Have you heard of Nimbus? No, we’re not referring to the electric autocycle manufacturer, but rather the motorcycle manufacturer from the 20th century. Like many early motorcycle companies, Nimbus had its origins in different industries before venturing into motorcycles.
While Ducati began with radio equipment, Nimbus one emerged from a company called Nilfisk. Originally focused on electric motors and vacuum cleaners, Nilfisk took its name from the surnames of its founders, H.M. Nielsen, and Peder Andersen Fisker. In 1918, as motorcycles gained popularity, Fisker hopped on the new vehicle trend and developed the first Nimbus motorcycle prototype. Fast forward to 1934, and the company introduced its most enduring and popular model, the Type C.
The Type C was a shaft-driven machine that initially produced around 18 horsepower, eventually reaching 22 horsepower in later versions. It boasted a top speed of 75 miles per hour (much more than the average speed of 50 mph). The Nimbus Type C found favor in military and government roles, serving as contract vehicles for the Danish post office, army, and police forces.
Simultaneously, it was also a reliable and versatile choice for civilian use within Denmark. However, the company chose not to export it elsewhere, limiting its popularity primarily to the country. But now, in 2023, with the cycle of trends, it’s no surprise that what was once old may become new again. Predictably, Nimbus is cherished by fans in Denmark and collectors worldwide. Collectors and enthusiasts thrive on the challenge of obtaining a rare bike that may only be seen once a year on a remote mountaintop. Consequently, Nimbus motorcycles have garnered a dedicated group of admirers beyond Denmark’s borders.
Nimbus Electric Motorcycle
In 2014, a Danish entrepreneur named Claus Støvlbæk Clausen felt a strong sense of duty to revive the Nimbus name as a proud symbol of Danish innovation, technological prowess, and design heritage. According to Clausen, the idea struck him in the shower, as it often happens with the best brainstorms. He promptly contacted Nilfisk-Advance, the owner of all rights related to Nimbus, to inquire about a potential acquisition.
Despite initial plans by Nilfisk-Advance to sell the rights to someone else, Clausen persisted and luck favored him when that deal fell through. After subsequent meetings, Clausen succeeded in securing the complete Nimbus trademark and technology rights, achieving exactly what he had hoped for. Although he initially aimed to secure funding from investors and begin producing new Nimbuses as early as 2015, that plan didn’t come to fruition. Nevertheless, Clausen’s determination remained unwavering, even if it meant a longer path to success. He partnered with the design firm 3Part, and together they brought this electric design to life. Retaining the essence of the Type C while reimagining it as an electric bike became a priority.
3Part’s founding partner and CEO, Simon Skafdrup, expressed their involvement in the development process, stating, “It is with great humility and respect that we have agreed to be birth attendants in the development process, which will lead to a relaunch of the Nimbus motorcycle. I compare it to what some Italians did years ago when they took the original FIAT 500 drawings and brought the model back to the present, recently launching it in a pure electric version. There is a strong DNA and countless design details to take as a starting point, so our role on the design team may be more about selecting, focusing, and refining rather than discovering something entirely new.”
Nimbus One EV
The Nimbus One, an innovative three-wheeled electric vehicle scooter by Nimbus Motorcycles, revolutionizes urban transportation with its distinct halo design and high-strength steel frame. A 3-wheeled marvel, the Nimbus One offers electric car-like convenience in a motorcycle size, ingeniously blending the best of both worlds. Powered by a 9 kWh battery, it flaunts an impressive estimated 370 mpge in the city, accelerating to a top speed of 50 mph. An onboard charger facilitates a charge time of just 5.4 hours using a standard household outlet, while a 1.2 hours charge can be achieved with a more robust charger. Its safety features include an airbag system.
The Nimbus One stands out for its ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System), making use of onboard cameras and AI to offer features like lane departure warning and automated emergency braking, ensuring a safer ride. The unique design even incorporates a steering wheel and seat belts, typically associated with cars, reinforcing the Nimbus’s car-like convenience. It also includes a lean feature where the vehicle leans into corners, enhancing stability and control, similar to conventional e-bikes.
Affordably priced, the Nimbus One costs less than the cumulative costs of gas and insurance of a car, making it an appealing choice for greener, cost-effective commuting. Starting at an affordable $200 a month to rent, it is projected to hit the production line in Q3 of 2024. With fewer materials and batteries than a car, it aligns with the eco-friendly ethos of micro-mobility vehicles like trikes and e-scooters. Its compact form allows it to fit into a regular parking space easily, further enhancing its urban mobility prowess. So, buckle up, and get ready to get your hands on the Nimbus One, a breakthrough in urban micro-mobility, for a test drive.
The company plans to produce both a Nimbus electric motorcycle and a Nimbus electric bicycle, with hopes of commencing motorcycle production around 2025. There have been discussions about reintroducing a sidecar, as seen in Type C, but no designs have been released regarding that development yet. As we gather more information, we’ll make sure to keep you updated. What are your thoughts on what you’ve seen so far?
