With electric vehicles now a tangible reality rather than a futuristic concept, they offer a promising blend of eco-friendliness and long-term cost-effectiveness. As the demand for electric vehicles steadily rises, it comes as no surprise that they are widely regarded as the future of transportation. In a bid to adapt and boost declining sales, prominent Indian two-wheeler manufacturers like Bajaj, TVS, and Hero have introduced their range of electric scooters and bikes. Nevertheless, the influx of numerous new entrants in the Indian market has presented a formidable challenge for individuals seeking to choose the perfect electric scooter. Presented below are the finest electric bikes available in India:
- OLA Electric S1 Pro
The Ola S1 Pro provided us with a positive experience, as any initial issues reported by customers seemed to have been resolved. Our ride was hassle-free, with smooth performance. While there are both pros and cons, the Ola S1 Pro offers a solid package with good performance, practicality, and a range of technological features. It is enjoyable to ride, agile, and nimble, allowing for easy manoeuvring through traffic.
- Ather 450
The Ather 450 presents a compelling option as an alternative scooter, with impressive performance, excellent riding dynamics, and practicality. Its tech-savvy features make it an enticing gadget. Priced at around ₹1.25 lakh (on-road, Bangalore), it competes closely with top-tier iPhones. While a premium purchase, it’s a worthwhile buy for an enjoyable experience.
- Bajaj Chetak
The Bajaj Chetak pays homage to its legendary name with charm. As an electric scooter, it impresses with solid construction, modern features, and a well-polished finish. Currently limited in availability, this is expected to improve in the coming year. Its standout feature is its appealing design, complemented by its effortless manoeuvrability.
- Revolt RV400
The Revolt RV400 is India’s first AI-enabled electric motorcycle, offering two variants: Standard and premium. With its sturdy design, the RV400 showcases an impressive range of features such as a side stand sensor, combi brake system, and simulated motorcycle sounds. Powered by a 3.24kWh battery pack and a 3,000 Watt motor, it provides different ranges depending on the mode: approximately 85 km in Sport mode, 100 km in Normal mode, and 150 km in Eco mode. Charging the battery takes approximately 4.5 hours.
- Ultraviolette F77
Ultraviolette Automotive’s F77 sets a new standard for electric motorcycles in India, promising a bright future. As the first model from their new platform, more models are expected to follow. Considering long-term ownership and lower fuel and maintenance costs, the initial premium price of the Ultraviolette F77 becomes a reasonable investment.
- Okinawa Praise
While the Okinawa PraisePro may seem slightly pricey, it excels in all aspects as a newcomer in the industry. It serves as an ideal choice for beginners, students, and the elderly. Okinawa claims a range of 170-180 km per charge, although experts recommend using it for daily commutes of up to 60 km for optimal performance and comfort in the long run.
- Hero Electric Optima CX
A few years ago, Hero Electric, the largest electric two-wheeler manufacturer in India, unveiled the Hero Electric Optima CX. Recently, the city speed electric scooter received an upgrade in the form of cruise control. Equipped with a 550 W motor and a 30 Ah lithium-ion battery, the Hero Optima CX City Speed scooter offers a range of approximately 82 km on a single charge, with a top speed of around 42 mph. Charging the scooter fully takes approximately 4-5 hours.
- TVS iQube
TVS Motor Company presents the TVS iQube as their electric scooter aimed at customers seeking to switch from conventional to electric models. The iQube leaves a lasting impact, delivering the promised range of approximately 95 km when utilizing both Eco and Power modes, making it suitable for daily commuting. While it could benefit from enhanced performance, it effortlessly achieves its stated top speed of 78 mph in Power mode.
- Ampere Magnus
The Ampere Magnus EX is an affordable electric scooter that offers respectable performance, useful features, and a decent range. It features a removable battery pack with a claimed range of 80-100 km on a single charge. Available in three colour options, the Magnus EX accelerates from 0 to 40 mph in 10 seconds and has a top speed of approximately 50 km. Charging time for the Magnus EX is around 6-7 hours.
- Simple Energy One
The Simple One excels with its impressive speed, sportiness, and capability to rival top premium electric scooters. Its straight-line performance is commendable, accompanied by sharp handling and agility. As a debut product from a start-up, Simple ONE shows great promise. Its production version, adherence to claimed range, features, and performance will determine its success. However, addressing quality concerns and seat design are necessary improvements.
Conclusion
As the demand for eco-friendly transportation options continues to grow, electric bikes have become an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals in India. The OLA S1 Pro, Ather 450, Revolt RV400, and TVS iQube represent some of the best electric bikes available in the Indian market, each offering unique features and benefits. Whether you prioritize speed, range, or affordability, there is an electric bike to suit your needs. Embrace the future of commuting by choosing an electric bike that aligns with your lifestyle and contributes to a greener tomorrow.
