BMS E-Motorrijder tested the new EXE 2 from NERVA
Author: Andrew Thijssen | BMS E-Motorrijder | Edited by THE PACK | Not so long ago, electric motor scooters were barely on anyone’s radar. The image was dull and didn’t fit the identity that riders had built around themselves. How times have changed. Ride through any average city today and you’ll quickly notice the shift, regional government policy is playing a significant role in accelerating the adoption of these quiet, clean machines.
Nerva is a Spanish brand that, like many others, has its vehicles manufactured in China. What sets the EXE 2 apart, however, is its battery. This electric motor scooter is fitted with a cell from Chinese battery giant BYD, specifically a single 7.83 kWh Blade LFP unit rated for more than 6,000 charge cycles, equivalent to around 600,000 kilometers of use. Power comes from a synchronous motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering a peak output of 19 kW via a fully enclosed belt drive. The continuous rated output is 11 kW, which means the EXE 2 can be ridden on an A1 licence.
Nerva claims a range of 180 km in Eco mode and 140 km in Standard and Sport modes. Top speed is 130 km/h, making it motorway-legal. Charging is handled by an onboard 3.3 kW charger, which takes the battery from zero to 80 percent in just two hours. A full charge via a standard Type 2 port takes around two and a half hours. Charging is compatible with a wallbox, AC public charger, or a regular domestic socket.
All key information is displayed on an 8.8-inch TFT screen with connectivity features including optional navigation and diagnostics. Standard equipment includes keyless start, traction control, dual-channel ABS, a reverse gear, and regenerative braking. Storage under the flip-up seat is generous. Suspension is handled by a telescopic fork up front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, simple and non-adjustable, but adequate. Braking is provided by a twin disc setup at the front and a single disc at the rear, paired with standard dual-channel ABS.
On the road
The Nerva EXE 2 is a substantial machine. Its size offers good wind protection and a comfortable two-up seating position. A small raised section in the middle of the seat is intended to provide support, though more on that later. Despite its generous dimensions and 230 kg kerb weight, the EXE 2 is surprisingly easy to ride. Ergonomics are well thought out, with intuitive controls on both handlebar sides. The riding position is relaxed, with plenty of leg and foot room, and the option to stretch your feet forward.
Throttle response is exactly what you’d expect from an electric vehicle: immediate and strong. Three riding modes are available: Eco, Standard, and Sport, selectable via a slider switch on the right bar. Eco limits speed to 50 km/h for urban use, Standard caps it at 93 km/h, and Sport unlocks the full 130 km/h. The size and weight of the EXE 2 do mean it’s not the nimblest city scooter, the turning circle is a touch wide for tight streets. It’s more at home on larger urban roads and out-of-town routes, where its ever-present electric torque makes for effortless progress. The chassis feels solid and stable, and while the suspension is basic, it delivers a comfortable enough ride. On the motorway, the EXE 2 holds its own with ease, the claimed top speed is readily achievable. Braking performance is competent, though the regenerative braking could stand to be a little stronger.
Real-world range
Pushing hard on the motorway at 120–130 km/h, the EXE 2 drops into Standard mode after around 65 km, with the battery at 25 percent, leaving roughly 30 km to reach your destination at the reduced 90 km/h limit. In Standard mode alone, the real-world range sits around 135 km. In mixed riding, expect approximately 150 km in practice. The claimed 180 km city range wasn’t tested, but seems plausible.
Verdict
The Nerva EXE 2 is a well-finished electric maxi scooter with room for two, a pleasant ride, and a practical under-seat storage compartment large enough to fit a helmet. The raised saddle section is a minor irritant, particularly for taller riders, and would be better left out. Performance and range are more than sufficient for daily urban use and relaxed weekend rides alike. At €8,490, it represents a credible step toward a future where fossil fuels are no longer the default, and getting to work or visiting family means doing so in near silence.
THX to Electric Motorbikes Netherlands!
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