The recent "Taste of Tsukuba" event held at Tsukuba Circuit ended with great enthusiasm and success. While the gasoline-powered vehicles were hotly racing, we spotted two EV motorcycles at the FERO booth. They are the M1 EV bike and the FW-03, both of which made a big splash at last year's motorcycle show.
We would like to introduce them to you, including details on price and features.
Anyway, M1 & FW-03 look like Honda's thing
Since its release last year, the M1 & FW-03 have been attracting a lot of attention for its resemblance to Honda's "Moto Compo" and "EZ-9. This is not surprising, as the founder of FELO Technology was originally a senior staff member of Shanghai Honda Motor Co.
The M1 is a Class 1 moped with a rated output of 600W (maximum output of 1.20Kw), while the FW-03 is a Class 2 moped with a rated output of 1000W (maximum output of 5.0Kw).
In fact, at the time of the FW-03 press release, FERO stated that it was "inspired by the EZ-9," and it is safe to say that the "futuristic" EZ-9 is back as a bike of the future in the true sense of the word.
The M1, on the other hand, is built like that motocomposite, with the same look, size, and even compact specifications that allow the handlebars to be folded.
To be precise, the concept is closer to Honda's 2011 reference exhibit of an electric version of the Motor Compo or the Moto Compact announced in 2023 than to Moto Compo, but either way, it is still a "motocompo-like" bike that can be easily purchased.
You know Moto Compo [HONDA]. It was a 50cc commuter launched by Honda in 1981.
EZ-9 (1990) [HONDA].
1990 model already looks like an EV.
"Running portable power supply" M1
Let's start with the M1, which can be called an electric motocompo. Although only one M1 was on display, the coloring of the side panels is different on the left and right sides.
This time, a green panel was installed on the right side and a yellow panel on the left side, but the company plans to offer a variety of panel designs in the future.
View from the left side of the vehicle. The yellow part of the panel can be replaced.
Right side of the vehicle. The silhouette is perfectly moto-composite when viewed from the side like this.
What is surprising is the introduction of an unfamiliar card key system. This is a system whereby the bike is activated with a single push of a card key in a predetermined location. This system is a middle ground between the smart key systems of recent years and conventional cylinder systems.
When you hold the card up like this, it turns on.
Since the vehicle weighs only 49.5 kg, it can be lifted like this with a little effort.
It will not be a big burden when loading it into a motorcycle.
Weighing nearly 50 kg, it is not light, but it can be lifted like this.
The product can also be used as a power source by using a dedicated connector for outdoor use or in emergencies. It is a "running portable power source" that can serve as a lifeline in any situation.
A dedicated connector can be connected to the side of the vehicle body
Smartphones can also be charged in this way. It would be useful for leisure or disaster.
Luggage could also be accommodated under the seat. A connector for battery charging was included.
The lithium-ion battery is quite large. The battery can be recharged by inserting the connector at the top without taking it out every time.
While compact and multifunctional, it has a cruising range of 45 km (test data from FELO Technology lab at 30 km/h under NEDC working conditions), which is sufficient for an EV.
The price is 437,800 yen including tax.
All lights, including the headlights, are LED. The "handles" on the top of the headlights are very mechanical.
The seat can be slid out to change its position, and it can be compactly stored in the body like a conventional motocomposite.
Foldable handlebars. The image is considerably more rugged than conventional motocomposites.
LCD-type digital meter. Minimal and simple specifications.
Equipped with disc brakes on the front
The rear has drum brakes but also has a built-in motor. The ride unit, brakes, and suspension are all concentrated in one place.
"Big Toy for Adults" FW-03
Next, let's take a look at the FW-03, which is a close duplicate of the EZ-9.
The bike is said to be a bike for off-roading and leisure activities, and we believe that the concept of the EZ-9 has been reproduced here as well.
On display was a Sic 58 Limited edition (special limited edition) with Marco Simoncelli's specifications. It is currently unknown if the car will be introduced in Japan.
The silhouette is almost the same as the EZ-9. Even the fork boots have been reproduced.
While the nostalgic appearance of the car may be distracting, its high-riding performance is what is noteworthy.
It has a maximum speed of 80 km/h and a maximum range of 160 km (test data at 50 km/h under NEDC working conditions conducted by FELO Technology Lab).
This is approximately four times the distance of the M1.
The suspension is city-like with front and rear disc brakes and small-diameter on-road tires for scooters.
An interesting feature is the "reverse system," which allows the driver to reverse slightly at the touch of a button. Weighing only 97 kg, the motorcycle is not heavy by any means, but this feature seems to have been designed with off-road driving in mind.
The price is (approx.) 4362 USD including tax.
The steering wheel cover gives the vehicle a more off-road look. The trapezoidal headlights are also unique.
The small tail lamps have a clean image. The lights are fully LED.
Card touch system similar to M-1
Equipped with a 5-inch TFT meter. The display content is simple and well-designed.
The steering wheel switch is on the left side. The "R" next to the horn is the reverse system switch.
Can also be charged via USB Type-C from under the meter.
Front discs are equipped with guards. The wheel design is unique.
The rear side is also equipped with a disc. Since it is a moped type 2, a pillion footpeg was also installed for the use of two people.
The drive system is a belt drive, hidden by a cover on the swing arm. This specification may also be a homage to the EZ-9.
The footpegs are well-rubberized. There seems to be little damage to the soles of the feet even when riding on rough roads.
No specific release date has been announced for either vehicle, but it should not be long before they are available in Japan. We look forward to further news.
FELO M1 Main Specifications
Moped Class
Overall length x width x height: 1195mm x 565mm x 805mm
Wheelbase: 800mm
Seat height: 600mm
Weight: 49.5kg
Rated output: 600W
Maximum output: 1.20 kW
Battery capacity: 960 Wh (48V 20Ah)
Charging time: 5-6 hours
Brakes: F=disc, R=drum
Tires: F=3.00-8, R=3.50-8
Range: 45 km (30 km/h test data under NEDC working conditions conducted by FELO Technology lab)
Price: approx. 2800 USD (tax included)
FELO FW-03 Main Specifications
Moped Class
Overall length x width x height: 1734mm x 783mm x 1026mm
Wheelbase: 1200mm
Seat height: 760mm
Weight: 97kg
Rated output: 1000W
Maximum output: 5.0Kw
Battery capacity: 4176 Wh (72V 58Ah)
Charging time: 6-7 hours
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc, hydraulic disc CBS (linked front and rear)
Tires: F=100/90-12, R=130/90-14
Range: 160 km (50 km/h test data under NEDC working conditions conducted by FELO Technology lab)
Price: approx. 4362 USD (tax included)
