The increase of DAB Motors is no different from a meteorite. Simon Dabadie founded the French motorcycle manufacturer in 2018, releasing its first Euro-compliant bike, Bicycles made to order in 2019 and then pivoted to electric motorbikes in 2021 with the goal brutally minimalist prototype. Now, just three years later, that prototype will enter production as the limited edition DAB 1α.
The move comes a year after DAB was acquired by Peugeot Motocycles. Bringing DAB’s e-bikes to market has been a key focus of the partnership from the start, so the DAB 1α will be produced at Peugeot’s Beaulieu-Mandeure factory—and shipped worldwide. It is limited to 400 pieces, with prices starting at €14,900 [about $15,920].
As you would expect from a collaboration between two French companies, the DAB 1α is incredibly luxurious. It’s virtually identical to the prototype it’s based on, but it’s been redesigned from the ground up and is equipped with premium components and surface finishes.
The DAB 1α uses a new double-cradle steel frame, matched with a trellis subframe and cast aluminum swingarm. The top is a monocoque body manufactured from injection-molded ABS plastic. Designed in a neo-futuristic supercar style, it is finished with a sumptuous Alcantara seat.
DAB has also overhauled the electric prototype’s powertrain in preparation for production. Now it produces a nominal power of 11 kW with 25.5 kW [34.6 hp] Maximum power and regenerative braking. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a Gates Carbon Drive belt drive, where maximum torque is 395 Nm.
DAB 1α uses a 72V battery made in France, which can be repaired, replaced and recycled. It has a nominal capacity of 6.2 kWh and a maximum capacity of 7.1 kWh, giving the 1α a maximum range of 150 km [93.2 miles]. The built-in charger works with a household power outlet or a level two charger, with a full charge taking three hours.
In terms of performance, the car weighs 125 kg [276-pound] The DAB 1α boasts a top speed of 130 km/h [80.8 mph]. Its scale and output mean it only requires a standard driving license and one training session to drive in most European countries, making it accessible to many drivers. (The fact that it doesn’t have a clutch or shifter also helps.)
DAB has gone all out on the 1α’s running gear. A collaboration with Italian suspension company Paioli has resulted in individually adjustable 46mm upside-down forks and a rear shock with remote reservoir and preload adjustment. The Faba’s 17-inch wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Diablo IV tyres, while the brakes use Brembo calipers, DAB discs and Peugeot’s ABS system.
Simon firmly believes that sustainability goes beyond just switching to electric powertrains. So he took a fresh approach to creating the DAB 1α’s carbon fiber front apron and side panels by partnering with giant aircraft manufacturer Airbus.
Airbus generates about 12,000 tons of waste every year, most of which is recycled. Waste made from composites, like carbon fiber, is difficult to dispose of, so the company has partnered with research institutions and small businesses to find ways to reuse the pre-loved carbon fiber. Airbus supplies DAB with scrap carbon, which is then reused to create beautiful forged carbon parts for the bike.
Available in white or grey, each DAB 1α has a numbered gold plaque. It mounts to the top clip of the bike’s beautifully machined handlebars, and houses a 2.8-inch LCD control panel. The work is incredibly neat, from the way the console controls are recessed into the housing to the blocky switches on the burly Renthal handlebar.
The DAB 1α also comes with switchable driver mods; ‘Eco’, ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’, ‘Reverse’ and ‘Nitrogen’. No, DAB hasn’t figured out how to inject nitrogen into a non-gasoline engine. Instead, the Nitrous button is a tribute to the iconic 2000s video game Need for Speed, and provides a temporary burst of energy.
DAB’s bikes are always well finished and the 1α is no exception. The license plate-style headlight housings feature LEDs with a second light mounted at the bottom, while beautifully sculpted taillights jut out at the rear. Small LED turn signals are located under the dashboard on the handlebars and on the license plate holder behind the rear wheel.
In front of the driver there is a small glove compartment covered with Alcantara leather and equipped with a USB charging socket. Customers also have the option of adding a Quadlock phone holder and wireless charger.
Like everything we’ve seen from DAB so far, the 1α e-bike is sharp and incredibly cool. But it is also a testament to the company’s perseverance and passion. If you want to get one for yourself, you can Register your interest at the DAB website.
DAB engine | Facebook | Instagram
