Why an Electric Motorcycle Turned LA Commuting Into the Best Part of Kevin’s Day
Kevin Krumpak never imagined himself on an electric motorcycle until Maeving came along. Suddenly, riding felt approachable.
Kevin Krumpak never imagined himself on an electric motorcycle until Maeving came along. Suddenly, riding felt approachable.
Kevin never imagined himself on an electric motorcycle until Maeving came along. Suddenly, riding felt approachable. Safe. Fun. And in a city like LA, it even felt like the obvious choice over a car.
This is Kevin’s story of how Maeving turns commuting frustration into the best part of the day and how you can take your first steps on two wheels to transform the way you travel.
First, can you tell us about your background with motorcycles?
I honestly never really considered getting on a motorcycle until I saw Maeving. I’ve always loved motorsports and driving, for fun as much as getting from A to B, but bikes? They just weren’t on my radar.
It was drilled into my brain early on that motorcycles were dangerous. But since Maeving came into my life, it’s been a total game changer. Even rush hour traffic in LA - which, as everyone knows, is an absolute nightmare - suddenly became fun instead of frustrating.
And how did you first hear about Maeving?
A neighbor mentioned a new guy moved into my building, called Tim. “He likes to surf,” they said, “and he has this really cool bike.” Sounded like we’d get along.
Turns out Tim is the General Manager at Maeving USA, and he ended up becoming a very good friend. He kept encouraging me to try the bike. I was a little apprehensive, but also excited. I went into it with an open mind… and the rest is history. I’ve been riding my beautiful green Maeving for six months now, and I’m loving every second.
As someone who had never really considered a motorcycle before Maeving, what's surprised you most about being on two wheels?
How much of a difference it makes to getting through rush hour traffic. When I’m commuting during peak times, there’s absolutely no doubt I’m taking the bike. I’m faster and more efficient than almost everyone else on the road.
One time, I accidentally took my car during rush hour. Halfway there, I was like, Why am I driving this car? This is dumb. Once you get used to riding a bike that’s less frustrating and way more fun, it’s hard to go back. I kept thinking, I could be ten minutes down the road with a smile on my face.
How did you find the process of becoming a rider?
In California, getting started is honestly pretty simple. You go to the DMV, take a quick written test and you walk out with a learner’s permit. That’s what I’m riding on right now. It has a few limits like no freeways, no riding after dark and no passengers, but for my commute it doesn’t really matter. If you’re even a little curious about riding, it’s a really easy first step. And it’s cheap, around forty bucks.
Did riding come naturally to you or did it take some getting used to?
This is where Maeving is interesting. It’s an electric motorcycle, but it sits in a middle-ground between an E-bike and a motorcycle. If you’re used to bicycles or E-bikes, like I was, Maeving feels like the natural next step.
Do you find yourself riding for fun, commuting, or a mixture of both?
Most of my riding is commuting. I weirdly prefer rush hour. I feel like I’m winning. Everyone else is frustrated and honking, and I’m just happily whizzing by. It really sets me up for a good day.
What sort of reaction do you get from other riders and the public?
When I take the bike to places like the Bike Shed, with lots of Harley and Triumph riders, people are genuinely curious. The styling gets a lot of attention.
The power might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Maeving doesn’t need a giant sticker saying, “I’m electric.” Why not just design a beautiful bike and let it speak for itself? That’s exactly what Maeving does. It’s gorgeous, and I’ve never heard anyone say they don’t like the look.
If you were trying to convince someone who never pictured themselves on a motorcycle, what would you say?
I’d ask, “Did you know there’s a way to get around town that’s actually fun instead of frustrating?”
The contrast is huge. One way of commuting drains you. The other makes you feel on top of the world.
If you’ve never ridden before, the first step is thinking about it. Step two is easy: spend $40 on your permit and give it a go. It might just change your whole perspective, like it did mine.
Quickfire Round
If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Somewhere with tight, windy roads and incredible views. The Alps or on the Italian coast feels about right.
One word to describe Maeving?
A-Maeving
Favorite memory on a motorcycle?
Riding with Tim from Echo Park to Highland Park and back, checking out multiple concerts in one night, and then cruising home. Epic night on the bikes.
Riding solo or with friends?
Just put me on the bike and I’ll be happy. Riding with friends is a blast, though.
If Maeving made a film about your rides, what song would play as the credits roll?
100 Horses - Geese