Karmactive TeamNimbus Motorcycles, a Danish brand known for their well-built bikes in the early 20th century, is being revived with a focus on electric power. The company’s roots lie in the vacuum industry, a venture by Fisker and Nielsen that eventually led to the creation of innovative motorcycles such as the “StovePipe” and “Bumblebee.” Nimbus motorcycles were distinct, featuring a 4-cylinder in-line engine, a 3-speed gearbox, and a single-plate clutch with a shaft drive to the rear wheel – a system more common in motorcars at that time.
A standout in Nimbus’s design was its robust chassis and a circular gas tank, diverging from the then-standard flat tank designs. Despite their solid construction, Nimbus struggled in the face of changing consumer preferences and mass production pressures, leading to their closure in the late 1950s. Today, Nimbus is set to return, this time trading high-capacity engines for less power and more accessibility. The forthcoming model, known as the Nimbus One, is being touted as a blend of bicycle and motorcycle elements.
It aims to capture a larger potential market with its innovative design and an imminent share offering. The new Nimbus One will feature a direct-drive electric motor, a unique tractor-style seat, and a low-set of handlebars, complete with a large TFT screen. Nimbus Motorcycles was the only motorcycle manufacturer in Denmark from 1919 to 1960, known for their exotic-looking bikes with inline four-cylinder engines.
The original Nimbus models were introduced in 1919 by Danish vacuum cleaner pioneers Fisker and Nielsen. Their first model, the 750cc “Stovepipe,” was advanced for the era, with a longitudinally mounted inline four-cylinder engine. Nimbus’s production came to an end in 1959 due to the rise of cheap, mass-made cars in Europe. Today, the Nimbus brand is being revived by Claus Clausen with an electric motorcycle project that reflects the design of its original gas-powered models.
The revived Nimbus aims to reproduce the style of the old Type C model in a new version named the Type E. The company plans to raise funds through a share offering in order to bring the e-bicycle into production and to create a prototype of the electric motorcycle. The new model will feature a hidden swingarm and a rear monoshock beneath the saddle, with a large battery and electronics pack taking the place of a conventional engine. Nimbus’s revival is significant as Denmark has one of the highest levels of electric vehicle adoption in Europe, and the Nimbus Type C holds an iconic status in its homeland.
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The Nimbus electric motorcycle is slated to reach a top speed of 75 miles per hour, with a range of 100 miles on a single charge, and is expected to weigh around 400 pounds. Nimbus Motorcycles was founded in 1918 and their most popular model, the Type C, was produced from 1934 to 1965. Nimbus originated from the Nilfisk company, initially focusing on electric motors and vacuum cleaners, before branching into the motorcycle market.
Danish entrepreneur Claus Støvlbæk Clausen has recently acquired the rights to the Nimbus brand and is collaborating with the design firm 3Part to develop an electric version of the Nimbus motorcycle. Drawing upon the design of the original Type C model, the team is working to reinterpret it as an electric bike. Nimbus is fondly remembered by many fans in Denmark and collectors elsewhere, largely due to its unique design and limited availability.
The success of the Nimbus revival will not only depend on its performance and price but also on the country’s high level of electric vehicle adoption. Clausen is determined to honor Nimbus as a symbol of Danish innovation, technological prowess, and design heritage. In addition to the electric motorcycle, Nimbus also plans to introduce an electric bicycle, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and versatile transportation.
