Filed back in 2023, the patents were only recently made public. They show an electrically powered two-wheeler with an off-road character, equipped with chunky tires, a large battery pack and a hub motor in the rear wheel. The design is reminiscent of current light e-bikes or scramblers and – should it go into series production – could also be approved for use on public roads.
Technical details: Hub motor, cartridge fork, disc brake
The motorcycle shown in the drawings has some interesting technical features. For example, the machine is apparently powered by a hub motor integrated into the rear wheel. A conventional chain or belt is nowhere to be found – which indicates a low-maintenance drive concept.
The front is equipped with a classic telescopic fork in cartridge design and a single disc brake. The bodywork is slim and minimalist. A striking feature is the almost completely flat seat bench that runs the entire length of the bike – a design element that is strongly reminiscent of e-offroaders from manufacturers such as Sur-Ron or Talaria.
GM and the world of two-wheelers: a new attempt?
The foray into the world of electrically powered motorcycles would not be the first two-wheeler contact for General Motors. In the past, the company has already experimented with an e-bike under the Hummer brand, which was based on the Recon Power Bike – a rather symbolic foray into the field of e-two-wheelers.
Unlike back then, however, GM now appears to be pursuing an independent motorcycle project. It is not yet known whether the Group intends to realize this model on its own or cooperate with an established two-wheeler manufacturer. What is clear, however, is that more and more car manufacturers are interested in Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) in order to expand their product range – whether for ecological reasons, to open up new markets or simply as a reaction to the increase in individual transportation in urban areas.
Future uncertain – but the will is there
Even if there is currently no information on the performance, range or price of the GM e-bike, the move is remarkable. The fact that a manufacturer with the history and focus of General Motors is seriously considering its own e-motorcycle project is a clear signal to the industry.
Whether and when the model will actually come onto the market remains to be seen. However, the published patents show that GM has a concrete interest in entering the market for electric motorcycles – possibly not just as a niche experiment, but as a serious supplier.
