – a gleefully satisfying surge of acceleration for blasting past confused scooter riders. Range is a respectable 93 miles (150 km) per charge, with a full top-up taking about 3.5 hours.
Now, about that 'luxury' part of the equation. This is where DAB Motors gets truly cheeky. See that little blue "Nitro Button" on the handlebars? Well, that's their homage to the iconic 'Need for Speed' video games. Press it, and you get a short burst of extra power. Because, who doesn't need a little video game absurdity in their daily commute?
French engineering prowess shines through in the 1α's other goodies, featuring tech from top names like Brembo (brakes), Paioli (suspension), and even some bits from Peugeot Motorcycles, who just happen to be the company's new owners. It's a proper performance cocktail, wrapped in a package that's surprisingly light at just 275.5 pounds (125 kg).
Unfortunately, there’s a giant elephant hiding in plain sight – the price. €14,900 (nearly $16,000 USD)? Ouch. That's a lot of croissants. But remember, this is a limited-production machine, with only 400 units planned. You're paying for exclusivity, French flair, and more than a hint of automotive rebellion against those sensible electric scooter hordes.
Is the DAB 1α the most practical electric motorcycle on the market? Absolutely not. Does it have more tech than a Tesla? No way. But let's face it, sometimes practicality gives way to pure, unadulterated fun. The 1α looks like an absolute blast to ride, and isn't that what motorcycling is all about? Besides, who said practicality was a prerequisite to being sexy? Just ask any Parisian with a ridiculously tiny dog and an equally tiny handbag. The French have a way of making the impractical look damn good.
