Introducing the Sol Motors Pocket Rocket: An Innovative Electric Motorcycle

The Sol Motors Pocket Rocket has emerged as a distinctive player in the electric motorcycle market, available in configurations suitable for driving licenses AM and A1, starting at a price of 6,000 euros. This striking electric bike is designed to turn heads wherever it goes.

As electric motorcycle startups face stiff competition, Sol Motors, based in Böblingen, has carved out a niche with its unique design. The Pocket Rocket features a robust aluminum tube that serves dual purposes: it acts as the main frame and houses the battery. Below, a V-shaped, thinner tube supports the swingarm and footrests. The bike is completed with a handlebar, a solo seat, and two 16-inch wheels, culminating in an unconventional yet eye-catching electric motorcycle.

Founded by product designer Manuel Messmer, Sol Motors took longer than expected to bring the Pocket Rocket to market, with orders opening in late 2024. Messmer, an avid motorcyclist, sought a modern solution to urban transportation, believing that traditional combustion engines were no longer viable for city living. Dissatisfied with existing electric motorcycles, he decided to create his own in 2018, collaborating with a skilled metalworker and engineers previously associated with Porsche to develop the bike's motor control system.

The Pocket Rocket's battery is ingeniously integrated into the frame for aesthetic appeal, hiding unsightly wiring and creating a lighter appearance. The frame is sourced from an Austrian exhaust manufacturer known for robust tubing. During development, Messmer upgraded the battery from 18650 cells to 21700 cells, enhancing the vehicle's range. The bike is equipped with a 2.5-kWh battery that can be charged directly on the bike or removed for home charging, weighing in at 16.7 kg, which requires some physical effort for transport. Charging takes approximately four hours, but can be reduced to two hours with a fast charger.

Sol Motors offers the Pocket Rocket in two performance variants. The standard model boasts a power output of 4 kW, enabling speeds of up to 45 km/h, making it accessible for those with an AM license from the age of 15. It delivers a torque of 120 Nm, ensuring decent acceleration. The higher-performance variant, the Pocket Rocket S, produces 6 kW and reaches speeds of 85 km/h, requiring an A1 or B196 license, generating 160 Nm of torque. The Pocket Rocket has a range of up to 108 km, while the Pocket Rocket S achieves a maximum of 68 km, which is still sufficient for urban commuting.

With a seat height of 840 mm, riders sit comfortably on a solo seat while managing a lightweight electric vehicle tipping the scales at just 87 kg. The handlebars are positioned for an upright riding posture, and essential information is displayed on a compact instrument panel. The bike features an integrated LED headlight at the front and a rear light that doubles as the battery cover. The suspension includes a 60 mm travel fork at the front and a 50 mm travel at the rear. Tires from Heidenau are fitted in the sizes 100/90R16 and 110/90R16, while braking is handled by a hydraulic CBS system with a 220 mm diameter disk in front and a 200 mm disk at the rear.

The Pocket Rocket is available starting at 5,990 euros, with the Pocket Rocket S starting at 6,990 euros. Both models can be ordered online. Standard color options include black, with additional colors available for an extra fee, enhancing customization for buyers.