ONYX is introducing the RCR 80V, an electric two-wheeler that combines features of a bicycle and a motorcycle. It comes with pedals and can be set up to meet street-legal e-bike requirements, but riders can also remove a built-in speed restriction to access much higher performance. In its most powerful mode, it can reach speeds of up to 75 mph.
Despite having pedals, the RCR 80V is much closer in appearance to a small motorcycle, with larger wheels, suspension and mirrors. The pedals have just one gear and do not provide electric assistance, so they are not designed for traditional cycling. The compact design is also intended to make the vehicle easier to store in smaller homes or apartments.
The combination of bicycle-style features and motorcycle performance gives riders two different ways to use the same vehicle. However, removing the speed restriction changes how it should be classified and used, so riders will need to check the rules and requirements that apply in their area.
Image Credit: Kevin Fanady / New Atlas
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Hybrid Micromobility
- Blending pedal-equipped form factors with motorcycle-level performance creates whitespace for vehicles that shift between urban commuting and high-speed recreational use.
- Unlockable Performance Modes
- Software-controlled speed limits introduce new product tiers where the same hardware can serve regulated e-bike riders and performance-focused users.
- Apartment-friendly Mobility
- Compact electric two-wheelers reflect demand for powerful personal transportation that fits dense housing, limited storage, and car-light lifestyles.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Electric Vehicles
- Category-blurring two-wheelers expand the EV market beyond cars by combining affordability, compact design, and high-performance electric drivetrains.
- Urban Transportation
- Flexible e-bike and moped-like platforms create new mobility options for cities managing congestion, parking scarcity, and changing commuter preferences.
- Powersports
- Lightweight electric motorbikes with removable restrictions signal a shift toward accessible performance products that appeal to both commuters and thrill-seeking riders.
