Winter 2019 : Power Electric Scooter Buyers Guide : Ather, Ampere, Hero, Okinawa, PureEV

By Kamlesh Mallick, Raphae Halim and Farah Halim

Electric Scooters are the easiest route to get into the world of electric mobility. We often get many queries, from all of you - our readers and followers, about buying an electric scooter.  
Which scooter offers the longest range, which has good top speed, which one is least expensive, which brand is more tech savvy and so on.
In this article and video embedded, we will talk about the High Speed Electric Scooters you can buy now!  

Introduction
We won't talk about scooters with Lead Acid based batteries. We believe it's time for all of us to move on towards Lithium chemistry. Also, we will showcase data sheets of each vehicle and PluginIndia team members who have been following the electric scooter industry will give their take on every model and assign scores. We also have various graphs, leaderboards and tables and other cool stuff! 
We can’t make choices for you, as everybody’s priorities and needs are different but we can tell you about the options available.
We also want this to be a regular series every quarter.  Do let us know in the comments below!
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So, without wasting any more time, let's begin in alphabetical order!

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Video - Winter 2019 : Power Electric Scooter Buyers Guide

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Data and Graphs

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Data Sheets and Details

Ampere Zeal

• We got to know from dealers that the battery is made in house by Ampere. We mailed them about BMS features but we got no reply and the dealers have no idea.
  
• We got information that the Zeal model is doing very well among dealers. Response has been good, the dealers also told us that Greaves is serious about electric vehicles and more performance scooters are in the pipeline.

Here is data sheet of Ampere Zeal.

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.3/5

• The Zeal is a pleasure to ride with the 60V system offering instant pickup. The design and colors are fantastic.
• I have lots of respect for Ampere brand who have been selling EV’s since the naughties in small towns and they make a lot of components in house.
• Now Greaves Cotton, who are the makers of petrol diesel engines have 81% stake at Amepre. I don't know what their agenda is. That is a concern for me.

Raphae - 3/5

• The range and top speed are a bit low for the price I’m paying. 0
• Battery though made in India will have shorter life. 0
• Smooth ride and good pickup, good suspension. Well tested and FAME II complaint. 1
• The company has an impressive pedigree. 10+ years, 70+ dealers pan India. 1
• Possibility of good after sales service as battery made inhouse. 1

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Ather 450

• Ather said they use a High Nickel NMC battery where the percentage of Nickel is way higher than Cobalt or Manganese. This improves the energy density of the cells. The battery is made by Ather themselves.
• The Ather is a true connected scooter with monitoring, software updates etc. No scooter in the list even comes close in terms of connected scooter features!
• But the most awesome part is the amount of BMS features provided. Basically they have used software and hardware engineering to protect the battery pack and gone above and beyond to provide a great experience to the user as well.  
  Now that is fantastic!
  
  Thus Ather, deserve the electrifying applause​
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Here is data sheet of Ather 450.

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 4.5/5

• These are the features in an EV that i care about 
  • Connected Scooter - Check
  • Remote monitoring - Check
  • Software updates - Check
  • Awesome BMS features - Check
  • Amazing people who respond to all our queries - Check

        For me the annual fee for connectivity and service is not an issue. I can understand why many people may not like it. My only issue is the slow crawling pace of expansion.
        I expected the Ather 450 to be made available in 10 cities in India by the end of 2019 and clearly it's not happening.
        They don't want to seem to  leave their home base of Bengaluru for some reason.

Raphae - 4.5/5

• The range and top speed are a bit low for the price I’m paying. 0
• Battery though made in India will have shorter life. 0
• Smooth ride and good pickup, good suspension. Well tested and FAME II complaint. 1
• The company has an impressive pedigree. 10+ years, 70+ dealers pan India. 1
• Possibility of good after sales service as battery made inhouse. 1

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Avan Xero+ & Avan Trendy

• Both models have similar battery sizes, range, top speed. Essentially they are the same powertrain with two different designs.
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Here is data sheet of Avan Scooters

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 2/5

• Okay we have observed few negative issues with the company. Multiple senior management people who were with the company in 2018 have quit. We know few customers who are not happy with the service and support.  
• I would not recommend their products and would wait and watch on where this company is going and if they respond to customer service calls.
• I’m only giving a 2 rating as the scooters looks nice and ride well

Raphae - 3/5

• Good ride, suspension, and pickup. 1
• Has the standard features and looks good. 1
• Customers not getting service from company. -1
• We are not sure if the brand will survive. 0
• Removable battery, good pricing, available in 10 states. 1.5

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Avera Retrosa

• This scooter is from an interesting startup based out of Amravati, Andhra Pradesh. 
• The scooter is only sold online in 2 states AP and Telangana.
• Very interesting to see an outstanding top speed of 90 kmph which makes it India’s fastest electric scooter. Also they seem to be a technology focussed company with solid BMS features used in the LFP chemistry based battery.
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Here is data sheet of Avera Retrosa

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - N.A

• The company seems super tech focussed. They seem to have bypassed dealers like Ather.
• The Retrosa has a real retro look, connectivity, good BMS features, which has piqued my interest
• I cannot give a rating we have not tried the scooter. This is a company to watch out for.

Raphae - N.A

• We have not yet driven this scooter so can’t give a score. 0
• Looks like some old scooter models, tells us in comments which ones you can “see”; hence the “retro”-sa name, I suppose. Modern technology with old style and looks. 0.5
• Very good top speed almost double of most others. 1
• Promises a very good range too. 1
• Has a lot of features including connectivity. 1

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Gemopai Astrid Lite TDR 360Z

• In one of the episodes of The PluginIndia Show, We actually spoke about how Gemopai has huge pedigree selling more than 15 million electric two wheelers all over the world. This model is the first high speed model launched by the company. Do note that this Astrid Lite is not a FAME 2 product.
• They told us that they have 55 dealers. As of November 2019, their website does not list them. They need to list dealers to build credibility.
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Here is data sheet of Gemopai Astrid Lite TDR 360Z

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - N.A

• We have not had the opportunity to test the scooter. Hence i won't give a rating.
• I’m impressed by Gemopai’s pedigree, but the company needs to build that pedigree in India.
• Let's hope I can give them a rating the next quarter when we do this video.

Raphae - N.A

• We have not driven it yet so can’t give a score. 0
• The Chinese partner has 20+ years of experience so that’s good. 0.5
• Very good dealer network pan India. 0.5
• Decent range and top speed. A little better than the rest of the scooters in India. Other specs motor power, extra battery pack to increase range available, so it sounds good. 1
• 60% made in India. 0.5
• The higher voltage (72V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 0.5

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Hero Electric Photon LP

• For 10+ years they were happy to sell low speed lead acid battery based Hero Photon. Once the government laid down the FAME 2 rules of making battery pack in India and also enforced a higher top speed, Hero acted and this is result - The 2019 Hero Photon LP
• One important thing to note is the battery is not removable. However the dealer in Pune made it removable. Do ask your dealer, if they can do it.
• We still feel Hero Electric seems to be holding back. The Photon is the flagship product of Hero Electric and by 2020, The Photon should be competing with the top brands in terms of features, connectivity, performance etc. Unfortunately the Photon is a promising product but suffers from lack of a vision from the management.
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Here is data sheet of Hero Electric Photon LP

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.4/5

• I love the Hero Photon design. It’s just is classic and retro!
• I like the fact that the 2019 Photon uses Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries made by Trontek. Again the company does not provide detailed information on battery and BMS, so buying a Photon would mean you have no idea if something goes wrong with the battery. We just have to pray and hope if the dealer can diagnose issues.
• 70 km range is manageable for my limited city rides, although that can be a limiting factor for people who want to travel further

Raphae - 3/5

• Available across India, more than 10+ years in the market. 0.5
• Range is a bit lower, and top speed is average. -0.5
• The ride quality is great, great suspension. 1
• Having been in the industry for so many years, we also expect Hero Electric to be making a top quality battery pack in house. 0.5
• The higher voltage (72V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 0.5
• Good after sales support and does not cost that much. 0.5
• Over all Hero is a dependable brand and Hero Electric also seems to be reliable. 0.5

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Hero Electric Optima HS

• So the Optima has stylish looks with matt finishes and is aimed at people who want a looker.
• They have a dual battery system. You get two chargers. You can ride the scooter with one battery for short trips or place both the batteries for longer rides. You can charge both batteries simultaneously for faster charge times instead of charging one large battery. We can see the benefits of this design by Hero Electric. But not everyone will like it.
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Here is data sheet of Hero Electric Optima HS

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.0/5

• I love the Matt finish on the Optima.
• I like that they are offering a decent range of 90-100 km.
• What I don't like is Hero Electric is forcing us to use 2 batteries. Really? Do i need to micromanage and charge 2 batteries now? 
  Common Hero Electric make it easier for consumers! This is nuts!

Raphae - 3.5/5

• Looks like a regular ICE scooter, it’s for those who want the economy of an e-Bike but don’t want to stand out in a crowd. 0
• Good styling, finish, and quality of accessories. 1
• Hero Electric has been in the business for 10+ years and it’s dealer network is nationwide. So you can expect good support and after sales service. 0.5
• The price though tends to be on the higher side when compared with it’s ICE counterparts.
  ​But the running costs are so ridiculously low that the benefits completely overshadow the high upfront cost. 1
• It’s got two batteries which makes it a long range bike while giving it the option to be a cheaper low range bike as well. 1

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Hero Electric NYX HS

• We love this scooter. This is purely made as a cargo loader that can carry 150 kg load.
• This has proved to be an excellent product for businesses.
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Here is data sheet of Hero Electric NYX HS

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.5/5

• I love the utilitarian feel of this. This scooter has potential to help many businesses.  Well done Hero Electric!
  
• Again we have the 2 battery nightmare!!
  

Raphae - 3.0/5

• Super design for carrying loads and even regular riding with a backrest. Nice metal handles on three sides of back seat to tie various goods. 1
  
• Hero has a good dealer network pan India so warranty and after sales should not be a problem either. 1
  
• Cute design, good quality accessories, nice build quality. 0.5
  
• The top speed and range again are on the lower side but should be good for deliveries and local usage. 0.5
  

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NDS Lio+

• Do understand that the Lio+ is not FAME 2 compliant scooter. NDS are launching FAME 2 compliant scooter in a few months time.
• We spoke to some owners of NDS LIO+ and also few dealers and they have achieved 160-170 km in full charge with normal riding. The company claims it can go 225 km per charge. But we always ask users and dealers.
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Here is data sheet of NDS Lio+

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.3/5

• NDS have always had rugged scooters and i like the sturdy feel of the LIO+
• The NDS LIO+ scooter offers the highest range among any scooters. Plus marks for offering a high range option in the market. 
• The brand is not available pan India. That is an issue and this model is not FAME 2 compliant yet.

Raphae - 3.0/5

• I liked the motorcycle like handlebar and comfortable riding stance. 1
  
• Very good range and better than average top speed. 1
  
• The upfront price is a bit high though. 0
  
• The higher voltage (72V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 1
  

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Okinawa iPraise

• The iPraise was launched with lots of issues with the Exicom branded battery. Also the battery was shaking all over as you rode on bumps and bad roads. The battery was not stable and people hated it.
• The software was all over the place. We got news of iPraise owners stalling due to faulty software either in the BMS or the controller.
• Since then the company seems to have fixed some of the issues. The battery does not jump up and down anymore.
• Trontek now supplies battery packs for iPraise and also we have got news from customers that the new packs give 150+ km range with normal driving.
  ​So good job Okinawa on quickly fixing issues.
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Here is data sheet of Okinawa iPraise

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 2.7/5

• Okinawa seems to have fixed the issues and moved in the right direction with the iPraise. But I cannot recommend the product yet. 
• ​I will need to wait for a quarter, to gauge the performance of the iPraise with the new battery pack.
• Having said that, I like the fact that Okinawa is trying to offer basic connectivity with the iPraise. Although the connectivity features are primitive compared to Ather.

Raphae - 3.0/5

• I liked the motorcycle like handlebar and comfortable riding stance. 1
• Very good range and better than average top speed. 1
• The upfront price is a bit high though. 0
• The higher voltage (72V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 1

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Okinawa Ridge+

• They launched the Ridge+ with Trontek battery and we have got good reviews from owners since the start.
  
• The battery seems reliable and did  not give issues like we saw with the iPraise.
  
• Rs 85,000 for a 60 km range electric scooter seems pricey.
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Here is data sheet of Okinawa Ridge+

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.4/5

• I like this scooter. The battery pack has seen no major issues since the start, according to many customers we spoke to.
• I like the fact that Okinawa is trying to offer basic connectivity with the Ridge+. Although the features are primitive compared to Ather.
• I would recommend this but i would compare this with the Praise Pro which seems to offer more for similar pricing. Okinawa seems to have inflated pricing of Ridge+ because of so called ‘connectivity’ features. 
• Before buying, do speak to your dealer. They have to be knowledgeable about the product, battery pack and be enthusiastic about electric scooters. We have seen many dealers investing in dealerships as a business and have no clue on service or EV’s. Avoid such dealers.

Raphae - 3.0/5

• Good riding stance, and overall fit, finish, and design. 1
  
• The performance is average and range is on the lower side. 0.5
  
• The company has a pan India presence but we’ve heard many owners having problems and being disowned by the company, so beware. 0.5
  
• It costs much more than a regular ICE scooter but again like all EVs enjoys ridiculously low running and maintenance costs. 0
  
• The higher voltage (60V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 1
  

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Okinawa Praise Pro

• Okinawa launched the Praise Lead Acid version and finally decided to offer a Lithium version of the Praise scooter.
  
• We spoke to users and they said that the scooter can go upto 75 km and offers real world range of 80 km per charge.
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Here is data sheet of Okinawa Praise Pro

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.6/5

• So immediately I see the Praise Pro offering real world 80 km range which is more than Ridge+ and also offers an impressive top speed of 75 kmph.
• I would rather get the Praise Pro than Ridge+ which offers only 60 km range at the same price and some primitive connectivity features.
• Again the same thing, what I said about the dealer. They have to be knowledgeable about the product, battery pack and be enthusiastic about electric scooters.

Raphae - 3.0/5

• Looks good, convenient design. 1
• Much better top speed and average range. 0.5
• No Boot space 0
• It costs much more than a regular ICE scooter but again like all EVs enjoys ridiculously low running and maintenance costs. 0
• Removable battery. 0.5
• The higher voltage (72V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 1

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PureEV ePluto 7G

• The Scooter will be made available from December 2019.
• PureEV had a low speed scooter called ePluto and this is the FAME 2 complaint model called ePluto 7G
• The most impressive aspect of the company is the manic focus on battery engineering. They are making batteries in their Hyderabad factory and also adding software features to the BMS. 
  Making PureEV a very unique company among electric scooter manufacturers. ​​
• We would prefer the 7G model to have all the advanced BMS features like SOC% percentage calculation, SOH estimation, Cell Voltage monitoring etc. But hopefully the team can add these features in early 2020. We also learned that the advanced BMS features are not going to be available retroactively to existing customers, which kinda sucks. 
  
  ​Nevertheless, we think PureEV deserve the electrifying applause
  
  

Here is data sheet of Okinawa Praise Pro

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 4.0/5

• I loved riding the ePluto. Its peppy and was very comfortable. We hope to get the ePluto 7G sometime soon. For me the clincher is the fact that the company is focused on Battery Engineering and they have an inhouse BMS team.  
• I would not hesitate in opting for the 7G, as i can be confident on their battery and also the PureEV team is very open and helpful.
• For me all the upcoming BMS features to be added are important, so will i wait till next Feb or March and then buy the 7G, is the question?

Raphae - 4.0/5

• Battery made by the same company means better performance, and servicing of issues related to them. 1
• Advanced BMS. 1
• Good range and decent top speed. 0.5
• The higher voltage (60V) compared to other scooters means the wiring is more efficient, and leads to a design which can carry more power (Watts). 1
• Still has a guessometer 0
• Company is young but has quickly developed 30 dealerships across the country. One can expect good after sales service and support from them too as they are heavily into improving their design via R&D. 1

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Techo Electra Emerge

• The Techno Electra Emerge Scooter is available in 70+ dealers pan India which is impressive for a fairly new startup.

Here is data sheet of Techno Electra Emerge

PluginIndia Team Opinions & Scores

Kamlesh - 3.6/5

• Okay the Emerge is the prettiest scooter among the entire lot.
  
• I love the design. It’s got, retro modern design elements and a lot of quality of life features  - like a large boot space, USB ports etc.
  The imported battery is ARAI approved, and customers we spoke to are happy with the range.
  
• Before i would think of getting the Emerge scooter, the company needs to show me, a strong technology vision and needs to have a plan to localize components in India. 
  I expect more technical data on the BMS and battery. So i would wait for another iteration before considering buying the Emerge.

Raphae - 3.0/5

• Again a retro look with modern technology inside it. 0.5
  
• Guessometer like all the others but rides well and performs quite well. Good suspension and ride quality. 1
  
• The company has 70+ dealers pan India in just 2+ years so it promises good support and after sales service. 1
  
• Range and top speed are average. 0.5
  
• Among the lower priced scooters available in the market. 0
  

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