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Wade Thiel·
Motorcycle News
··6 Comments·1 min read

Are These Onyx Electric Mopeds the Perfect Urban Commuter Bikes?

ONYX Mopeds
Image from ONYX

Pedals and Electric Power

Mopeds were popular machines in the 1970s and 80s, but over time the bicycle/motorcycle bike fell out of style. Now, they’re quite uncommon. You see either scooters or motorcycles, but the pedal moped is a rarity on the road. That may change in the future thanks to ONYX Motorbikes.

ONYX Motorbikes got its start where many good ideas go, Indigogo. After raising about $1 million, Tim Seward, the founder of the company, and his team have delivered on some truly attractive little electric bikes. According to electrek, the company recently started delivering bikes to customers.

The company has two models: the RCR and CTY. Both keep with the classic Moped aesthetic but add in modern technology like regenerative braking. They charge via a regular wall outlet. They both feature pedals like the good mopeds of old in case you run out of battery juice.

ONYX CTY moped
Image from ONYX

If you’re looking for a bike that’s similar in performance to the mopeds of old, then the CTY is for you. As the name implies, it’s built for low-speed commuting duties. It features a 2.5-kilowatt motor (3.35 horsepower) and a removable 48-volt 768-watt-hour battery. It has a top speed of about 30 mph and a range of 40 miles if you cruise at 20 mph. If you’re going flat out all the time, expect about 25 miles to a charge. Recharging the battery takes about two hours.

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ONYX RCR Moped
Image from ONYX

The RCR packs a bit more of a punch. It can travel up to 60 mph and go 75 miles if you cruise at 20 mph. Obviously, if you’re going faster than that all the time, you’re looking at about half that amount of range. The bike can do this thanks to its power powerful 5.4-kilowatt motor (7.2 horsepower), and its 72-volt 23-amp-hour battery. Recharging the battery takes about four hours.

While that might not seem like crazy performance numbers, they are super reasonably priced. The CTY costs $2,500 (though it is sold out for 2019), and the RCR costs $3,500, according to the company’s website. electrek noted a sale going on right now, which means you can get the RCR for $3,250. I’m a sucker for mopeds (I own a 1987 Tomos Golden Bullet), but now I’m thinking of trading up.

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Wade Thiel
Wade Thiel divides his time between motorcycles, cars, and the outdoors. He lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, and tries not to let the cold winter months get him down too much.
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6 Comments

  1. Wow, you are right, very reasonably priced. I would like to know the durability and reliability though before I make a move. Any idea on those fronts?

    1. Nothing yet on that front. I assume that will come with time and people start spending time riding these things. I would definitely be interested in one, too. If they’re quality machines.

    2. I own an onyx rcr. Good bike but terrible customer service and quality control in my opinion. The technicians damaged and did not install parts properly. Then the owner seemed bothered I brought this to his attention when I received delivery. It’s after you own the bike that worries me. Doesn’t seem like the owner stands by his work. Sending a damaged and incomplete bike for delivery. At that price, in my opinion I would think twice.

    3. I personally have wiring issues from connections not being secured. My blinker installation was completely botched in my opinion by the company. One was even damaged on return. The lights had 3 functions and they only activated 1. The wiring harness wasn’t anchored. Poor job in my opinion. I haven’t even had mine long. I like the bike but the service from the company I don’t approve of. Especially for the price.

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