The Honda Dax Finds a Successor at Owlet

Owlet is a new American brand about to launch its first product, the stunning One.

It’s needless to say that the design of this Owlet One immediately stands out from anything we know. A kind of pedal-free bike with a chunky aluminum frame that still weighs over 38 kg. A sort of compact motorcycle, a brilliant urban concept inaugurated by the legendary Honda Dax.

This Owlet has a completely unique feature: an adjustable wheelbase. This can be done by a single person in less than a minute using a socket wrench and a bit of elbow grease. The longer wheelbase is supposed to provide more comfort and stability, while the shorter one should allow it to weave through traffic and park more easily in an office hall or car trunk. Still, be careful with your back when loading the 38 kg machine! Honestly, the difference between the two settings probably isn’t much, but it’s fun!

If the front fork is equipped with suspension, the rear is rigid with a system located under the saddle to absorb shocks and vibrations. The large 20-inch tires covering the rims will handle most of the work anyway. And if it works on a Harley, why not on a small two-wheeler?

Owlet claims that the 1500 Wh battery, supplied with a 350 W charger, offers an autonomy of over 65 km and a full charge in less than 5 hours. Still, be sure to consider how you intend to use it, as it doesn’t have pedals for the last few meters on foot in case of an empty battery.

The retail price is announced in the United States at $3,995, but pre-orders are open at $2,995 with a $50 reservation deposit. No retail outlet; the purchase process is 100% digital. So, it’s not impossible to see it arrive in France if a distributor is willing to host it. With its look and a high but not crazy price compared to a high-end bike, it could be a worthwhile investment.

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