The first thing people ask about the Onyx RCR 80V is how fast it goes. After hundreds of miles around New York, I’m more interested in what this electric bike is like to live with.

The acceleration certainly gets your attention. But so do the compact proportions, CarPlay, cruise control and little design decisions that become more noticeable the longer you ride. Then there are the bigger questions: Can you repair it? Will parts still be available? What happens when the technology gets old?

My impression is that Onyx is trying to build a compact electric motorbike with BMX-inspired maneuverability and modern electronics, while leaving owners room to customize it and keep it running. Riding the RCR and talking with Onyx founder Tim Seward helped me understand that approach. Whether it holds up over years of ownership is a question a few hundred miles can’t answer.

Joseph Kaminski

Onyx RCR 80V GeekBox

Manufacturer figures below are advertised specifications, not independently measured performance results.…