Sondors, a company known for producing electric bicycles, has just begun shipping their first electric motorcycle in the United States. The Metacycle has been long awaited, gone through many delays, price increases, and design changes, but at $4000, it’s hard to pass up, if you’re in the market. This promotion is only good through March 15, 2023, so you’ll want to hurry.
I’ll let Micah from Electrek introduce you to the Metacycle at the end of the article, since he does such a great job, but I’ll give my two cents on it, too.
Since I am in the market for a small, easy-to-handle, affordable electric scooter/motorcycle, I’ve been taking a long look at the Metacycle. It checks a lot of boxes for me. However, the seat height of the Metacycle is 31.5″, which is probably too much for my short stature, but for you average height people, it hits the sweet spot for a sporty but upright riding position.
Below is the original promotional video of the Metacycle from Sondors.
The Metacycle isn’t quite the beast it was originally marketed as. You likely won’t be getting 80 miles or range, and you won’t be going 80 MPH, at least not for long distances. But, I still like what it offers, especially if Sondors can sell it for an affordable price.
If you plan to cruise around the city at 30-40 mph speeds, you might get 60 miles of range. If you want to do a lot of highway riding, then that’s where the Metacycle falls flat. Realistically, this is a city commuter, that has a much cooler ride and look than your standard scooter. But, as a city commuter, it doesn’t offer any way to carry cargo with you. It sure seems like Sondors could have capitalized on that big gaping hole in the frame and offered some storage.
I think Micah is right in his belief that the Metacycle is a great first motorcycle, especially if you’re coming from an ebike. It is so tempting at $4000!
The Metacycle gives us a glimpse at what is coming in terms of electric motorcycles. In fact, I think electric motorcycles make more sense than electric cars as a first EV for many people. You can charge them from home from a regular outlet for pennies and use them as a viable means of transportation. There’s far fewer parts on an electric motorcycle that can go bad. There’s no worry about clogged fuel lines or finicky carburetors, like with a regular motorcycle. There’s also no oil changes or trips to the gas station. Electric motorcycles should offer a very reliable ride.
Of course, the downside is that battery that will eventually need to be replaced. It should be good for several years, but will Sondors still be here in several years? The company is about to go public, planning to sell shares between $4-$6 to raise roughly $20 million dollars. I’m hoping that this is good news and that we’ll see more from Sondors in the future. If the Metacycle is any indication, I think they’re on the right track. There just isn’t many affordable electric motorcycles or scooters being sold in the United States. I mean, there’s hardly any being offered right now.
For a great, in-depth riding review, watch RevZilla’s take on the bike.
There’s a lot to like about the Metacycle, and if it fits your needs, it might make a fun commuter.
You can put down a $500 deposit to reserve your Metacycle until March 15th.
