In recent years, we saw several startups emerging in the ever-growing electric two-wheeler market with their innovative, unique models. One of these is Pepper Motorcycles, a Swiss startup geared towards the development and production of lightweight electric motorcycles.
The recently unveiled Pepper electric two-wheeler is a cross between the motorcycle and the bicycle and is optimally tailored to city traffic. While Pepper Motorcycles has yet to roll out a specific production-ready product in the market, they have this prototype that looks incredibly hip and stylish.
Designers took inspiration from classic cafe racer-style motorcycles to shape their first electric motorcycle. It consists of a classic-style leather seat in brown, which contrasts with the satin color of its tail, and a vintage-style faux gas tank that hides the electronics. The chromed-out dual coil-over shocks match the front suspension fork nicely and contrast with the matte black exposed frame. Besides, the round headlight at the front gives it the classic racing touch alongside LED mini indicators and an LED strip rear light.
Its ease of use, lightness, and agility, inherited from the bicycle, make it particularly well suited to the urban environment. The two-wheeler is thinner and lighter than most electric motorcycles in its category.
The light electric motorcycle weighs just 53 kilograms. The electric motor with a peak output of 6 kW and a continuous output of 3 kW sits as a hub motor in the rear wheel. The 700 Wh battery takes up the space where a classic moped’s engine would normally reside in the frame. The Pepper motorcycle currently has a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph), and they do not specify what autonomy it would officially achieve.
The company stated that “We want to offer a more responsible transportation alternative to people who want to move around easily and with style, in urban and trans-urban environments.” It has already begun working on a new version, with upgraded features such as more power and greater autonomy, which will be homologated in Europe in category L3e-A1 (125cc equivalent).
Once its first electric motorcycle is released to the public, as they say on its website, the next step for the Swiss company is to launch a fund-raising campaign to bring it to market.
