FUSING TECHNOLOGY AND HANDCRAFT: DAB MOTORS AND VVT’S ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE MARVEL
The DAB Motors Akira bike is a one-of-a-kind electric motorcycle built by DAB Motors and the Vita Veloce Team (VVT), with bodywork that draws deep inspiration from Shotaro Kaneda's machine in the 1988 anime Akira. Built on the DAB 1-Alpha platform for Colombian singer J Balvin, it fuses AI-assisted design, 3D printing and hand-finished craftsmanship into a glowing, retro-futuristic statement.
Unveiled around J Balvin's birthday, this cutting-edge two-wheeler showcases the perfect marriage of advanced technology and hand-finished craftsmanship. The bike features bold, monolithic 3D-printed bodywork that fully encloses its expansive tires. Painted in a deep matte red with visible scratches and scuffs, the frame intentionally embodies a lived-in aesthetic, making it feel as if the bike carries its own story long before its first ride. As designboom reports, the collaboration brings together DAB founder Simon Dabadie with VVT co-founders J Balvin and designer Mattias Gollin.
What makes the DAB Motors Akira electric motorcycle special?
This dab electric bike integrates several standout features. The design teams used AI tools during the concept stage to refine the shape before moving to 3D printing for the bodywork. They then sanded, painted and hand-assembled the bike to bring it to life. Among its innovations, sound-absorbing foam sits between the wheel covers and rims, giving a subtle low-frequency tone that reverberates through the rider's body. The wheels also glow in the dark thanks to LED strips hidden inside the red shell, emitting a moody purplish-blue glow that gives the bike an atmospheric appearance at night.
Can you buy the J Balvin electric motorcycle?
Although originally designed as a custom piece for J Balvin, DAB Motors and VVT have hinted at a limited production run for those eager to ride this anime-inspired masterpiece. As HiConsumption notes, the one-off is based on the production DAB 1 Alpha platform. Beyond serving as functional transportation, the motorcycle is an artistic statement that merges retro-futuristic design with cutting-edge engineering. By combining AI modeling, 3D printing and hand-crafted details, the collaboration sets an exciting benchmark for the future of electric two-wheelers. With its bold aesthetics and advanced features, this motorcycle is more than a ride; it is an experience that celebrates both technological and creative innovation.
Photo: DAB Motors / VVT
Where to find electric motorcycles like the DAB Motors Akira
If this DAB Motors creation grabs you, explore more two-wheeled design in our motorcycles collection. You can ride the platform behind it with the DAB 1-Alpha TheArsenale Edition. For other design-forward electric motorcycles, see the Essence E-Raw Signature and the Tarform Luna.
Browse the full TheArsenale motorcycles collection to find your own piece of two-wheeled art.
