GM has filed a patent application for a new all-electric scrambler motorcycle design. The new filing was made under patent number US D1,073,539 S with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and was filed on May 23rd, 2023. The filing was published on May 6th, 2025, and lists Dave W. Heyne from Hazel Park, Michigan as the inventor.
The filing shows a series of design images depicting the all-electric scrambler motorcycle from multiple angles. The design incorporates a rugged aesthetic that looks well-suited for off-road adventures, with a central battery pack housed within the main structure of the frame. The battery casing is marked with large-lettered branding, while the front suspension includes a traditional telescopic fork setup. The front suspension is complemented by a small, high-mounted front fender, while the handlebars show relatively minimalistic controls, contributing to the bike’s stripped-down, purpose-built appearance.
The seat is a slim, flat design, extending out to create a streamlined profile. The rear suspension appears to be a mono-shock configuration, paired with a swing arm that supports the rear wheel. The wheels feature a rugged, knobby tire pattern, once again adding to the motorcycle’s off-road flavor.
For those readers who may be unaware, a scrambler-style motorcycle is designed for both on-road and light off-road use, and is characterized by a rugged appearance, knobby tires, and raised suspension. Initially popularized in the ‘60s, scramblers have experienced something of a resurgence in recent years.
While an all-electric motorcycle may seem like a weird choice for GM, it’s not entirely off-base. After all, the automaker already has a series of all-electric batteries and electric motors to pull from when it comes to the powertrain, while the EV off-roader theme falls in line with a few other GM vehicles – including the GMC Hummer EV. In fact, GM has already partnered with Recon Power Bikes for its Hummer-branded all-wheel-drive Ebike, so why not a battery-powered scrambler motorcycle as well?
Comments
Fire whomever approved this allocation of time and resources. Some parents make sense, as it either adds value to current products, or keeps competition from adding value to theirs. This isn’t in the realm. A team of 3-4 engineers probably worked on this for months instead of one of GM’s many quality issues. Don’t fire those engineers, fire their manager who OK’d such allocation of time and funds.
Not sure why some people assume all engineers do the same thing. There are several types of engineers and software developers, each assigned to specific roles. Some focus on R&D, while others handle reliability issues. Adding more engineers to the reliability side won’t necessarily speed up issue resolution unless the team was previously under-resourced. In fact, smaller teams often move faster than larger ones. Working on patents doesn’t take anything away from fixing existing issues.
People here just like to find reasons to complain. To them: innovation = death. GM should only make V8 sedans and muscle cars because that’s what they grew up watching their parents drive. Change is frightening.
They didn’t learn anything from the ARIV e bike debacle.
Omega Supreme.
I agree that not Engineers do the same thing, but every hour spent working on something that is not a priority is time pretty much wasted. Warranty Issues/Recalls are an absolute priority and there SEEMS to be less than required resources dedicated to these issues. The cost of not resolving Warranty Issues/Recalls is HUGE.
No mention of the drive train ,,,chain belt or what,,,,,, enclosed shaft drive ?
It’s important to note that the quality problems are often related to sub-contractors so, blaming inside teams is too easy. Blaming anything or anybody without being in the shop is hazardous. Sure, it drives the motivation of the teams to do better and identify the problems.
Or just go buy an existing and very well regarded EV scrambler motorcycle (or various other models) from USA based Zero Motorcycles. They’ve been manufacturing and continuously refining them for over 15 years.
I honestly don’t know how the above sketches could be “patentable”. There, in my opinion, is absolutely nothing unique about this rendition. It would have only taken a Design Engineer on a CAD terminal about 2 hrs to create these sketches. Maybe a day to draw them by hand. Not there is anything wrong with it, other than the poor seat design, I just don’t see it as anything unique. I’m sure just about every e-bike designed for this same purpose is almost identical. And for GM to bother, WHY?