Before electric scooters were cool—or even a thing—the streets of East Germany were buzzing with the unmistakable whirr of the Simson Schwalbe. First introduced in 1964, the smoky two-stroke scooter became a beloved icon, with over a million units sold before production wrapped in the mid-’80s. Fast forward to today, and that same silhouette is back on the streets.
But this time, it’s silent, clean, and unmistakably electric.
Meet the e-Schwalbe 1st Edition, a high-design homage to one of Europe’s most recognizable scooters. It’s built by Govecs, a German EV company that launched the e-Schwalbe back in 2017 under official license from the Schwalbe brand. So yes, this isn’t just some retro-inspired knockoff—this is the real deal, reborn with a lithium-powered heart.
But while it looks like something straight out of the Cold War era, the e-Schwalbe 1st Edition is very much a product of today. It’s got a 48V in-hub motor, hydraulic disc brakes, LED lighting, and a bright, full-color TFT display with a built-in day/night sensor. The drivetrain delivers a top speed of 28 miles per hour, and depending on your setup, range is 31 miles with one battery or up to 62 miles with two. Charging is flexible too: plug it in directly, or take the batteries out and juice them up indoors with the stylish eSchwalbe Home Charger.
Now, let’s be honest, those numbers don’t exactly scream performance. For something priced at €7,999 (around $8,640 USD), you’d be forgiven for expecting a bit more bite. After all, that kind of money could get you a more powerful electric motorcycle or a fancy special-edition Vespa. But that would be missing the point.
The e-Schwalbe 1st Edition isn’t trying to be your next grab-and-go commuter. It’s something else entirely: a design object, a rolling piece of history, and a style statement for those who appreciate form as much as function. It’s the kind of machine that gets parked outside a gallery, not a grocery store.
Just look at it. The frame retains the graceful curves of the original Schwalbe KR51, while using a modern, high-strength plastic that’s dyed (not just painted) for long-lasting color and durability. The material is said to be nearly unbreakable, giving it resilience in daily use while keeping the aesthetic intact. Subtle chrome details, a plush two-up saddle, and an ultra-clean cockpit round out the retro-futuristic vibe.
And it’s not just the look that’s sustainable. Govecs says all components are manufactured in Europe, keeping the supply chain short and the environmental footprint smaller than most mass-produced scooters. This also probably explains the high price tag. But hey, it is what it is.
The whole package is assembled in Poland, and the attention to detail is clear to see in everything from the lighting signature to the bolt-on body panels.
So no, the e-Schwalbe 1st Edition isn’t for everyone. It’s niche. It’s expensive. And its performance might leave thrill-seekers underwhelmed. But for the urban rider who values craftsmanship, legacy, and effortless style, it’s hard to beat.
So maybe the real question is: would you rock this esoteric machine as your daily commuter? It may not be the fastest thing on two wheels, but it’s sure to turn more heads than anything else in the bike lane.
Source: e-Schwalbe
