Owlet One: The E-Bike/Moped Hybrid That’s a Blast to Ride
Last Updated on November 20, 2024 by Kristina
The Owlet One is an exciting new entry in the world of electric bikes, blending the best features of both e-bikes and mopeds. While we weren’t able to personally test ride this unique vehicle, the buzz around the Owlet One has been hard to ignore. After all, it’s an innovative e-bike prototype that’s generating a lot of attention, and for good reason.
Reportedly showcased at the Electrify Expo in Long Beach, California, the Owlet One stands out thanks to its hybrid design. Owlet is a new company based in Los Angeles, and though the One is still a pre-production prototype, it promises to be a game-changer in the electric vehicle space.
A Hybrid Design: E-Bike Meets Moped
At first glance, the Owlet One looks like a modern electric bicycle. However, it doesn’t take long to realize that it has more in common with a small moped. The combination of sleek e-bike aesthetics and the power of a moped makes for a fun, exciting ride that’s both powerful and practical.
Weighing in at 84 lbs, the Owlet One is heavier than most traditional e-bikes, but still light when compared to mopeds. Made from aviation-grade aluminum, it strikes a balance between being durable and lightweight. Although the weight might be a bit more than you’d expect from an e-bike, it’s manageable and feels appropriate for its hybrid category.
Adjustable Wheelbase for Flexibility
One of the Owlet One’s standout features is its adjustable wheelbase. This innovative design allows you to modify the bike’s wheelbase between 25 to 40 inches. While this adjustment can be done in under a minute with a socket wrench, it’s not something you might adjust on every ride. However, when you need a more compact bike for storage or transportation, the adjustable wheelbase can shrink the Owlet One down to a size that fits into tight spaces.
It’s also worth noting that adjusting the wheelbase does affect the bike’s stability. The longest setting feels the most stable and comfortable, while shorter wheelbases might offer more agility but can feel a bit twitchy, especially at higher speeds. The flexibility of the adjustable wheelbase is an exciting feature, but it might not be something many riders change frequently.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Owlet One packs a punch with its 750W motor, which can peak at 3000W. This gives the bike ample power for quick acceleration and speeds up to 30 mph, making it a fun ride for city commutes or leisurely jaunts. It’s clear that the Owlet One is designed to offer more power than your typical e-bike.
For riders in areas with strict speed regulations, the top speed of the Owlet One can be adjusted via the bike’s onboard computer, ensuring you stay within legal limits. While we haven’t tested the bike ourselves, sources suggest that the throttle (a thumb throttle in the prototype version) could benefit from some fine-tuning to make the acceleration smoother—especially on shorter wheelbase settings. Owlet is reportedly working on an option for a twist throttle in the final model, which could offer a more natural riding experience.
Design and Comfort
The Owlet One features a clean, modern design that’s unlike anything we’ve seen in the e-bike world. Its sleek lines and aviation-grade aluminum frame make it a stylish option for anyone looking for a statement ride. The bike’s seat is designed with comfort in mind, incorporating integrated suspension to help absorb shocks and bumps from the road. The front fork also includes 3.5 inches of suspension travel, providing a smoother ride overall.
For those who prefer a more relaxed riding position, Owlet plans to offer optional front pegs, allowing you to stretch out and enjoy a more laid-back ride. With no pedals to worry about, the Owlet One is entirely throttle-driven, offering a simple and efficient way to get around.
Battery and Range
The Owlet One comes equipped with a 1500Wh battery, which the company claims will take you about 40-60 miles on a full charge. Of course, range varies depending on factors like rider weight, terrain, and how aggressively you ride. The battery is made with high-quality 2170-format cells (from LG or Samsung), and it charges via a 350W charger in about five hours.
For a bike of this size and power, the range estimate seems reasonable, and it should be sufficient for most daily commutes or weekend adventures.
Features and Practicality
While the Owlet One comes with some great features, such as an LCD display, GPS tracking, and hydraulic disc brakes, there are a few limitations when it comes to accessories. For example, the prototype lacks bottle cage mounts, meaning you’ll likely want to carry a backpack if you need to bring along any gear. However, Owlet has made sure the bike is equipped with the essentials to make your ride enjoyable and efficient.
Owlet 2: A Glimpse into the Future
While the Owlet One has generated a lot of excitement, Owlet is already thinking ahead. The Owlet 2, a future model, will be more firmly in the moped category with higher performance specs, including greater range and speed. However, the Owlet One is the focus for now, and we can expect to see more details on the Owlet 2 as it gets closer to production.
Final Thoughts
The Owlet One is an exciting new electric two-wheeler that blends the best elements of both e-bikes and mopeds. With its unique design, powerful motor, and adjustable features, it’s a fun and versatile option for anyone looking for a new way to get around. While we didn’t personally test ride the Owlet One, the information and reports we’ve seen suggest that it has the potential to make a real impact in the e-bike market.
Owlet is accepting $50 refundable deposits for the Owlet One, with shipping expected to begin around March. The price for the bike is set at $3,995, but early reservations can snag one for $2,995, along with a one-year warranty and an engraved serial number. For those in Los Angeles or New York, Owlet plans to offer service locations, and the bikes will be shipped directly to customers.
If you’re looking for something different—something that’s both an e-bike and a moped—the Owlet One might just be worth checking out.
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Kristina is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
