The Best 125cc Electric Motorbike for First-Time Riders in the UK
No gears, no full licence, no driveway needed: the Maeving RM1 makes the case for electric motorcycling as a natural starting point for first-time riders.
No gears, no full licence, no driveway needed: the Maeving RM1 makes the case for electric motorcycling as a natural starting point for first-time riders.
The Best 125cc Electric Motorbike for First-Time Riders in the UK
The Maeving RM1 is one of the most accessible 125cc electric motorbikes available in the UK today: a lightweight, no-gears electric motorcycle that is legal on a CBT licence, starts from £4,995, and covers between 40-80 miles on a full charge depending if you choose the single or dual-battery model. For anyone curious about motorcycling but unsure where to start, the RM1 is a genuinely low-friction first bike.
"If the electrified future of motorcycling involves embracing the past, Maeving has nailed the formula first time of asking."
AutoTrader on the RM1
Do you need a full motorcycle licence?
No. All Maeving models, including the RM1, are 125cc-equivalent and legal to ride on a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate. A CBT is a one-day course. You do not need a full motorcycle licence, a theory test, or any prior riding experience to sit one.
Maeving reimburses the cost of your CBT when you go on to buy a bike. The financial barrier to getting started is smaller than most people assume.
Why electric makes sense for a first bike
A petrol 125cc bike has a gearbox. An electric one does not. That single difference changes everything about learning to ride.
On the RM1, you twist the throttle and the bike moves. There is no clutch to manage, no gear to select, no stalling at junctions. The three ride modes (including a 20 mph option designed for quieter streets and early confidence-building) mean you can dial in the experience to match where you are in your learning. Most new riders find that the cognitive load of learning road positioning, observation, and braking is more than enough for the first few months. Removing gear changes from the equation is not a compromise. It is sensible.
The RM1 also weighs 111 kg. That is light for a motorcycle. In slow-speed urban riding, where weight is most noticeable, the RM1 feels manageable rather than intimidating.
Real-world range: what 80 miles actually means
The RM1 offers up to 80 miles of range on a dual battery (up to 40 miles on the single battery configuration). Those figures are WMTC-calculated, which is the same European standard used to measure range on petrol vehicles. They are not best-case marketing claims.
For a new rider, those numbers are effectively irrelevant as a daily concern. Most people learning to ride cover short distances: commuting to a local town, riding to see friends, exploring quieter roads near home. The average UK commute is under 10 miles each way. On a dual-battery RM1, that is several days of riding before you need to think about charging.
When you do charge, you remove the battery and plug it into any standard wall socket using the charging dock. No wall box. No special installation. No driveway required. A full charge takes 4 hours 10 minutes.
What does it cost to run?
The RM1 starts from £4,995 for the single-battery version and costs approx £1.50 to charge. Running costs are low by design: no oil changes, no chain adjustments, no fuel stops. Electric motorcycles have fewer moving parts than petrol equivalents, and fewer parts means fewer things to service or replace.
Maeving services its bikes at home. The team comes to you, which removes one of the logistical headaches of motorcycle ownership.
Is the RM1 only for beginners?
No, and it is worth being clear on this. The RM1 is not a starter bike in the way that phrase is sometimes used, meaning cheap, basic, or something to outgrow quickly. It is a considered, well-built motorcycle that happens to be approachable. Experienced commuters who have ridden for years choose it because it is light, simple, and genuinely enjoyable in a city. The fact that it works well for someone on day one of their riding life is a feature of the design, not a limitation.
The short version
If you are thinking about riding for the first time and want a 125cc electric motorbike in the UK, the RM1 is a good place to start. One day of CBT training (reimbursed by Maeving on purchase when signing up to their new rider programme), a twist-and-go throttle, up to 80 miles of range, and a bike that weighs 111 kg. The barrier to getting on the road is smaller than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride a 125cc electric motorbike on a CBT in the UK?
Yes. All Maeving electric motorcycles, including the RM1, are 125cc-equivalent and fully legal to ride on a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate. A CBT is a one-day course that does not require a theory test or prior riding experience. Maeving reimburses the CBT cost when you purchase a bike.
How far does a 125cc electric motorbike go on one charge?
The Maeving RM1 covers up to 80 miles on a dual battery, or up to 40 miles on the single battery configuration. Both figures are calculated using the WMTC standard, the same European benchmark used for petrol vehicles. Real-world range depends on speed, terrain, and riding style.
Do you need to change gears on an electric motorbike?
No. Electric motorcycles like the Maeving RM1 have no gearbox and no clutch. You simply twist the throttle and the bike moves. This makes them significantly easier to learn on than petrol 125cc bikes, which require managing a clutch and gears alongside road observation and braking.
How do you charge a 125cc electric motorbike at home?
The Maeving RM1 uses removable batteries that charge from any standard wall socket using a charging dock. No wall box or special installation is needed, making it suitable for riders who live in flats or do not have a driveway. A full charge takes 4 hours 10 minutes.