Actually, this one is a !@#$% moped! (Act fast if you want the bargain.)
Yep, it has pedals - must be a moped.
Several years ago, I was at a scooter rally in Austin. About 100 of us had ridden our old Vespas up to Mount Bonnell to check out the view. As we were headed up the stairs to the lookout point, a woman said to her companion, "These must be the people on all those cute mopeds."
The guy next to me, we'll call him Sean [His name really is Sean. He's a Brit expat who's done a remarkable job of not losing his accent.] yelled at her, "It's not a trucking moped!" or something that rhymes with that.
The woman and her companion fled the scene in a panic. It's pretty easy to offend scooterists and mopedders (two distinctly separate groups) and they are all a scary lot.
Keep reading to learn more about the Onyx RCR and CTY
What's the difference? you may be wondering. It's all found in the word "moped." It's a contraction of the words "motor" and "pedals." No pedals = scooter. Pedals = moped.
[Just be thankful I edited out the great "engine" vs. "motor" controversy.]
Okay, now, I'll finally get to the point - let's talk about the Onyx Electric Mopeds. (And, yes, these do have pedals, Sean.)
The window closes quickly on getting 40% off the RCR
I love the very simple design of these two bikes. Surprisingly, I even think I like the look if the step-through CTY more. I have often wanted to build a very similar bike based on the Indigan Trail Moped frame, but I'd be hard pressed to build one for less than $1800 (the intro price of the CTY with shipping).
So, what'll they do?
Stats for the fast one
Stats for the not-so-fast one
This is what they'll cost after that whole IndieGoGo thing is over.
What am I skeptical about?
Two things, actually, one is just the whole crowdfunding unknown thing. Yes, September 2018 is not far away - if they make their deadlines. However, these bikes are obviously not finalized in design - no kickstands, torque arms missing or not bolted down, fit and finish looks okay-ish, etc. And there is little info included about the quality of the components or battery cells they'll be using.
And then there's my bigger concern - they are trying to pass this off as an electric bicycle. Yes, I know there are places that are very lax on defining the difference between a motorcycle, a moped, and a bicycle, but the RCR looks like a motorcycle and is capable of 60mph. Here in Texas, this machine will require a title, registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license.
Even the not-so-fast CTY is being touted as a 50cc scooter equivalent (think of the Honda Ruckus), and here (regardless of what they say on Craigslist) even those require a title, registration, insurance, and a motorcycle license.
And there is no mention on the website or the campaign page of being able to register it.
So, if you have a little faith on the quality side and you are not anxious about explaining a 60mph bicycle to the local judge, these could be a pretty impressive buy!
So, you want to know about some competitors to the Onyx Bikes?
The hot ticket lately has been the Sur-Ron MX, but is it a moped? Well, it's complicated.
No, as pictured it doesn't have pedals, but for $75 you can order a pedal set to install. Or, for those of you so inclined, you can order your Sur-Ron with the pedal assembly already installed. So, no, it's not a !@##$ moped, Sean, but it can be one pretty easily.
And all the reviews (including some from some very well-respected mopedders and electric cycle gurus) say that this is one incredible machine - especially for the price. Search youtube for Sur-Ron if you want to see it in action.
Another fun thing about this bike is that it has a world-wide cult following, so there are lots of aftermarket items already being produced.
Is it street-legal in the US?
No, but Sur-Ron is working to certify it in Britain and there are some American owners are working at having theirs registered for on-road use. So, there is hope...
The Super Soco is another bike that keeps me intrigued. It's a very legit but very slow electric motorcycle. It has a strong presence in Europe and Asia, but can be bought mail-order here in the states. It is set up to be titled/registered but I've not heard of anyone who has registered one in the US.
Next up, (and my favorite on the list) is the Monday Motorbikes M-1.
This bike is what happens when you turn some Bay area mopedders loose to build a very legit electric moped. Unlike the others listed, this one has a big mid-mounted motor (the others all have a rear hub motor) and it's assembled here in the states. It has lots of cool bells and whistles and can be registered as a legit road machine. Sure, it costs more, but this one may indeed be worth it. If you're looking for something that blurs the line between moped and motorcycle, can be registered legally here in the States, and is somewhat American-made, this is the way to go.
Okay, that's enough for today. May you find something low-carbon and high-fun to get you around!
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