If you’re a human adult with a disposable income and a nostalgia problem, you’re probably the target market for the new Dab 1a electric motorcycle. The creation of Dab (the company), the EV is themed around the Nintendo Game Boy Color (apparently — we don’t believe it). Specifically the Nintendo Purple and the translucent variant of the handheld console*.
This doesn’t go any way toward explaining why the company has purple Nintendo 64 controllers in its promotional images but we’ll let that slide for now. Even though we can also see Resident Evil 2 on the TV behind the bike. The important thing is that this electric bike is purple and Nintendo-themed. And it’s got controller buttons. And cheat codes.
Just a Dab
If you want one, expect to pay at least R290,000 for access. On top of that, you’ll have to snag one of the four hundred production units the run is limited to. Here’s why you’d want to do that. On top of the run of standard features like Brembo brakes, ABS by Peugeot (Dab is a French company), Pirelli tyres, and a top speed of 130km/h (but with mad acceleration), the Dab 1a’s Nintendo version has a couple of extras.
Like Nintendo-inspired controls on the handlebars, “cheat codes” in the form of unlockable themes for your instrument cluster, and even “speed boosts”. What that last one is isn’t explained but we would hope it would be awesome. Finally, there’s the repurposed Game Boy Colour cartridge that slots in and replaces the Dab 1a’s key. That feature might actually be worth paying for.
The 7.1kWh battery charges to full in three hours, regenerative braking keeps you on the road a little longer, and a full charge will get you 150 kilometres of distance. In other words, you can go flat out for about an hour before needing to stop and charge. Still, as a little commuter bike, the Dab 1a could be quite an experience. Especially if you’re astride the purple one.
*See the ‘apparently’ above