The mobility firm Infinite Machine just launched Olto, their second electric two-wheeler model, a bike-lane-ready moped that is poised to take over American cities. It introduces numerous automotive-level characteristics to the e-bike market by fusing sleek appearance with cutting-edge capabilities.
Nearly two years after the Cybertruck-like Infinite Machine P1 was shown, promising an electric two-wheeler that was almost capable of travelling on highways, the company has returned with a far more subdued variant that is easier to manufacture and buy.
Considering Infinite Machine’s preference for those metallic body panels and sleek design scheme, the outcome is still as futuristic as we would have anticipated. Its more subdued performance, however, enables it to comply fully with bicycle lanes in the majority of cities under Class 2 e-bike laws, avoiding any bothersome insurance or licensing obligations.
This indicates that it has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and pedals that work, despite the fact that they probably won’t be used very often. It appears that Infinite Machine recognises this point, as they have designed a magnetic levelling function that keeps them flat so they may be used as footrests more effectively. Although the top speed can be unlocked in “off-road mode” to reach 33 mph (53 km/h), it still complies with Class 2 e-bike standards.
The 48V 25Ah UL-certified battery has a 1.2 kWh capacity, which is sufficient for a stated 40 miles (64 km) of real-world range.
The battery may be readily removed and dropped into the battery compartment in any orientation thanks to its ingenious design. In contrast to a standard electric bicycle battery, which must be precisely positioned on tiny guide rails, the Olto’s battery may be easily installed in any direction depending on the rider’s position.
The battery can be similarly dumped onto a home charging dock, and fast charging can restore the battery to 50% charge in just one hour or to full charge in three hours.
Although 40 miles (64 km) is probably more than enough range for the majority of urban commuters, a second battery could theoretically be stored on the charger to be switched in while the first is charging if that’s still not quick enough. If a planned journey is anticipated to be more than 40 miles round trip, the 20 lb (9 kg) battery is lightweight enough to be brought indoors for charging at work or another location.
High-tech elements all around
The Olto has features and technologies that appear better suited to the automotive industry, yet its performance is comparable to that of an electric bicycle.
For instance, there are many anti-theft features. On the electronic side, they have an electric lock that stops the motor or rear wheel from rotating, GPS and LTE tracking that sends movement alerts to the owner’s phone, and a special AirTag slot for added peace of mind. Major parts like the motor and battery are electrically tied to the Olto, and a second auxiliary battery in the car makes sure these functions continue even when the primary battery is taken out for charging. Physically, a unique U-lock mount has been included in the scooter for even more secure parking, and shutting off the moped activates a steering column lock that stops the handlebars from twisting.
There are a number of physical features that set the Olto apart from other bike lane-ready vehicles. These include completely concealed wires and suspension (yes, it has full suspension for both the front and rear), sidewalls that can be inserted for the step-through section to increase cargo-carrying capacity, and a long enough bench seat with grab handles and hidden pop-out rear passenger footpegs to accommodate a second rider, though the bench doesn’t appear to be the most comfortable seat I’ve ever seen. Similar to a motorbike, riders can keep their helmets hanging but firmly fastened to the moped thanks to two helmet hooks integrated into the underseat storage compartment.
The owner’s phone can be used to unlock the Olto via Bluetooth proximity unlocking (or an NFC card, if your phone is not with you or has run out of battery). With the use of this digital unlocking technology, riders may grant friends or family members temporary or permanent access so they can unlock and operate the moped from their phone as well. Speaking of phones, riders can charge their phones in a safe, USB-charging box while they’re securely locked on the moped. High and low beam headlights, daytime running lights, and a complete turn signal package are all part of the high-visibility LED lighting system. Additionally, there is a real motorbike horn, not the feeble “meep meep” horns found on e-bikes.
The Olto still takes inspiration from the e-bike business, particularly with its range of bolt-on attachments, even though the high-tech elements feel more automotive-level. Although Infinite Machine’s models may appear a little sleeker, the add-on attachments, which range from utility racks and baskets to child carriers, feel a lot like the kind of equipment you’d add to a conventional electric bicycle to get even more functionality out of it.
Which is it—an electric motorcycle or an electric bicycle?
It’s pretty clear that the Olto is treading carefully in terms of legality. This vehicle’s main goal is to comply with electric bicycle laws, which will permit its use in bike lanes rather than just on surface streets. Additionally, it will exempt users from the licensing, registration, and insurance procedures that apply to motorcycles. The spec sheet also treads carefully in order to accomplish those objectives with a car that is as “grey area” as they come.
The rear hub motor, for instance, has a nominal power of 750 750W bWay reach 2 kW in “off-road” mode. The Olto’s top speed is 33 mph (53 km/h), though again, only in off-road mode. In the on-road mode, which riders presumably are expected to pinky promise that they’ll stick to when riding in bike lanes and city streets, the speed is limited to 20 mph (32 km/h), or the same as a Class 2 electric bicycle.
The pedals come next. Although they aren’t strictly required, they are completely functional. On the surface, that is identical to a standard Class 2 e-bike. In the US, electric bike users frequently treat the pedals as immobile footrests and rely solely on the throttle for propulsion. However, the Olto differs in that its pedals can be magnetically levelled, permitting riders who don’t care about the pretence of “well, I could pedal it if I wanted to” to utilise them more comfortably as footrests.
Once more, it meets all the requirements to be allowed on American streets as an electric bicycle in almost all jurisdictions. However, it’s also clear that the Olto was created to make riding a scooter rather than a bicycle as convenient as possible.
According to the business, the Olto is a mobility tool that encourages more people to switch from cars to more efficient, urban-friendly vehicles. “We think that smarter, smaller cars are the ideal way to move around cities. To create the greatest among them, we founded Infinite Machine. Our second product, Olto, is often the first thing that people do outside of cars. A bike lane-specific Class 2 e-bike. Just freedom—no registration, no insurance. A tool and a product. Autonomous vehicles are not the focus of Infinite Machine. It concerns self-governing humans—instruments that enable individuals to forge their own course.
But what’s the point if it can perform like an e-bike?
Depending on your point of view, the Olto, which costs US $3,495 (and is currently accepting $100 reservations for delivery later this year), can be considered either an expensive e-bike or a cheap moped. I can also imagine a lot of folks wondering why they should spend so much more for a 20 mph ride when it has e-bike performance
And I asked Joe Cohen, the CEO and co-founder of Infinite Machine, precisely that. He clarified that it all comes down to what the Olto offers that traditional electric bikes haven’t and how those features come together to form a single vehicle.
Joe reminded me that Olto’s uniqueness lies in the way everything works together, not in any one element. Instead of modifying a bicycle by adding a battery and engine, we began from scratch to create the ideal bike-lane vehicle: it is swift and agile, strong, almost hard to steal, and attractive. It is equipped with automotive-grade parts (lighting, turn signals, horn, hydraulic brakes) and technology (LTE/GPS always-on tracking). With a high-capacity, hot-swappable battery, two seats, and a modular accessory system, it puts real-world use cases first. However, everything just works when you’re riding Olto, so you forget about all of these specifics.