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Olto, the second electric two-wheeler model from the mobility startup Infinite Machine, was just unveiled as a bike lane-ready moped ready to conquer US cities. Combining slick design with high-tech features, it brings many automotive-level hallmarks to the e-bike market.

After the Cybertruck-looking Infinite Machine P1 was revealed nearly two years ago, offering a nearly highway-capable electric two-wheeler, the company is now back with a much tamer model designed to be easier to produce… and to purchase.

The result is still just as futuristic as we’d expect, given Infinite Machine’s penchant for those metallic body panels and slick design scheme. But the performance is more muted, allowing it to fit into Class 2 e-bike regulations for full compliance with bicycle lanes in most cities and eschewing any pesky licensing or insurance requirements.

That means it has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) and functional pedals, even if they aren’t likely to get used very much. Infinite Machine seems to understand that point, designing a magnetic leveling feature that holds them flat to better serve as footrests when they’re being used as, well, footrests. The top speed matches Class 2 e-bike regulations, though it can be unlocked in “Off-road mode” to reach 33 mph (53 km/h).

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The UL-certified battery is a 48V 25Ah pack with 1.2 kWh of capacity – or enough for a claimed 40 miles (64 km) of real world range.

The battery is easily removable, with the clever design allowing it to be dropped into the battery compartment in any orientation. Unlike a typical electric bicycle battery that needs to be carefully aligned on small guide rails, the Olto’s battery can simply be plopped into place in whatever orientation is most convenient based on where the rider is standing.

A home charging dock allows the battery to be similarly plopped onto the charger, with fast charging bringing the battery back up to 50% charge in just an hour or fully charged in three hours.

If that’s still not fast enough, a second battery could presumably be kept on the charger to be swapped in while the first is charging, though 40 miles (64 miles) is likely plenty of range for most urban commuters. The 20 lb (9 kg) battery is light enough to be carried indoors to charge at work or another destination if a planned route is expected to exceed 40 miles round trip.

High-tech features throughout

Despite the electric bicycle-level performance, the Olto carries technology and features that seem more at home in the automotive world.

For example, the anti-theft features are numerous. On the electronic side, they include GPS and LTE tracking with movement notifications to the owner’s phone, as well as a dedicated AirTag slot for added peace of mind, plus an electric lock that prevents the motor or rear wheel from turning. A second auxiliary battery in the vehicle ensures these features still work even when the main battery has been removed for charging, and the major components like the motor and battery are electronically locked to the Olto. On the physical side, turning off the moped engages a steering column lock that prevents the handlebars from being turned, and a special U-lock mount has been built into the scooter for even more secure parking.

The Olto includes several physical designs that go above and beyond what we generally see in bike lane-ready vehicles, such as totally hidden wires and suspension (oh right, it’s got full suspension for both the front and rear), insertable sidewalls for the step-through portion to enable more cargo carrying capacity, and a long enough bench seat with hidden pop-out rear passenger footpegs and grab handles for carrying a second rider (though the bench doesn’t look like the most comfortable seat I’ve ever seen). Two helmet hooks built into the under-seat storage area allow riders to leave their helmets hanging yet securely locked to the moped, similar to a motorcycle. Bag hooks, like on a seated scooter, make it easier for riders to carry light cargo between their legs.

Unlocking the Olto can be performed with the owner’s phone using Bluetooth proximity unlocking (or an NFC card, if your phone is out of battery or not with you). That digital unlocking feature also allows riders to share temporary or permanent access with friends or family so they can also unlock and use the moped from their phone. Speaking of phones, there’s a secure compartment with USB charging so riders can charge their phone while it’s safely locked on the moped. The high-visibility LED lighting system includes high and low-beam headlights, daytime running lights, and a full turn signal package. There’s also a genuine motorcycle horn – not one of those weak e-bike “meep meep” horns.

While the high-tech features feel more automotive-level, the Olto still draws inspiration from the e-bike industry, especially with its line of bolt-on accessories. From utility racks and baskets to child carriers, the add-on accessories feel very much like the type of gear you’d add to a traditional electric bicycle to gain even more functionality from it – though Infinite Machine’s versions certainly do look a bit sleeker.

Is the Olto an electric bicycle or an electric motorcycle?

It’s fairly obvious that the Olto is walking a fine line when it comes to legality. The whole point of this vehicle is that it is intended to fit into electric bicycle regulations, allowing its use in bicycle lanes instead of being limited purely to surface street use, as well as free riders from the licensing, registration, and insurance requirements of motorcycles. And to achieve those goals with a vehicle that is as “grey area” as they come, the spec sheet walks a fine line as well.

For example, the rear hub motor is listed as 750W nominal, though is capable of 2 kW in “off-road” mode. The Olto’s top speed is 33 mph (53 km/h), though again, only in off-road mode. In the on-road mode, which riders presumably are expected to pinky promise that they’ll stick to when riding in bike lanes and city streets, the speed is limited to 20 mph (32 km/h), or the same as a Class 2 electric bicycle.

Then there are the pedals. They are fully functional, though they aren’t exactly necessary. That’s not different than a typical Class 2 e-bike, at least on the surface. It’s common for electric bicycle riders in the US to treat pedals as stationary footrests, relying instead on the throttle for power. But the difference with the Olto is that the pedals have a feature to magnetically level them for more comfortable footrest-like use by riders who don’t care about the charade of “well, I could pedal it if I wanted to…”.

So again, everything here checks the box to make it a street-legal electric bicycle in nearly every jurisdiction in America. But the Olto is also obviously designed to make it as convenient as possible to ride as a scooter instead of a bicycle.

The company put it well, describing the Olto as a mobility tool that gets more people out of cars and onto more efficient, city-friendlier vehicles. “We believe the best way to get around cities is with smaller, smarter vehicles. We started Infinite Machine to build the best of them. Olto is our second product—and for many, their first step beyond cars. A Class 2 e-bike built for the bike lane. No insurance, no registration—just freedom. A product and a tool. Infinite Machine isn’t about autonomous vehicles. It’s about autonomous humans—tools that let people carve their own path.”

But if it has e-bike performance, then what’s the point?

Priced at US $3,495 (and now taking $100 reservations for delivery later this year), the Olto is either a cheap moped or an expensive e-bike, depending on how you look at it. And since it has e-bike performance, I can see many people asking why they would expect to pay so much more for a 20 mph ride.

And that’s the exact question I posed to Joe Cohen, the CEO and co-founder of Infinite Machine. As he explained, it’s all about what the Olto provides that conventional electric bikes have missed out on, and how all of those feature combine in a single vehicle.

“What makes Olto special isn’t any single feature—it’s how everything comes together,” Joe told me. “Rather than retrofitting a bicycle with a battery and motor, we started from first principles to build the perfect bike-lane vehicle: it is snappy and quick, sturdy, nearly impossible to steal, and beautiful. It has automotive-grade components (hydraulic brakes, horn, turn signals, lighting) and technology throughout (LTE/GPS always-on tracking). It prioritizes real-world use cases with a hot-swappable, high-capacity battery, seating for two, and a modular accessory system. But in the end, when you’re riding Olto, you forget about all of these details—it all just works.”

Electrek’s Take

Here’s the thing. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this concept of two-wheeled vehicles designed to act like bicycles, but I think it’s the most elegant example yet. And I also think it’s the most ethical example yet. Most of the time, we’re talking more about Sur Ron-style bikes that are effectively 50 mph e-dirt bikes with bolt-on pedals used as a cheap attempt to skirt the law. But this isn’t that. In this case, Infinite Machine has built something that is halfway between an e-motorcycle and an e-bicycle, but instead of giving it motorcycle performance with e-bike parts, they’ve given it e-bike performance with motorcycle parts. And that’s the key to making this type of vehicle actually work in our cities, both on the street and in the bike lane.

If we look at the legal side, this is absolutely, 100% a street-legal Class 2 electric bicycle (in most places in the US). But they’ve managed to bring so much of the design, manufacturing, and technology used in electric motorcycles to the e-bike world that riders are now getting an e-bike that offers 10x what it used to. Hidden locks, GPS tracking, full-suspension, steering lock, tamper notifications on your phone, secondary battery to power anti-theft measures when the first battery is removed, fast charging dock, designed to be left outside in the elements, locking storage, motorcycle horn, real mirrors, motorcycle grade hydraulic disc brakes, upright scooter-like riding position, and so much more. Your e-bike might have a couple of these features, but I can guarantee it doesn’t have all of them.

And at the same time, let’s be honest: most people are going to put it in off-road mode on their first day and never see the 20 mph speed limit again. That will allow riders to better pace car traffic in big cities, something that we at Electrek have long felt is a safety feature for two-wheelers. Being able to keep up with traffic on an e-bike or scooter, even if that means going a few miles-per-hour over the legal limit, means fewer interactions with cars and a safer environment for everyone. However, with appropriate emphasis added, 33 mph on a 176 lb vehicle is much too fast for a bicycle lane, and it would be egregiously irresponsible for riders of a vehicle like this to endanger other cyclists in the bike lane like that. So I hope that riders can be responsible enough to realize that, and only use off-road mode where it is safe to do so. But considering we let anyone over 16 years old choose how fast they want to drive a 6,000 lb vehicle, I’m not exactly going to overexert myself suggesting that it’s the sub-200 lb, sub-35 mph two-wheeler category where we should be focusing our regulatory or enforcement efforts just yet.

Long story short, bravo, Infinite Machine. You knocked it out of the park on this design. Now, you just have to deliver on your promises. Good luck, we’re all watching.

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Volvo CEO: electric wave will kill a few Western automakers – which ones?

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29 mins ago

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September 11, 2025

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Volvo CEO: electric wave will kill a few Western automakers - which ones?

First-Volvo-ES90-EV

Volvo’s long-time CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, is returning to help the brand and openly admits that the rapid electrification of the auto industry will result in a few Western automotive brands going out of business.

Samuelsson led Volvo from 2012 to 2022, when he retired on top after a successful public offering.

However, Volvo’s stock has been sliding since his exit, and he recently accepted a 2-year contract to lead Volvo again as the company tries to find a permanent new leader.

He gave an interview with Bloomberg this week, in which he stated that Volvo remains firmly committed to electrification despite some pullbacks.

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Samuelsson doesn’t mince his words. He understands that the EV transition is difficult on the industry and China’s forceful push toward electrification at a global scale is putting pressure on Western automakers.

He believes that the industry will be fully electric in about 10 years and that some brands won’t survive the transition:

The industry will be electric — there’s no turning back. It may take a bit longer in some regions, but the direction is clear. In (about) 10 years, cars will all be electric and they will be lower cost.

There will be new dominant players, exactly as Ford, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen were in the old world. In the new world, there will be two or three very strong Chinese brands. That makes the room for the old ones tougher. So this will trigger a (wave of) restructuring. Some companies will adapt to new circumstances and survive. Others will not.

He didn’t specify which ones he thinks will not survive, but he is hopeful Volvo will be among those that will remain.

The CEO is also encouraged by the connection with Geely, which has been making great progress in electrification and owns a majority stake in the Swedish automaker.

However, the connection is also causing Volvo some issues, as they have been threatened with a sales ban in the US due to their Chinese ownership.

Electrek’s Take

I think he is right. I’ve been saying it for years, but this is the kind of disruption that companies don’t survive.

It is a huge industry and it moves slowly, especially for some legacy automakers. When you have new startups, such as Tesla and Rivian, which are more nimble, it is genuinely disruptive.

And now that Chinese companies, with their incredible manufacturing pace, are getting involved, as seen with BYD and Xiaomi, it is putting a lot of pressure on existing players.

However, it’s still not clear which ones will and won’t survive.

I’d love to know your best guests of who you think won’t survive the EV transition in the comment section below.


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Hyundai is now delaying its EV battery plant that was raided by ICE

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3 hours ago

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September 11, 2025

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Hyundai is now delaying its EV battery plant that was raided by ICE

Hyundai-delaying-EV-battery-plant

Construction on Hyundai’s electric vehicle battery site that was raided by ICE last week is now facing more setbacks. Hyundai is delaying work at the EV battery plant as the detained workers are expected to fly home on Thursday.

Hyundai is delaying its EV battery plant raided by ICE

During an interview on Thursday, Hyundai’s CEO José Muñoz announced the site will be delayed by at least a few months following the raid.

“This is going to give us minimum two to three months delay, because now all these people want to get back,” he said. Hyundai needs to fill the positions, and as Muñoz explained, “for the most part, those people are not in the US.”

The sudden announcement comes after federal agents raided the battery plant site on September 4, detaining 475 workers.

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Hyundai co-owns the plant with LG Energy Solutions, which is set to supply batteries to its nearby production site, the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).

Although a charter plane is waiting in Atlanta to fly the workers home, the raid is already sparking backlash. South Korean ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong warned that “The economic activities of our companies investing in the US and the rights and interests of our nationals must not be unfairly violated.”

Hyundai-EV-plant-raided-ICE
Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America EV plant (Source: Peter Johnson/ Electrek)

The raid occurred just days after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with President Trump at the White House, pledging to invest another $150 billion in the US, including a new EV battery plant.

However, after videos and images showed the detained workers shackled before being transferred onto buses, the operation is fueling outrage among South Koreans and will likely have bigger economic implications.

Hyundai-EV-battery-plant-raid
The new 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 at a Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai and LG’s battery plant is just one of 20 sites under construction in the US by a South Korean company. Several LG Energy Solutions’ construction sites have already been disrupted, while others fear similar crackdowns may follow.

Hyundai currently builds the new IONIQ 5 and larger IONIQ 9 electric SUVs at the production plant. The site in total spans about 3,000 acres, including the assembly facility, EV battery plants, and various other parts plants.

Electrek’s Take

The raid on Hyundai’s plant was frankly an embarrassment and will likely have much bigger impacts. Hyundai pledged to invest $12.6 billion in Georgia, creating 8,500 new jobs, marking the state’s largest economic project to date.

A Center for Automotive Research report found that Hyundai’s EV plant would generate over 50,000 new jobs indirectly, including suppliers and joint battery ventures.

Donald Trump has made it clear that he wants to arrest and deport as many “illegal” immigrants as possible, but he also wants to bring manufacturing back to the US.

The Hyundai plant raid is just another setback for the US auto industry. It has put thousands of new jobs and billions in investments at risk. It ultimately puts the US further behind China, South Korea, and others who are quickly emerging as powerhouses with advanced new batteries, software, and other EV tech.

Trump’s raid on the Hyundai plant could give a new meaning to the “Trump Slump” as fear spreads over similar crackdowns.

Source: Bloomberg


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Bluetti’s new Apex 300 station + bundles get up to $2,377 in exclusive savings, Lectric Endless Summer e-bike Sale, Aiper, more

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3 hours ago

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September 11, 2025

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Bluetti's new Apex 300 station + bundles get up to ,377 in exclusive savings, Lectric Endless Summer e-bike Sale, Aiper, more

We have exclusive discounts leading today’s Green Deals, with up to $2,377 savings available for our readers on Bluetti’s new Apex 300 Portable Power Station and its bundles starting from $1,529. We also have Lectric’s Endless Summer Sale that is taking up to $720 off its e-bike bundles, like the largest package to date on the brand’s XPress 750 Long-Range Commuter e-bikes that are getting $424 in FREE gear at $1,299, among all the other models. From there, we’ve got Aiper’s latest IrriSense Smart Sprinkler Irrigation System back at a second-ever $500 low, as well as a new low price on a Greenworks commercial-grade chainsaw, a compact Solo Stove fire pit, and two one-day only tool deals waiting for you below. Plus, there are all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX Fan Fest Sale – now with bonus 5% savings – and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Save up to an exclusive $2,377 on Bluetti’s new expansive Apex 300 power station and bundles starting from $1,529

Bluetti is having an Anniversary Power Week Sale that is taking up to 53% off power stations, but it’s getting all the better for our readers who want to score the brand’s new Apex 300 power station or its bundles thanks to exclusive codes we’ve been provided. Things start with Bluetti’s base Apex 300 Portable Power Station at $1,529.10 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout. This all-new backup solution only just hit the market last month with a $2,399 full price, which we saw dropped to $1,599 in launch savings, which dropped lower to $1,439 with exclusive discounts. It’s starting off this sale at $1,699, with the exclusive code providing $870 in total savings to land it at the second-best price we have tracked, if you missed out on the lower launch deals. Head below to learn more about this new model and browse the entire lineup of deals we’re seeing in this sale.

Before I go over the Bluetti Apex 300 station’s capabilities, I wanted to point out the bonus promotions we’re seeing during this sale. For this new model and its bundles below, members will score 3x Bluetti Bucks that can be used later to gain additional discounts and rewards. The entire sale also has some free gifts once your order reaches certain pricing thresholds, with $2,000 to $2,999 orders getting a free K5 Power Bank, $3,000 to $3,999 orders getting a free Handsfree 1 power station, and $4,000+ orders get a free Handsfree 2 power station.

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The new Bluetti Apex 300 power station is a beast of a backup power companion, starting with its 2,764.8Wh LiFePO4 capacity (which is rated for a 17-year lifespan by the brand) that can be expanded with further investments up to a monstrous 58kWh. It provides some serious output power too, starting at up to a steady 3,840W that surges to 7,680W and can expand with your setup to provide up to 11.52kW. What’s more, it has quite the UPS switchover time of 0ms whenever power goes out and you have devices/appliances/more connected.

It boasts a robust array of 13 output ports to cover your device/appliance connection needs, as well as the usual in-app smart controls you’d expect. Not only does it support passthrough charging (with a particular focus on generators), but it comes with a solid lineup of recharging methods for its own battery. You can plug it into a standard AC outlet, which can have it to 80% in 45 minutes with its Turbo mode activated, as well as use your car’s auxiliary port, connect a generator, or reach up to its max 2,400W solar input.

***Note: Make sure to use the exclusive code 9TO5TOYS10F at checkout to score these prices.

Bluetti’s Power Week Apex 300 power station deals:

You can browse the entire Bluetti Anniversary Power Week Sale on its main landing page here.

woman standing next to Lectric XPress 750 commuter e-bike

Lectric’s Endless Summer Sale offers $424 in FREE gear with the 60-mile XPress 750 commuter e-bikes at $1,299, more

Lectric has launched its Endless Summer Sale that is offering up to $720 in savings on its lineup of e-bike bundles, which includes the ongoing $500 price cut on the ONE Premium commuter e-bike. Among the group, we spotted a notably large bundle being given to Lectric’s XPress 750 Long-Range Commuter e-bikes that are getting $424 in FREE gear at $1,299 shipped, in both its step-thru and step-over designs. This package would normally run you $1,723 without the bundle savings, which beats out all the bundles we’ve seen before that only ever amounted up to $410 in gear. Along with the e-bike (which is one of my favorite commuters over the years), you’ll be getting a rear cargo rack, fenders to go over both tires, an Elite headlight upgrade, a suspension seat post, two adjustable rear-view mirrors, and an accordion-style folding bike lock. Head below for more on this e-bike’s capabilities and the other deals we’re seeing while the sale lasts.

If you want to learn more about this e-bikes capabilities, or check out the full lineup of e-bike deals, be sure to check out our full coverage of this sale here.

aiper's irrisense smart irrigation system spraying water across yard with house in background

Aiper’s IrriSense smart irrigation system brings far-reaching, app-controlled functionality to your yard at its $500 low

By way of its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering a second chance to pick up its latest IrriSense Smart Sprinkler Irrigation System for $499.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $200 off coupon, which matches the price we’re seeing directly from the brand’s website. It’s only been on the market since May, with it normally going for $700 outside of discounts, of which things have mostly dropped down to $600, except for the first-time fall to $500 we saw mid-August. Now that low price is coming back for round two, as $200 is cut from the tag for the best price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this new device’s capabilities, be sure to check out our original coverage of this sale here.

greenworks 82V 16-inch cordless chainsaw sitting on freshly cut tree trunk

Save $202 on commercial-grade cutting power with Greenworks’ 82V 16-inch cordless chainsaw at a new $198 low

Amazon is now offering the best price yet on the Greenworks 82V Commercial-Grade 16-inch Cordless Chainsaw with a 4.0Ah battery and dual-port rapid charger at $198.11 shipped. This newer model has only been on the market since February and ranges between $300 and $400 on average, with regular periods spent down at the former. While there have been a few discounts under that rate, we’ve recently seen it cascading down in price since late August, with the 50% markdown here cutting $202 off the tag for the best new price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this electric chainsaw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

two women sit chatting with coffee mugs around solo stove's mesa XL fire pit

Enhance at-home or campsite outdoor gatherings with Solo Stove’s Mesa XL tabletop fire pit at $76

Through its official Amazon storefront, Solo Stove is offering its Mesa XL Tabletop Fire Pit for $76.40 shipped. This compact model usually runs for $120 outside of discounts, which we’ve mostly seen keeping the costs between $80 and $96 throughout the year, save for the one-time drop to the $76 low that popped up for a short period in late August. It’s coming in today within $1 of that low price, with the deal here cutting $44 off the tag for the next-best rate we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this compact fire pit, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here.

man cutting tree branch with worx nitro 20V mini chainsaw

Make up to 160 cuts with Worx’s Nitro 20V 5-inch mini chainsaw at its $100 annual low (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Worx Nitro 20V 5-inch Cordless Mini Chainsaw at $99.99 shipped, which beats out the current Amazon pricing by $48. This handy tool would normally run you $150 at full price, which we’ve mostly seen dropping to $109, with occasional dips lower to $100 and the $99 low. While we haven’t seen that low price again since Christmas sales, you’re looking at the next-best rate here for the rest of the day only, cutting $50 off the tag to land $1 above that low.

If you want to learn more about this mini chainsaw, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

man cleaning edges of driveway with greenworks 80V 17-inch string trimmer

For the rest of the day snag Greenworks’ 80V 17-inch cordless string trimmer at $180

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Greenworks 80V 17-inch Cordless String Trimmer with 2.0Ah battery at $179.99 shipped, which you’ll only find in a renewed condition directly from the brand’s website right now, matching the price of this brand-new model, while it’s unavailable on Amazon. It normally goes for $250 at full price, which has mostly been taken down to this same rate, save for the one-time fall to its $171 low we spotted at the top of August. You’re getting the next-best price here for the rest of the day though, which saves you $70 and lands just $9 higher than its lowest tracked rate.

If you want to learn more about this string trimmer, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only deal here.

Best Summer EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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