Electric Bicycle Or Classic Café Racer? You’ll Have To Look Twice To Tell
A retro-styled e-bike that looks like a classic motorcycle but runs silently with a modern battery
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by Brad Anderson
The Beachman ’64 tops out at 45 mph and offers up to 70 miles range.
It blends vintage Café Racer looks with a modern electric powertrain.
The electric two-wheeler can charge up to 80 percent in three hours.
Most e-bikes look a little futuristic, but what if you want to ride around on a two-wheeler that looks more like a classic Café Racer, but without spewing harmful toxins into the atmosphere? Well, a company by the name of Beachman has the answer with its new ’64 e-bike, combining modern powertrain technologies with retro looks inspired by some classic motorcycles. By warned, however, this thing isn’t cheap.
Read: City Cracks Down On E-Bikes With Strict New Rules
At first glance, the Beachman ’64 may look like a motorbike, but practically, it’s more similar to an electric bicycle. For starters, it’s only powered by a small 2.88 kWh lithium battery. Secondly, it tops out at 45 mph (72 km/h) and can only travel 55 miles (88 km) on a single charge. So, it’s more of a fun recreational vehicle than the Café Racer motorbikes that have inspired it.
Mode Options for Varied Terrain
Three different driving modes are offered. The first, known simply as E-Bike Mode, caps the top speed to 20 mph (32 km/h) while Mopar Mode unlocks a top speed of 30 mph (48 km/h). The dedicated Off-Road Mode is needed to get to 45 mph (72 km/h).
Shoppers who need a little more than 55 miles of range can opt for a larger 3.6 kWh pack, boosting range to 70 miles (112 km). Both models include regenerative braking, and the battery can be charged to 80 percent in three hours from a normal household plug.
Classic Design
Visually, the Beachman ’64 ticks all the right boxes. It comes equipped with grippy off-road tires, slim motorcycle-style handlebars, and a prominent central headlight. A quilted leather seat adds a touch of vintage charm to the overall design.
In the US, pricing for the ’64 starts at $4,800. That puts it close to the cost of some entry-level gas motorcycles, but if you’re looking for an electric alternative with vintage style, the options are far more limited. While it may not be the most practical electric bike on the market, it’s certainly one of the more stylish.
