Motowatt W1X: E-motorcycle with all-wheel drive presented

Is an e-bike too slow and an e-car too big and expensive for you? Then perhaps an electric motorcycle is the right means of transportation for you in the electromobility sector. The French Motowatt W1X is an exciting all-electric two-wheeler that has some interesting technical tricks up its sleeve. Not only is it said to have all-wheel drive, but also a special steering system.

Motowatt W1X comes with Ackermann steering

At first glance, the Motowatt W1X (official website) looks rather ordinary. This is due to the rather reserved and almost staid, classic design. However, the full-bodied electric motorcycle is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. Behind the familiar look lies state-of-the-art technology. Firstly, there is the all-wheel drive. Each of the two wheels has a wheel hub motor. This gives the two-wheeler a total peak output of 25 kW. The 178 kg motorcycle should be able to cover a range of 130 km. This is more than enough for commuting in the city. The French have not yet revealed the size of the battery. However, they do hint at how long the charging time should be. It should be able to be charged from 20% to 80% within five and a half hours.

The steering is particularly exciting. Even laymen will recognize that there is no classic suspension fork. Instead, the Motowatt W1X relies on so-called stub axle steering. Changes in direction dictated by the handlebars are transmitted to the front wheel via a single-sided swing arm. This technology may not be new, but it is not really well known. This is due to the fact that two-wheelers with Ackermann steering have so far been real slow sellers. Experience has shown that this technology is quite heavy, which quickly affects the riding experience. With the Motowatt W1X, the all-wheel drive and modern braking technology should eliminate such problems.

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Support from French politicians

While subsidies for electromobility are currently stagnating or even being withdrawn in Germany, France is diligently continuing its support. Among other things, our neighbor has set up the “France 2030” project. This provides state financial aid for companies that promote environmentally friendly projects. The Motowatt W1X is also being supported. After all, it could actually make inner-city road traffic significantly less polluting.

Many French people already get from A to B by small motorcycle. However, these are mainly combustion engines. The W1X is also ideally equipped for use in the city. In addition to a practical luggage rack, there is of course also an extensive lighting system that relies on LEDs. Small purchases or a laptop bag can be stowed in the dummy tank. A display in the cockpit also provides the rider with important information.

Price and availability

I find it courageous and likeable that the Motowatt W1X is once again venturing to try out the axle steering system, which is really exciting in its basic idea. Whether the whole thing will be crowned with success is something we will probably be able to follow from spring 2025. The French want to sell their electric motorcycle from January 2025 at a price of 15,000 euros. If you are already interested, you can place your pre-order from March,