As we rev up to expand to the entire US market, we’re happy to include in our Rider Stories series our chat with Jim Lamoureux. A Palm Springs-based lawyer in the tech industry, Jim is the proud owner of a Maeving Blue RM1 and soon-to-be owner of the RM1S. Keep reading to learn about Jim’s motorcycle beginnings, how he discovered Maeving, and the differences between riding an electric bike and a traditional gas-powered motorcycle.

Can you tell us about the first time you rode a motorcycle? 

The first time I’d consider myself to have ridden something akin to a motorcycle was a dirt bike with my cousin when I was around 12. We were in rural Illinois, and I remember the phenomenal sensation and sense of freedom I got on two wheels. But, if you’re asking when I first became a “real” rider, that was a few years later. I had a moped for a while, then graduated to a little 100cc Honda. But it was when I got my Harley that I felt like I was really a rider. 

So, it seems the process of becoming a motorcyclist was gradual for you? 

Yes, for sure. Since that first time when I was 12, I knew it was just a matter of time before I’d be back on some kind of bike; I think I just have a predisposition to be on two wheels. So, when I was in my 30’s and out of law school, my friend was selling his Harley, and I knew that that was it—I was locked into riding forever after that. 

Do you find yourself riding mostly for fun, commuting, or both? 

It really depends on what I’m doing that day. In Palm Springs, it’s nice to have a bike because I can get from A to B fairly quickly and enjoy the weather and views, so I try to take my bike out whenever I can. But it’s also great because I have a couple of bikes—one of them a Maeving—that complement each other. It’s like, you have your minivan for the family but the Alfa Romeo for fun. So, for short commutes to the courts – I’m a huge tennis guy – I’ll take the Maeving, park it up front for everyone to see, and it’s just a matter of time before someone’s telling me it’s the coolest bike they’ve ever seen. 

But if I’m doing longer distances or just cruising around with my wife, then I’ll take my Harley. It’s just built for a different kind of riding, but each has its place in my life. 

What aspects of riding do you find most fulfilling? 

It’s the freedom, no question about it. I had an epiphany the first time I rode a motorcycle where I could actually smell and see what was around me. I wasn’t confined to a little square box but got to experience it all at once. It’s more of an experience than just a commute and I’ve never gotten tired of that. 

Now let’s get to Maeving – how did you first hear about us and what made you want to order? 

I’ve been a tech lawyer for most of my career, so I’m a big tech guy both personally and professionally. I read all the tech blogs and saw people talking about Maeving and thought the design was cool and loved what you were doing. The aesthetic, the sustainable angle (I live in California and am big advocate for alternative fuel sources), and the philosophy behind the brand all fit into my checklist of what I wanted in a bike. And I should mention that some of the engineers came from Triumph, and I loved the classic motorcycle pedigree.  

Is Maeving your first electric bike you owned? 

It’s the first I’ve owned, but I’ve ridden others. I tried an electric bike maybe 14 or 15 years ago at a work event. It was just okay at the time, but I was still interested in electric bikes over the years. But a lot of the electric bikes that have come up in the market either look too futuristic or, frankly, have gone under because of supply issues. Maeving has that classic style that doesn’t try to be some alternative or future version of what a motorcycle is; it is a motorcycle that just happens to be electric and that’s more interesting to me, personally. 

How does Maeving compare to traditional gas-powered bikes for you, then? 

The Maeving is very nimble and great for urban driving. It’s easy to control and can move in tight spaces. I prefer it to my Harley for short trips because I can just get moving. I’ve described it to others like a high-powered electric bike, making it great for when you’re going from one part of town to another, and you want to just get some Zen on your drive. 

If you were trying to convince a friend who rides motorcycles to try a Maeving, what would you tell them? 

I’d tell them to just give it a shot. I think any rider would be surprised by how much fun it is to ride a Maeving. You get a different experience compared to traditional motorcycles, thanks to the quiet engine and the lack of distraction from a manual transmission.

And if you were giving advice to a first-time rider who is considering a Maeving as their first bike, what would you tell them? 

A Maeving is fantastic as a starter bike – I couldn’t recommend it enough to a new rider. It doesn’t have any outrageous torque, so it won’t shoot out from under you, and it’s got a gradual pick-up that won’t be too alarming to anyone who hasn’t ridden a lot. And I know I mentioned it before, but being twist-and-go means you can ride without having to worry about switching gears, because that can be a big mental block for a lot of riders. 

Three words to describe Maeving? 

Nimble, enjoyable, and zippy! 

Quickfire Questions

Riding in the city or the open road? 

It’s not an either/or for me. I love them both. But for Maeving, it’s more for my trips to the tennis courts or in the city, but my other bike is better suited for longer trips on the road. 

If you could pick anywhere to ride in the world, where would you go? 

Glacier, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon – any of the National Parks. 

Pick a song that reminds you of Maeving 

I thought of two for you! “We Got the Beat” by The Go-Go’s and “Gone Daddy Gone” by the Violent Femmes. 

Favorite memory on a motorcycle 

The first time my wife rode on the back of my bike with me. 

Solo journey or riding in a group? 

Neither – I love when it’s just me and my wife versus a big group or even by myself. 

What’s your ideal day out in Palm Springs? 

My perfect day starts in the morning with me taking my Maeving to the tennis courts and getting to play my favorite sport on a beautiful bike on a beautiful day. I then go home and it’s just like, “Okay, you did it – you reminded yourself of how great it can be and now you have the rest of the day to look forward to.” 

Best restaurant in Palm Springs? 

Fresh Agave – they have the best margaritas in the desert.  We also discovered recently this place called UOVO in LA that’s like a Disneyland for pasta that’s just awesome to see. 

Best coffee spot in Palm Springs? 

I’m not a coffee drinker, but my wife and I have a routine to get hot chocolate from Starbucks every weekend. 

If you could time travel, are you going to the past or future? 

I think the future, for sure.  

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

I learned this one when I was younger and it’s something I think of every day, especially as a lawyer: “Listening to understand, instead of listening to respond”. 

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CHARGE ON.