ONYX | INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER
A vintage-inspired electric motorbike designed from the ground up, merging the soul of 1970s mopeds with modern electric performance.
The Challenge: Mopeds from the 70s had style and soul. Then they disappeared. Electric bikes brought neither. ONYX brought the moped back, electrified.
The Approach: Two models: the RCR, with 0 to 30 in 4 seconds, a 60 mph top speed, and 75 miles of range, and the CTY, lighter and simpler, made for the city. My first contribution was the seat. The original design had a backrest, but laying it flat gave the bike a cafe racer stance and room for a second rider. Tinkering is the heart of moped culture, so we designed for it, turning the dirt bike into the Dirt Kit, components riders order and install themselves, then adding more kits that invite owners to make the bike their own. I shaped the brand alongside the bikes, from the name and identity to a campaign of film and storytelling that told one story: the moped is back.
The Outcome: $1 million from 500 backers in 30 days on Indiegogo. Covered by Electrek, designboom, and New Atlas. The RCR became a cult favorite. ONYX became a motorbike company.
