Move over e-bikes, the Olto just pulled up looking like it’s from the future.
TLDR
The Olto powers along at 53km/h, has foldable pedals, a swappable battery, built-in security, and can even reverse.
It’s priced at around $5200 AUD ($3,495 USD), but there’s no word on Australian availability.
If the Cybertruck and Kaneda’s futuristic motorbike had a baby, it might look something like the Olto – a foldy, ultra-modern electric ride from New York startup Infinite Machine.
This is no regular delivery-bike-on-steroids. The Olto’s got pedals that fold in or out, depending on whether you want a workout or just want to cruise, and it’s got the range to back it up – about 64km (40 miles) on a single charge.
When it’s in bike lane mode, it tops out at 32km/h (20mph), but if you head off-road, it’ll hit a solid 53km/h (33 mph).
Infinite Machine’s first crack at the market was the P1, a zippy little scooter that looked great but clocked in at around $15,000 AUD ($10,000 USD) and was probably better suited to the winding streets of Rome than the gridlocked roads of Sydney or New York.
The Olto is their more realistic option: compact, versatile, and priced at around $5200 AUD ($3495 USD). That’s still an investment, sure, but one that might make sense if you’re sick of fuel prices and parking stress.
Under the sleek, cyberpunk shell is a practical design. It’s made from weatherproof aluminium so it can live outside without getting wrecked.
The pedals lock in magnetically when not in use, the suspension is proper dual-spring so it won’t feel like riding a shopping trolley, and it’s got enough room and safety gear for a passenger.
Security-wise, Infinite Machine reckons this thing is basically unstealable.
Each bike connects to the company’s app and GPS network, so if someone tries to nick it, it’ll lock the steering and wheels, blast an alarm, and ping your phone immediately. There’s no key – just your phone. Walk up with the app and it unlocks. Walk away, and it locks itself again.
Something to consider, though: The e-bike company VanMoof had a similar approach to online connectivity and security. But, when they went broke, their bikes were basically bricked. ‘The Internet of Things’ is not a phrase that has a good rep. Think more like ‘enshittification‘.
Preorders are open now, although there’s no word on plans for an Australian launch. I wouldn’t be surprised if a private importer like Ben Buckler picks up the local distribution licence, though, so watch this space!
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