This $16K Electric Motorcycle Has a Video Game-Inspired ‘Nitrous Boost’ Button
It’s been nearly 20 years since I spent hours in my dorm room racing super cars against my roommates, but the Need for Speed video game franchise maintains a firm grip on my nostalgia for early 2000s pop culture.
Evidently, I’m not the only one.
A pricey, limited-edition motorcycle from boutique French brand DAB Motors features controls inspired by this classic racing game franchise. The gearless, electric motorbike — DAB’s first production model — also has a battery that’s recyclable, repairable, and dismountable. With a top speed of about 80 mph and a relatively lightweight build of 275 pounds, this high-end vehicle will likely draw eyes wherever it goes.
It’s meant primarily for city commuting and will cruise around town for 93 miles before needing a recharge, DAB said in a press release this week.
“Today, we proudly unveil the DAB 1α, a culmination of our relentless pursuit of design excellence,” Simon Dabadie, the company’s CEO and founder, said in the release. “I’m talking about beyond urban mobility. I’m talking about art, performance, and the pure joy of motion.”
DAB 1α: Features
Founded by Dabadie in 2018, DAB Motors gained a following among international celebrities like J Balvin, Marcus Rashford, and Rosalía. After securing a collaboration with Burberry, the brand’s DAB Motors Concept-E RS Burberry Edition became a focal point of the music video “Papi Bones” from English artists FKA twigs and Shygirl.
But after DAB Motors was acquired by Peugeot Motorcycles in 2023, the brand now releases its first production vehicle — though it’s limited to just 400 units.
The French-made electric bike comes with four riding modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, Reverse, and Nitrous Boost. That last feature is directly inspired by the Need for Speed franchise’s boost button. Pressing it will add “extra speed and thrill to the ride,” the company said.
The DAB 1α doesn’t use either gears or a clutch, while offering charging at home or via a Type 2 charging station. Additional stylistic touches, like the inclusion of rear pegs for passengers, came from BMX culture.
There’s plenty of luxury built in as well, from the handmade Alcantara seat to the adjustable golden suspensions created in partnership with Paioli to forged carbon parts made from repurposed Airbus carbon fiber.
Moreover, the DAB 1α is equipped with a 2.8-inch LCD display screen, a 3.4L glove compartment, and an optional wireless charger developed in collaboration with Quadlock. The braking system includes calipers from Brembo, while the automatic braking system combines the expertise of Peugeot Motocycles and DAB’s proprietary brake disks, according to the press release.
DAB 1α: Specs
Colors: W-White or MGT-Gray
Peak power: 25.5kW (35 horsepower)
Weight: 275 lbs.
Range: 93 miles
Top speed: 80 mph
Charging: 0-80% = 2 hrs., 30 min. / 0-100% = 3 hrs. 30 min. / Home socket and Type 2 stations compatible
Riding modes: Eco, Standard, Sport, Nitrous Boost, Reverse
DAB 1α: Pricing & Availability
Each DAB 1α is available in white or gray, and comes with a numbered golden plate on the handlebar. Customers will also get a certificate of authenticity and a special “owner box.”
A single bike will cost you 14,900 euros, or just under $16,000. Though made in France, DAB Motors will ship these beauties anywhere in the world.
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