Is It a Bike? Is It a Moped? Yes. Yes, it is
Image Credit: Infinite Machine Technologies.
If I was given 10 cents for every e-bike and electric scooter that promised to revolutionize city travel, I'd be sipping margaritas on a beach in the Bahamas right now. They usually come with grand claims and, more often than not, a design that looks like someone just slapped a battery onto a bicycle frame as an afterthought.
But every so often, something truly interesting zips onto my radar, and today, that something is a rather clever machine called the Olto. This little number comes from a company called Infinite Machine, and... it's different. It's got that futuristic look like it just rolled off the set of a movie set in 2049. Remember Infinite Machine's first wild, angular P1? This is its more approachable, city-slicker sibling.
Image Credit: Infinite Machine Technologies.
What exactly is the Olto? And here's where the fun begins. Is it an electric bicycle? Is it a moped? The answer is a very cheeky "Yes." Legally speaking, it's a Class 2 e-bike, which means it's welcome in most bike lanes, with no license, registration, or insurance required. It has a top speed of 20 mph and functional pedals. It's all very official.
Except… you and I both know nobody is going to be pedaling this thing. The designers at Infinite Machine know it, too. They've even included a feature where the pedals magnetically snap level to become perfect little footrests. Olto is literally giving you a little wink, saying, "We have to have these, but let's not pretend we're training for the Tour de France, shall we?" It's a level of sarcasm in design that I truly appreciate.
Image Credit: Infinite Machine Technologies.
And there's another little secret. A naughty "Off-Road Mode" that, with a tap, unlocks the Olto's true spirit, bumping the top speed to a much more thrilling 33 mph and unleashing its full 2-kilowatt peak power from the 750-watt nominal motor. Naturally, this mode is strictly for "off-road use." We all have to pinky promise we'll only use it on private land, right? Right.
Let's talk about the battery because it's usually the most awkward part of an EV. The Olto's power pack is a 1.2 kWh, UL-certified unit that gives you a claimed 40 miles of real-world range. That's plenty for zipping around town. But the genius part? It's a 20-pound, removable battery that you can just plop in. No more fumbling with tiny guide rails while balancing on one foot. You can drop it into its compartment in any orientation. It's a small thing, but it's the kind of thoughtful design that makes you smile. And it fast-charges to 50% in just an hour.
Image Credit: Infinite Machine Technologies.
But where the Olto really starts to feel less like a bike and more like a car is in its features. The anti-theft system is no joke. We're talking GPS and LTE tracking that alerts your phone if it moves, an electric lock on the motor, a steering column lock, and even a dedicated spot for an AirTag. It's practically Fort Knox on two wheels. They've even put in a separate little battery just to run the security systems if the main one is out for charging. Brilliant.
The practical touches just keep coming. All the wires and suspension bits are tucked away for a super clean look. You can carry a passenger on the long bench seat thanks to hidden pop-out footpegs and grab handles. There are hooks for your grocery bags, a secure phone compartment with USB charging, and two helmet hooks under the seat. And the horn isn't one of those pathetic little "meep-meep" squeakers; it's a proper motorcycle horn that says, "I'm here!"
Image Credit: Infinite Machine Technologies.
Unlocking it is as simple as walking up with your phone. You can even grant temporary access to a friend, which is a lovely touch. The whole package is built to be useful. You can add racks, baskets, even a child carrier. It's clear they didn't just design a vehicle; they designed a tool for living in a city.
Okay, usually, when things are this pretty and clever, they come at a price. At $3,495, the Olto isn't cheap for an "e-bike." But the company's CEO, Joe Cohen, claims that you're not just buying a collection of parts; you're buying a complete, cohesive vehicle. "What makes Olto special isn't any single feature - it's how everything comes together."
And you know what? I think he's right. Olto is sturdy, clever, nearly impossible to steal, and different. It's for the person who wants to get out of their car but isn't willing to give up on smart technology, security, and style. So, will the Olto take over our cities? I have no idea. But it's one of the most interesting and well-thought-out urban two-wheelers I've seen in a long time.
