Hand-crafted, retro electric bikes inspired by classic motorcycles

Forward to the Past: Hand-crafted, retro electric bikes inspired by classic motorcycles

The earliest motorcycles — as the word suggests — were simply bicycles outfitted with a motor. Those early spartan models have an aesthetic that has long been admired by bike enthusiasts, and they are now inspiring the design of cutting-edge electric bikes.

AHEAD TO THE PAST

In the past few years a slew of artisan bike shops have created electric bikes that meet at the intersection of tradition and technology — combining classic motorcycle styling with state-of-the-art electric batteries. The resulting creations exist somewhere in the space betwixt bicycles and motorcycles, while offering the best of both worlds.

''Our bikes give you the ultimate freedom. Without the need for a license or registration, you have access to roads, bike lanes and even trails. Best of all, you can power up anywhere there's electricity.''

— Eddie Johnson, Vintage Electric

Below we present the specs for five different electric bike offerings with retro styling: Vintage Electric Scrambler S (United States), Avionics V1 (Poland), Italjet Ascot Classic (Italy), Kosynier Delux (Poland), and Lovett Industries Michael Blast Greaser (Australia).