“We were thrilled to get our hands on a pre-production prototype of the upcoming Owlet One e-bike/e-moped, which packed a punch despite its compact size.”
At Electrify Expo in Long Beach, California, we had a brief encounter with Owlet’s bike, limited to just a couple of minutes. Since the company is headquartered nearby in Los Angeles, they reached out to inquire whether we’d be interested in an extended test drive opportunity, and couriered a motorcycle to our location for us to enjoy several hours at our leisure.
To ignite excitement for what’s to come, we’re introducing the inaugural bike from Owlet, poised to start its maiden voyage to market. To start with, we drove a prototype rather than the finished product. The possibility of including diverse alternatives is uncertain, as well as the exact shipping date.
Noteworthy from the onset is the Owlet One’s innovative design, which distinguishes itself at first glance. The bike’s frame is constructed from lightweight yet robust aviation-grade aluminum, weighing in at a substantial 84 pounds, which felt surprisingly weighty in our hands.
On top of Owlet’s sleek design, the bike also boasts a unique form and measurement. Although resembling an e-bike at first glance, the device surprisingly mimics the performance of a compact moped in terms of its ride quality. Given the weight’s context is that of a motorbike or moped, this sentence can be rephrased to better convey the intended meaning:
Although pictures may fall short in fully capturing the innovative design of the Owlet, its most striking feature – an adjustable wheelbase – cannot be adequately conveyed through visual representation alone.
A loose screw can be tightened by one individual within a minute, requiring merely a socket wrench and a moderate amount of elbow grease.
As I explored further, I found that the variable wheelbase is unlikely to have a significant impact on everyday usage. For me, the longest wheelbase approached the sweet spot in terms of comfort and stability, while shorter options felt like a novelty, especially when combined with this powerful bike’s tendency to become slightly unpredictable at those lengths.
One drawback is that adjusting the angle of the kickstand limits its usability to a narrow wheelbase range, effectively rendering it useless outside this scope? The supposed ultimate bike is expected to feature a unique kickstand design, but regardless of any redesign efforts, it may still pose a challenge.
Although designed well for condensing a bike to accommodate confined spaces that would typically be challenging to navigate with a traditional moped-style vehicle. Between its slender handlebars and its compact form shrunk down to just 44 inches long, it fits snugly into the back of both a Tesla Model Y and an Audi A3 wagon (each with seats folded), but not quite into a Model 3 – which I’ve previously managed to squeeze multiple normal-sized bikes into the back of, although without the front wheel. While its substantial weight might suggest that carrying a bike inside initially poses an issue?
This e-bike has garnered significantly more power than one would typically expect from a standard e-bike. Equipped with a powerful 750-watt motor that peaks at 3000 watts, this e-bike is designed for rapid acceleration and sustained momentum, allowing riders to effortlessly reach its top speed of 30 miles per hour. The prime velocity of a bike may be adjusted by its PC, conforming to local regulations, as required.
The classification of the bike as a motorized scooter rather than an e-bike stems from its lack of pedals. The vehicle is classified similarly to electrical kick scooters, requiring a specific driving licence class to operate. While usable on or off public roads, users must comply with local regulations regarding sidewalk usage, helmet requirements, and other stipulations.
While we reviewed a thumb throttle, our preference would have been for a twist throttle to be the most popular choice. The thumb throttle’s excessive sensitivity risks becoming unpredictable, potentially leading to jerky movements that could be problematic on a motorcycle with a penchant for sudden accelerations. With shorter wheelbase settings, this was particularly accurate. Owlet notes that a twist throttle is likely to feature as an option upon bike shipment; concurrently, they would also like to ensure the software enables smooth acceleration at extremely slow speeds when using the thumb throttle.
The bike is entirely throttle-controlled, boasting no pedals but rather sturdy pegs. The company aims to offer an opportunity for pegs attached to the entrance to create a unique, more relaxed seating area.
I assessed the bicycle using various tools at my disposal, although the Owlet’s unique features meant that not every device I employed was a perfect match; for example, the handlebar cupholder visible in some of my photos is actually part of a different bike and lacks a traditional water bottle holder. When embarking on a cycling adventure, it’s likely that a backpack will be your most practical choice for carrying gear, rather than saddlebags or alternative luggage options.
The Owlet e-bike boasts an impressive 1500Wh battery, comprising 2170-format cells, which enables riders to cover distances of approximately 40-60 miles on a single charge. Additionally, the bike includes a 350W charger that can replenish its power in around five hours at a cost of around $5. Based on our test experience, we anticipate this range is reasonable, potentially even conservative; however, as a relatively lightweight rider weighing 155lbs, it’s essential to remember that e-bike ranges vary significantly depending on terrain and rider.
The sleek design of the seat is complemented by its exceptional comfort, thanks to the innovative built-in seat suspension that provides a smooth sitting experience. The entry-level fork provides a generous 3.5 inches of travel for a smooth ride. While I’d have preferred slightly looser suspensions, it’s likely due to my relatively light weight.
While testing a prototype rather than a production-ready model, we must consider the potential for changes before its final form is reached. The bike’s closing mechanisms were incomplete, with several non-functional options similar to the malfunctioning headlight. Owlet plans to refine the LCD and foot stands, potentially introducing other modifications that could simplify usage with polarized sunglasses – an issue common to many bike computer screens.
Owlet is poised to release its next-generation bike, the Owlet 2, a more robust and refined moped designed for improved performance and practicality, boasting a tamer aesthetic and enhanced speed capabilities. Owlet has shared an early prototype’s truth sheet with us; unfortunately, since the One is already somewhat behind schedule in terms of supply, don’t hold your breath for the two just yet.
The Owlet offers an enjoyable and quirky experience, showcasing a design-forward ethos in its every aspect. If you’re looking for a motorcycle that stands out from the crowd, it may be worth considering one that doesn’t conform to typical designs. While unconventional in design, this three-wheeler demands flexibility from riders, requiring adaptability to its unique features alongside more traditional bicycles.
The corporation is accepting $50 refundable deposits for its bike, with shipment expected around March; however, it also notes a minimum batch requirement for preorders, indicating that actual delivery may take 3-6 months following the initial order, which could render an early March timeline overly ambitious. Wish to join the queue? Simply reserve your spot now.
The limited-edition bike is priced at $3,995, with an exclusive offer of $2,995 available to early reservation holders, including a personalized engraved serial number and a comprehensive one-year warranty and service package. Owlet requires a presence of service locations across Los Angeles initially, as well as one location in New York, marking the foundation for its expansion. The company will deliver the bicycles to customers by transporting them directly.
