DAB 1α: French Design that's Back to the Future
- Buck City Biker
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
If you thought French design was all about fashion and pastries, think again. DAB Motors is back to the future with the 1α (Alpha)—a sleek, urban street bike that’s turning heads far beyond the streets of Paris-and Hill Valley.
Built with backing from Peugeot Motocycles, the 1α blends clean aesthetics with a touch of dirt styling. This e-moto is making noise (quietly) with plenty of torque, smart tech, and street-legal status. Whether you're cruising city lanes or showing off at the café, the 1α is out to prove that electric can be très cool.
A Brief History of DAB Motors
Founded in 2018 by Simon Dabadie, DAB Motors quickly carved a niche in the boutique motorcycle sector. In 2023, they entered into a strategic partnership with Peugeot Motocycles, with Peugeot acquiring a majority stake in the company. The collaboration aimed to leverage Peugeot's industrial capabilities to mass-produce DAB Motors' products.
Peugeot's involvement has been pivotal in advancing the company's global presence and has facilitated the launch of DAB Motors' inaugural production model, the DAB 1α, a limited-edition electric motorcycle that embodies the company's commitment to design and performance.
Design and Craftsmanship
The DAB 1α is a testament to French craftsmanship. Manufactured at Peugeot’s historic Beaulieu-Mandeure factory, each of the 400 limited-edition units boasts meticulous attention to detail. The motorcycle features a monocoque body crafted from injection-moulded ABS plastic, exuding a neo-futuristic Supermoto aesthetic. The seat is adorned with luxurious Alcantara, offering both comfort and style. Notably, the front fender incorporates upcycled carbon fibre from Airbus, underscoring DAB’s commitment to sustainability.
Performance and Technical Specifications
Don’t let the sleek dirt styling fool you—the DAB 1α has serious muscle under its minimalist skin. It’s powered by an 11kW brushless mid-drive that peaks at 25.5kW (roughly 34.6hp), delivering a whopping 395Nm (291ft lbs) of torque at the wheel. Ideal for slicing through traffic or blasting through the countryside. This, together with a top speed of 130km/h (80mph), puts it well above your average commuter in both pace and presence.
The heart of the machine is a 72V lithium-ion battery with a 7.1 kWh max capacity, giving you a solid 150 km (93 miles) of range per charge, depending on how heavy your right wrist is. Charging’s a breeze too—you’ll get a full charge in about 3 hours from a regular socket or a Type 2 charging station. No drama, just plug in, grab un café, and you’re ready to roll.
Nitrous Boost! and Other Riding Modes
We know what you're thinking, and we agree—it's brilliant.
Eco: Prioritizes energy efficiency for extended range.
Street: Balances performance and efficiency for everyday riding.
Sport: Delivers heightened responsiveness for a dynamic experience.
Nitrous Boost: Inspired by classic racing games, this mode provides an exhilarating burst of speed at the push of the blue “Nitro” button.
Reverse: Adds low speed backwards manoeuvrability for tight spots and parking situations.
The inclusion of the Nitrous Boost mode adds a playful yet highly functional element to the riding experience. This feature highlights DAB Motors’ innovative approach to motorcycle design and conceptualisation.
Premium Components and Customisation
Suspension: Fully adjustable 43mm USD front forks and a rear shock, both developed in collaboration with Paioli, ensure a smooth and responsive ride.
Braking System: Brembo brakes paired with Peugeot Motocycles ABS provide reliable stopping power.
Wheels and Tires: 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso tires offer excellent grip and handling.
Adjustable Seat Height: Riders can personalise their DAB 1α seat height to suit their preference with 84cm, standard at 88cm, or a high configuration exceeding 90cm.
Sustainability and Innovation
Sustainability is at the core of the DAB 1α’s design. The battery is fully repairable, dismountable, and recyclable, reflecting DAB Motors’ commitment to environmental responsibility. Additionally, the use of upcycled materials, such as the Airbus carbon fibre, showcases innovative approaches to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Back to the Future
There's a custom edition that just might steal the heart of every 80s child in the room, drawing inspiration from the iconic DeLorean time machine featured in the Back to the Future film series and including several awesome enhancements
Stainless Steel Body
CNC-Machined Wheels
'OUTTATIME' License Plate
Flux Capacitor Replica: An illuminated flux capacitor is integrated into the design
Speedometer Capped at 88 mph: The speedometer is limited to 88 mph, aligning with the speed required for time travel in the movie.
Unfortunately, it might be a while before we see a peak power of 1.21 gigawatts!
Availability and Pricing
With only 400 units available worldwide, the DAB 1α is a true collector’s item. Priced at €14,900 (approximately $16,000 USD - £12,720 GBP), it positions itself in the mid-range segment of the electric motorcycle market. Each bike comes with a numbered golden plate on the handlebar and a certificate of authenticity, emphasising its exclusivity.
The DAB 1α is fully street legal and you can ride one-if you get there quick enough-in Europe, the UK and the USA. Currently there is no clear information regarding the availability in India and Australia.
What Else?
If you're a fan of the dirt aesthetic, you might consider the DAB 1αX, a scrambler variant of the same platform that provides a more rugged off-road appearance with Pirelli off-road style tires. DAB asserts that this version is equipped for any terrain, and it certainly appears capable of handling it.
Final Thoughts
Here we have an e-moto that combines excellent performance with superb design. Its limited availability and unique features make it rare and therefore desirable—a top choice for enthusiasts seeking an electric motorcycle that stands out from the crowd, and an example of how the list of manufacturers advancing the limits of e-mobility is continually growing.
Ride safe, folks.
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