The Infinite Machine Olto is fast, fun, and futuristic. I’m just not entirely sure what it is.
At about 36 miles per hour, I realized the Infinite Machine Olto isn’t a bike. Though it has pedals, doesn’t require a license in most parts of the US, and is cleared for bike lanes, I’ve never bothered using the pedals. Given its 175-pound weight, even with motorized help, pedaling feels like pushing a rock uphill. Plus, using the throttle to pass a car going 30 in a 25-zone makes it apparent it’s not just a bike.
The Olto is a $3,495 vehicle from a New York startup. It blends elements of mopeds, e-bikes, and scooters. A versatile vehicle, it aims to replace some daily car uses, akin to a cargo bike, and is the most fun new ride I’ve tried.
Many of my trips are too long to walk but too short to justify using a car. With errands like a mile to the grocery store and similar distances elsewhere, parking often takes as long as driving. While I’ve been keen on scooters, hoverboards, and more, the Olto, with its roomy seat and lively throttle, is a more sophisticated solution. It transforms a 20-minute walk into three minutes of bliss, parking effortlessly thanks to its anti-theft features and its size.
Operate the Olto in various modes based on legal bike and e-moto definitions differing by state, adapting during setup for local rules. Options range from Limited at 15mph to Class 3 at 28mph, up to an Unlocked mode for private/off-road use.
Soon, I took the Olto beyond my usual errands. A six-mile trip, heavy with DC traffic, took 26 minutes instead of the usual 40-bike ride. Despite the comical appearance in a motorcycle helmet, the ride was smooth.
The Olto claims 40 miles on a single charge. Recharging requires several hours, making overnight charging ideal. Without juice, pedaling is impractical.
It’s a scaled version of Infinite Machine’s P1, a stylish electric moped. Founded by Joe and Eddie Cohen, their tech background influences the intuitive app controls. The company aims for diverse electric vehicles, with the Olto serving as a starting point.
The Olto resembles the Cybertruck, thanks to a sleek, industrial design. It’s not for everyone, but it fits my taste.
Design-wise, pedals double as footrests, though tricky to unlock for pedaling. Pegs for a passenger are finicky too. Essentially, pedals exist for legal definitions.
With features like a turn signal, the Olto’s handlebars are practical, though the sensitive horn took getting used to. Hooks on the back and footwell space make carrying items easier.
Fast and nimble, the Olto maneuvers well. Compared to bikes, however, it’s bulky and unwieldy. Moving it over curbs or loading it into cars isn’t easy. That said, it’s more comfortable and faster than most e-bikes.
The Olto might shake up the bike world concerned with motor expansion, rightly so. It’s comfortable, relaxed, and very car-like, more than any micromobility vehicle I’ve tested. It doesn’t aim to be a bike but to replace a car, sparking unexpected usage. I may take over bike lanes, but I’m conscious of it.