Škoda’s journey started not with cars, but with two wheels and a bold idea. In 1899, company founders Václav Laurin and Václav Klement introduced the Slavia B motorcycle under the Laurin & Klement name. It featured a 240cc engine, bicycle-style pedals, and a surprisingly advanced frame. One of their earliest victories came in 1901, when factory rider Narcis Podsedníček became the only finisher in his class in the grueling Paris–Berlin race. Over a century later, Škoda revisits its roots – this time with a battery-powered twist.
The Slavia B concept motorcycle is a tribute to the original machine, reimagined for the electric age by French designer Romain Bucaille, who’s known for shaping Škoda’s car exteriors. The concept doesn’t try to hide its heritage. Instead, it makes a bold visual statement with a hollowed-out central frame that would traditionally house a combustion engine. In its place, the Laurin & Klement logotype appears suspended, drawing a clean line between past and present. A prominent vertical seam divides the front and rear sections. In the back, a leather tool bag nestles into the frame, just below a solo seat that elegantly floats above the rear wheel.
Every detail is intentional. The diamond-shaped frame from 1899 remains but has been adapted to support an electric drivetrain. There’s no gearbox. The frame supplies direct power to the wheels, in line with modern urban design values. Café racer cues show up in the dropped handlebars and minimalist silhouette. The color palette – off-white on top, lemon green below, and black trim – makes it visually arresting, while the leather seat and grips soften the aesthetic with a touch of nostalgia. Large-spoked wheels add movement and drama even at a standstill.
For now, the Slavia B remains a design study. Škoda hasn’t announced production or technical details. But the concept signals more than just a styling exercise. It’s a declaration: Škoda hasn’t forgotten where it came from – and it’s not afraid to take those origins into an electric future. and don’t forget to check our list of the fastest bikes.
