RGNT electric motorcycles coming to the U.S., $12,495 base

If these bikes look familiar to you, it may be because Editor Lance wrote about a RGNT No. 1 and the BMW Vision DC Roadster as polar opposite examples of electric motorcycle design. The futuristic Beemer won’t be seeing production, but RGNT has come a long way since we last discussed them in 2019, and their motorcycles are now available for purchase.

RGNT’s base model is the No. 1 - Classic, an homage to street bikes of the 1960s and 1970s, “crafted in Sweden for the individual urbanist.” Like all RGNT models, these bikes are handbuilt in Kungsbacka, Sweden. The RGNT crew seems to be as concerned with the philosophy behind their bikes as much as the engineering, as evidenced by this video.

Wire spoke wheels, dual rear shocks, a simple tubular frame, and a faux gas tank give the No. 1 its vintage appearance, although even a casual observer will notice the missing engine and exhaust pipes. Instead, the No. 1’s frame cradles a large battery. A hub motor drives the rear wheel. 

RGNT claims a top speed of 77.7 miles per hour, a range of 74.5 miles, and a charge time of three and a half hours to get the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent. Charge time from dead to full is six and a half hours. The lithium ion battery is rated for 88V/7.7 kWh, and the motor’s peak power tops out at 11 kW (8.5 kW continuous). The whole package has a claimed weight of 350 pounds.

You may have noticed that RGNT motorcycles don’t have foot controls of any kind, just pegs for the rider’s feet. There are no gears to change, so there’s no need for a gear selector or clutch lever. The linked J. Juan brakes are controlled by hand. 

RGNT’s site says that “while we remember the past aesthetically, we look ahead technologically.” Under the throwback styling of these motorcycles, RGNT builds in plenty of tech and connectivity. A seven-inch touchscreen display sits behind the headlight. From the dash, riders can access navigation, settings, details about the bike’s performance, battery level, and more. OTA updates and cloud connectivity will be used to update the bikes as needed. 

RGNT has dealers in Europe, but they don’t have any in the United States, which might discourage a few customers due to lack of test rides, service, and support. You can put down a deposit and pre-order a RGNT now but it won't arrive until early 2023. The company says it will ship directly to your door in a crate with the necessary paperwork to get it street-legal. All models carry a warranty of two years or 30,000 kilometers (18,640 miles). 

Will U.S. customers choose an electric motorcycle from Sweden, with no local dealer support, over alternatives? RGNT looks to have the popular old-school styling cues that many riders want, but twelve and a half grand could buy any number of ICE modern classics if traditional style is top priority. If riding an electric motorcycle is the objective, Zero offers better performance and support for the money. But for those who want an electric motorcycle and a retro vibe, RGNT’s No. 1 motorcycles are among the few options on the market. Learn more at RGNT's web site.