J2R Dynamics, a French startup founded in 2022 by Jean Madaule (a former video game analyst) and his engineer father, is taking a fresh approach to electric mobility. Their first product — the Smol — is a sleek, compact, and innovative electric motorcycle purpose-built for urban riders who want performance without compromise.
Despite the playful name, the Smol isn’t a toy. It’s a full-fledged electric motorcycle with serious engineering and a unique design philosophy. Born in a garage and refined into a production-ready machine, it’s already turning heads, and it hasn’t even officially launched yet.

Specs
At first glance, the Smol stands out with its minimalist frame, bold lines, and retro-futuristic styling. But under the surface is where things really get interesting:
Powertrain:
- Motor: 8 kW hub motor with a peak output of 35 kW — plenty for zippy acceleration and a top speed of around 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Torque: Instant torque typical of electric motors, ideal for quick starts and city maneuvering
- Transmission: Single-speed, direct drive via the rear hub motor, simplifying the drivetrain and eliminating a chain or belt
Battery System:
- Battery Configuration: Two removable 4 kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) packs.
- Removability: Each battery weighs approximately 17 kg (~37.5 lb), allowing users to carry them inside for charging.
- Range: ~90 km (~56 miles) with one battery, up to 170 km (~105 miles) with both batteries installed
- Charging: Plug-in via standard home socket; charging time is estimated at 3–4 hours per battery.
Chassis & Ride:
- Frame: Lightweight, durable design, developed and assembled in France
- Suspension: Inverted front fork and central monoshock for sporty handling and comfort over city bumps
- Brakes: Formula-brand hydraulic brakes with regenerative braking capabilities
- Tires: 14-inch wheels, striking a balance between scooter agility and motorcycle stability
- Seat Height: 790 mm (31 inches) — accessible to most riders
- Weight: Approx. 100 kg (~220 lb) with both batteries on board
Design & Build Quality
The Smol may be compact, but it doesn’t cut corners. Its design was heavily influenced by the aesthetics of video games — clean, functional, and a little rebellious — and it’s made with 80% European-sourced components, which is a rarity in this category.
From the textured metal frame to the integrated lighting and compact dashboard, the Smol looks and feels modern without relying on over-the-top tech features. It’s meant to be easy to maintain, repairable, and resilient — an ideal companion for daily city commuting.
Ordering & Availability
J2R Dynamics is taking a cautious but deliberate approach to launching the Smol.
- First Batch: The company offered a limited run of 50 “Pioneer” units for pre-order. These are essentially early access versions for backers who want to support the brand’s journey from prototype to full production.
- Pricing: The base price is set at €9,450 (~$10,000), with a €500 refundable deposit securing a place in the queue.
- Delivery Timeline: J2R aims to deliver Pioneer units by late 2025 or early 2026, with broader production expected to scale later that year.
- Sales Model: The company is operating direct-to-consumer, which helps keep costs down and customer communication transparent. All orders are placed via J2R’s official website.
Is Smol The Future Of Urban Riding?
If you’re looking for something practical, fun, and environmentally responsible, but still want to turn heads at every stoplight, the Smol delivers. It’s not trying to be a bulky touring bike or a mass-market scooter. It’s designed to be “just enough” motorcycle for everyday life: zippy, efficient, and packed with personality.
It fills a rare gap in the market, offering true 125cc performance, electric agility, and premium build quality in a package that’s easy to live with. And because it’s being designed and assembled in Europe, it has a focus on ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and long-term repairability, which is something you rarely get with imports from Asia or the US. While its price is higher than some entry-level EVs, the Smol delivers engineering quality, design uniqueness, and eco-conscious values, making it a serious contender in the 125cc-equivalent category.
Sign up for CleanTechnica’s Weekly Substack for Zach and Scott’s in-depth analyses and high level summaries, sign up for our daily newsletter, and follow us on Google News!
Whether you have solar power or not, please complete our latest solar power survey.
Have a tip for CleanTechnica? Want to advertise? Want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for 15 new cleantech stories a day. Or sign up for our weekly one on top stories of the week if daily is too frequent.
CleanTechnica uses affiliate links. See our policy here.
CleanTechnica’s Comment Policy