No License, Registration, Or Insurance Needed
New York-based electric mobility startup Infinite Machine is aimed squarely at the “post-car future: Founded by brothers Joseph Cohen and Eddie Cohen, along with co-founder/chief engineer Zach Cooper, the company is betting on a radically different approach to combat and rewrite the rules of urban transportation. In an exclusive interview with duPont REGISTRY last week, the trio shared their vision: “To build the most compelling non-cars on Earth.”
Today, Infinite Machine unveiled Olto, a low-slung rethink of the urban two-wheeler. Less of an e-bike, more of an ultra-refined tool purpose-built for the bike lane, the Olto combines industrial design with tech-enabled modern convenience. It is the startup’s second major product after the sleek, high-performance P1, unveiled in 2023, a 65-mph electric scooter that has already built a cult following. If P1 is the firm’s OG Tesla Roadster, Olto is their iPhone: engineered with mass appeal, and the same clean monolithic design first seen on their disruptive P1.
Built From Scratch For The Bike Lane
The Olto reimagines what a two-wheeled vehicle could be if it were designed from the ground up for city life. That means no registration, no license, no insurance, and no compromises. Tuned for both regulatory flexibility and rider confidence, the Olto hits 20 mph in the bike lane and can unlock 33 mph in off-road mode via the Infinite Machine app. There’s also a five-second handlebar-triggered “Boost Mode” for those steep climbs or quick getaways. “We wanted to build something that could exist legally in New York City and also feel fun in a gated community or gravel path,” Joseph explained.
A mono-shock rear suspension is designed to smooth out potholes, while 200mm hydraulic disc brakes up front and 190mm in the rear offer motorcycle-grade stopping power. It adapts to local laws using GPS-based tuning.
The Olto’s 750W rear hub motor (2kW peak) is powered by a 48V, 1.2kWh hot-swappable battery that offers 40 miles of real-world range. The battery drops under the seat, no cables needed, and can be topped up to 50% in an hour, and 5.5 hours for a full charge with the included charger. With the optional supercharger, you’re looking at three hours for a full charge.
Radical, Functional, And Cool
Breaking into the competitive micro-mobility space is already a tall order, and design won’t just help you stand out in the crowd, but could also serve as a strategic tool against competitors. “Most products out there look like printers,” Eddie said. “They’re boring, appliance-like. We wanted something you’d be excited to ride.” The result is bold: a monolithic, angular Cybertruck-like form crafted from welded steel and anodized aluminum. Every part from the clutch-based pedal system to the 200mm hydraulic disc brakes is built to take on more than just the urban environment.
Inspired by the enduring appeal of the legendary Honda Cub that put Japan back on wheels in the post-World War II era, the Olto follows a design philosophy rooted in mass accessibility. “Honda changed the world when it said motorcycles aren’t just for rebels; they’re for moms, commuters, regular people,” said Joseph. “We want Olto to do the same for e-mobility. We’re just getting started, so who knows what will happen, but our ambition with it is to have a product that aspirationally can become as iconic as the Cub.”
The Olto weighs 176 pounds, yet carries two adults with ease. The pedals double as footrests, magnetically aligning when not in use. Retractable passenger footpegs and modular accessory mounts (for baskets, child carriers, and more) make it a truly utilitarian vehicle. Two helmet hooks are hidden beneath the seat, a dedicated AirTag cavity, and a mount for U-locks.
Infinite Security And Seamless Tech
Security is core to the Olto experience. When parked, the steering and wheels auto-lock and Tampering triggers a 98 dB alarm and an instant app notification. GPS and LTE tracking are standard, and a backup battery keeps security systems active even without the main pack. Your phone is your key and with the Infinite Machine app, you can unlock and start Olto just by walking up. The app available across both iOS and Android, also displays live metrics such as speed, range, location, and allows you to adjust power modes, track rides, and share digital keys with friends and family.
When Can You Get One
Infinite Machine’s ultimate goal with the Olto is to take the technology, and design language from the larger P1 and bring it into a much more accessible form factor, price point. This was something that Chief Engineer Zach Cooper laid particular emphasis on. “Instead of going from a smaller vehicle to a bigger vehicle, where you’re tapping into something that’s meant to be pedaled, adding a motor and overdriving all the systems with the Olto, we’re taking a different approach and scaling things down from our learnings from P1.”
Available in silver or black, the Olto starts at $3,495 and ships this fall. It aims to democratize the design-first ethos that Infinite Machine established with the P1. With direct-to-consumer sales and potential retail partnerships in the works, Global expansion is also planned, but the Infinite Machine team is currently focused on scaling operations within the U.S. first, with New York, L.A., San Francisco, Austin, and Miami being some of the key markets. Despite looming tariffs and infrastructure gaps, the founders remain bullish on the micro-mobility industry growing at the rate of 20% annually.
Images: Infinite Machine