In our new series, Rider Stories, we speak to proud Maeving owners. From first time riders who saw Maeving as the perfect entry point, to experienced bikers who were drawn to our classic design and innovative engineering.

Filipe Nogueira is a Los Angeles-based finance professional who also happens to be Maeving’s first U.S. customer! We sat down with Filipe and had the chance to learn about his first experiences on a motorcycle, how riding has become part of his daily life, how his RM1 stacks up against his gas-powered motorcycles, and what drew him towards Maeving.

What was your first experience on a motorcycle?

My first memory on a motorcycle is somewhat of a sweet and sour experience. I was 11-years-old when a cousin of mine, who was a big-time rider, offered me a ride from where I lived in Porto all the way up to my grandparents' hometown in northern Portugal. I was planning to take a bus to meet my grandparents, but my mom agreed to let me go with him, cautioning us to be careful. In the first mile, we had to stop twice because he was instructing me, "If I lean right, you lean right. You don't lean left; you lean with me. Trust me, I know what I'm doing." Despite these stops, the ride took roughly an hour and 15 minutes. My first time on a motorcycle, I was literally grabbing for my life. When we arrived at my grandparents' house, I was left unsure whether I was terrified or in love with the experience, but I will never forget that moment and how it has stuck with me.

After that experience, what was it like when you began riding yourself?

I definitely can say I fell in love with riding just a couple years after that. I got my first motorcycle when I was 14 to help my parents out at their restaurant. I couldn’t take it to school or show it off; it was specifically for going from home to the restaurant, and for short rides around the block until I turned 16 and could get a full license.

Those first two years felt a bit rebellious, but the idea was practical: it reduced my journey time. That was how I convinced my father to let me have one, anyway. Internally, my initial terror from four years earlier was turning into enthusiasm. I loved riding bicycles and spent all my free time on weekends, when not at my parents' restaurant, riding with friends in the woods and up and down the street for hours. I really loved the feeling of being on two wheels and the liberation riding gives you – it’s really intoxicating.

And today, Is riding mostly a recreational activity for you, or do you use a motorcycle for most of life’s journeys?

The purpose of riding a motorcycle really hasn’t changed too much! I still use my bike as part of my daily commute. I have a relatively short commute on the West Side, roughly 4 miles each way. In LA, with its great weather, traffic can be a bit of a pain, but I don't find it troublesome. Drivers tend to be somewhat careful with motorcyclists, making it a perfect place to ride.

What aspects of riding a motorcycle do you find most fulfilling?

The feeling of freedom and flexibility a motorcycle offers is amazing. There's also a bit of a rebellious element to it, which I really enjoy. This rebellious component helps create a sense of community, which is something I like a lot when I see other riders on the road. I feel like I already share something special with them, even if we have never met before.

How did you first discover Maeving and what drew you to us?

I was looking for a daily commuter bike that was also electric – being in California, this is often top-of-mind in the transportation conversation. I looked at three or four different options, but one really caught my eye because it was totally different from any other electric motorcycle I had seen. The Maeving is an incredibly good-looking bike, and the combination of its aesthetics with being a brand-new model from a UK manufacturer made me confident it would not only look good but also feel good and be very well-built.

You’re the first Maeving customer in the US. How does it feel to be pioneering the brand in America?

It's very, very exciting. I always like to test things out and I don’t think I've ever been the “first” for anything – so I am really proud to hold this title as Maeving’s first U.S. customer.

As someone who has previously ridden gas-powered bikes, did you have any preconceptions about riding an electric motorcycle?

I wouldn’t say it was a preconception, but I was very curious about whether the instant power available in high-end electric vehicles and cars would translate to electric motorcycles. If I'm already the first out of traffic lights on a gas-powered motorcycle, would an electric one make me pull wheelies right away?

I had driven one or two US-based electric motorcycles before, and I'll be honest, I was a bit disappointed. They felt extremely laggy, not very fun, and not very responsive. They felt more like bicycles than actual motorcycles. So, I approached Maeving with an open mind, unsure of what to expect.

Despite this, I bought the Maeving without even trying it. I didn't do one test ride. I just signed up and said, "Whenever I can get it, bring it to me. I don't care. I'm going to love it." And I was right—it's fantastic.

Is there anything that has surprised you about riding a Maeving?

Yes, it’s surprisingly more responsive and flexible than I thought it would be. It’s nimble, which is great for urban areas and something I appreciate in this bike a lot.

How do you find you are using your Maeving the most? Is it different from how you would use one of your gas-powered bikes?

So it's both my daily commuter and my go-to for short trips. Everything else has been parked for a while now. I use it for all my daily commutes; every single day that I go to the office, I take my Maeving. On weekends, I've done a few solo rides to the beach, just to grab some food or enjoy the scenery.

For longer weekend rides, I've done it twice with some friends, but they're all on 1200cc bikes, so it's not a fair comparison or ride. For those longer rides, I still use my gas-powered bike. However, for shorter joyrides, running errands, watching the sunset, or grabbing some food, the Maeving is perfect.

If you were giving advice to a new rider who is considering a Maeving as their first bike, what would you tell them?

I really think it's a fantastic starter bike. It's very easy to ride and learn, especially if you've ridden a bicycle before. The bike is responsive yet smooth, so you don't need to worry much about gears. It's thrilling yet easy to learn. Plus, it looks great — I can't stress that enough. Also, especially compared to a lot of other electric motorcycles on the market, it's well-priced for the value you're getting. Essentially, it's what a first-time rider needs: something easy, fun, nimble, stylish, and affordable.

WATCH FILIPE RECEIVE HIS MAEVING BLUE RM1

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

Riding in the city or on the open road? 

Open road.

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

Round trip in South America, Colombia, all the way down to Patagonia and then back to Venezuela.

What song reminds you of Maeving?

“Here Comes the Sun” - The Beatles

Favorite memory on a motorcycle?

A weekend ride sticks out in my mind. It was a group ride through the Doro Valley with some friends to do wine tasting where we went up on a Friday afternoon and came back on a Sunday evening. It was beautiful.

Solo journey or riding with a group?

Group rides.

What’s your ideal day out in LA?

It would start mid-morning riding toward Malibu Canyons, then down to Santa Monica for a beach-side lunch. Then I’d wrap up the day at my favorite bar, watching the sunset.

Best restaurant in LA?

Scopa Italian Roots.

Best coffee spot in LA?

Definitely my homemade espresso.

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

The past, particularly the Roaring 20’s.

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

When things get tough, that's actually the signal to keep on pushing.

Lastly, three words to sum up Maeving?

Fun, gorgeous, clean.