The company's eMoto offering, the Buffseek R01, is hoping to make a sizable impact in a world dominated by the likes of Sur-Ron, Stark Future, and Rawrr. However, at a time when legacy bike manufacturers like KTM are entering the eMoto space, is there really room for new entrants like Buffseek?
What does the bike offer?
The Buffseek R01 features a 1.5 kW motor that can generate 3.5 kW of power at its peak. It also features a 1.1 kWh battery that can keep you going for an estimated 31 to 37 miles on a full charge (70 kg load at 22mph). The bike utilizes this battery and motor combination to propel you at a top speed of 37 mph (60 kph).
The battery takes between 7 and 8 hours to charge and is fully UL2272 compliant. The entire bike set-up weighs in at 133 lbs and can handle a maximum load of 265 lbs. The bike’s steel frame is recommended for riders between 4.2 and 6 feet tall. The manufacturer also recommends a minimum age of 13 for all riders.
The R01 features a front suspension fork with 3.74-inch wheel travel to conquer any trails or terrain. It also features an adjustable nitrogen-filled shock absorber to keep even the bumpiest of rides comfortable. The bike utilizes dual hydraulic brakes to stop the 14-inch front and 12-inch rear tires. The R01 is a single-speed eMoto bike that features a steel chain drive. The drive system itself sits about 13 inches away from the ground, so you don’t need to really worry about obstacles on the ground mid-ride.
How Does It Compare?
Admittedly, this bike is no KTM; neither is it a flagship like Stark Future. But those are very unfair comparisons. For one, they are homologated (street legal), and secondly, they cost anywhere between 3 and 5 times as much as the Buffseek R01.
We think accurate comparisons are eMoto bikes like the Tasaka T500, the Happyrun F18, and the Aipas S1. Among these bikes, the R01 holds a solid edge in aggressive motor output and punchy acceleration. Competitors like the T500 tend to offer better-tuned suspension out of the box and smoother hydraulic brake modulation.
Generally, 