If the idea of a vintage-style cafe racer bike with green credentials appeals, check out the 1960s-style Regent No. 1 electric motorcycle by Regent.
It’s fair to say that I have covered plenty of electric cars with a retro look, but few motorbikes. Why? Well, the simple answer is that there aren’t many around. In fact, I don’t think I’ve seen any.
Maybe that’s because people who tend to want that kind of thing want the authenticity of a real bike of the era, complete with noise and exhaust fumes. But maybe not everyone. Perhaps you just like the old school look, but don’t feel comfortable with ageing mechanics. Or maybe you just like the idea of something environmentally-friendly. If that’s you, the Regent No. 1 might be your perfect mode of transport.
Of course, this isn’t an all-vintage look. But the people behind the Regent No. 1 has done a great job of integrating the electric side of things without taking away too much from the look and feel of the bike.
That electric tech results in a bike able to hit a pretty tasty 75mph, with a range of something like 93 miles fully charged. OK, that’s not going to get you a long ride to the coast and back (depending on where you live) but it gets you a decent distance, especially if you have somewhere to charge near your destination.
The bike also has a steel frame, telescopic forks, dual shocks, ABS disc brakes, 18” spoke wheels and dual brake levers for the regenerating brakes. Of course, being an electric motorbike, it also has tech built into the design you wouldn’t get from a traditional model. That includes a touchscreen with built-in GPS, digital touch infotainment and an anti-theft device.
No kickstarting either, as there’s nothing to kick. Just press a button and you are away. Also pretty much zero maintenance as well. So no worrying about leaking fluids and clogged filters with this one.
But this limited edition bike does come at a price. If you want one of the first Regent No. 1 electric motorcycles, you can get it at 10 per cent off the regular cost. €9,500 is the full price, so you are looking at €8,550, which by my reckoning works out at £7,653 at today’s exchange rate.
