Reviews

Milltex Spero e-Cycle review

Stylish and simple design, incredible balance and handling!
The e-Cycle uses steel frames which makes it heavy. Slow charger provided with the stock version.
By Raphae Halim & Farah Halim on August 13, 2016 10:37 am
Video Review
Here we go again. Another exciting Li-Ion e-Cycle to review. We’ll follow our regular zoom-in approach, from looks to performance, and finally the small stuff.
After our raving review of India’s first Li-Ion e-Cycle the Hulikkal Medley, we find that the Milltex Spero has broken the ceiling, and set the bar higher.
Not only is it Li-Ion, it’s also India’s first crowd funded e-Cycle.

​The PluginIndia team was given the MTB version of Spero, with 30 km range, the e30 (this was a prototype version bike, even though the graphics on the bike showed e60, it was the battery of an e30 inside. Also the battery was not removable even though the production version will have removable batteries.). Milltex also has a unisex version. They come in 3 variants (e30, e60, & e100) depending on the range. That’s a total of 6 flavors to match your needs with.

We tried out the Spero in hilly Pune city, under various conditions during the monsoon rains. We rode it in the city, away from the city and on hilly roads.  Many community members showed up to check out the new kid on the block.

Here are some photos of the Spero and the Pune EV community members testing and enjoying the Spero!
Picture
Everyone had a smile at green Pune university!
Picture
Spero in the hills

Specifications & Details

  • MANUFACTURED BY:
    Milltex Engineers Pvt. Ltd. (and subsidiary in the future)
  • MODEL:  
    Spero e-30 / e-60 / e-100
  • PRICE:
    Currently crowd funded between INR 29,900.00 – INR 50,800.00 and likely to be available on demand at prices between INR 40,000.00 – INR 60,000.00. Pricing plan will depend on network and distance.
  • SUGGESTED USE:
    Commuting with cities / towns and rides outside cities as we offer longer mileages per charge
  • WARRANTY:
    Battery     - 600 charging cycles / 2 Years
    Motor         - 2 Year
    Charger     - 12 Months
    Controller     - 6 Months
  • AVAILABILITY:
    First crowd funded Speros will be delivered in September and further deliveries planned by mid October 2016. Support centers planned in Bangalore, Pune, NCR by mid October 2016. 
  • MOTOR TYPE:
    Rear-Mounted Geared Direct Drive Hub Motor
  • MOTOR OUTPUT:
    250 Watts
  • MOTOR BRAND:  
    Bafang
  • MOTOR TORQUE:
    25 Nm @ 96 rpm
  • BATTERY VOLTAGE:
    48 Volts / 6 – 15 Ah
  • BATTERY WATT HOURS:
    Watt Hours = Volts x Ampere Hours
    e30 - 48 V x 6 Ah = 288 Wh = 0.29 Units (KWh)
    e60 - 48 V x 10 Ah = 480 Wh = 0.40 Units (KWh)
    e100 - 48 V x 15 Ah = 720 Wh = 0.72 Units (KWh)
  • BATTERY CHEMISTRY:
    LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) - This is standard for most e-Cycles.
  • CHARGE TIME:
    4-6 hours with a regular charger
    1.5 hours with a fast charger (sold as an accessory)
  • ESTIMATED RANGE:
    30 km, 60 km, 100 km based on the model on throttle
  • DISPLAY TYPE:
    Removable Backlit Monochrome LCD
  • READOUTS:
    Speed, Odometer, Battery Level, Average Speed, Top Speed, Pedal Assist Level (1-5), Regen indicator, Temperature, Cruise / Walk Assist indicators.
  • DRIVE MODE:
    Pedal Assist configured with Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, which are based on sensors which usually measures pedal movement, pedal torque or bicycle speed.
  • TOP SPEED:
    25 kmph capped as per statutory regulations
  • TOTAL WEIGHT:
    26 kg
  • BATTERY WEIGHT:
    2.5 / 3.3 / 4 kgs
  • MOTOR WEIGHT:
    3.5 kgs.
  • FRAME MATERIAL:
    Mild Steel
  • FRAME COLORS:
    Orange, Blue, and Black. 
  • GEARING DETAILS:
    None provided with Stock variant.
    Gears can be purchased as an accessory. 7 Speed gears supported.
  • PEDALS:
    Polymer
  • BRAKE DETAILS:
    Power Brakes at the rear tyre and Disc brakes at the front tyre
  • GRIPS:
    OE
  • SADDLE:
    Gel support
  • RIMS:
    Alloy
  • TIRE BRAND:
    Kenda imported from Taiwan
  • WHEEL SIZES:
    26 in 
  • TUBE DETAILS:
    Kenda
  • ACCESSORIES:
    • 7 * 1 speed Shimano Gears
    • Rear carrier 
    • Rear Disc brakes
    • LED head lamps
    • Rear indicators 
    • Bell 
    • Physical lock
    • Helmet 
    • Rear view mirrors
    • Helmet 
    • Front Basket with adaptor 
    • Mud flaps 
    • Rapid battery charger     ​
So here is our take on the Milltex Spero electric cycle:

Styling & Ride : 5 out of 7

  • [+1] The cycle looks exactly like a regular MTB except for one difference. The covered centre triangle with a big logo. This houses the battery and the controller.
    Quite attractive! 
  • [+1] There aren’t many wires and cables hanging around and that lends itself to it’s sleek look.
  • [+1] The handling and balance feels perfect, owing to the placement of the battery pack and controller at the center. The cycle feels like a mini moped but it’s not as heavy (26 kgs). One would certainly consider it as a daily commute option.
  • [-1] The frame is made with steel and thus the Spero feels heavy
    • Riding a single speed Spero without the motor’s assist is not easy due to the extra weight of the steel frame.
  • [+1] Despite the weight, riding the Spero with motor and with pedal assist is certainly very easy. 
  • [+1] The backlit digital LCD display is nice and large. It’s very easy to read. It has a lot of detailed information about the motor and batteries as well, along with the speed and temperature.
  • [+1] Good telescopic suspension on the front wheel. The rear wheel is a hard tail and one feels the bumps a bit. Which is why the gel filled seat cushion is a good accessory along with the springs in the seat. Thick tyres with alloy rims is a nice touch.

Performance : 6 out of 7

  • [+1] When one first takes charge of the cycle it feels light and easy to balance. We credit this to the placement of the battery pack and conroller in the centre triangle of the cycle, giving it a low centre of gravity and hence better handling.
  • [+1] Upon using the throttle knob on the right hand side of the handle we don’t feel the sudden surge that is the characteristic of most EVs. Instead a slow and gentle acceleration takes you up to the rated maximum speed of 25 kmph quite quickly. The cycle is said to have a torque of 25 Nm, which is quite high considering other e-Cycles. The in-hub BLDC motor is a geared one and that too might add to the magic of it’s smooth pick up and excellent acceleration profile.​
    • From a traffic signal the pick-up is not zippy but one gradually gains speed.
    • The acceleration profile is enough to overtake slow moving traffic like auto-rickshaws, tempos, and even some cars.
  • [+1] The Spero sports a torque sensing pedal assist feature. This takes a bit of getting used to as it requires one not to push too hard and allow for the sensor to detect the pedal movement and tell the motor to kick in.
    • ​​We can always use pedal assist to go a bit faster in addition to the throttle to overtake other vehicles.
    • Once the speed maxes out at a specific pedal assist setting, we can always use human power to go faster.
  • [+1] Another very interesting feature is the cruise control mode. When we are at a constant speed for six seconds or more the cycle stays at the speed until we press brakes or accelerate. This can also be activated by a button on the keypad. The value of this feature can really be felt on a longer drive and we ended up using this more than any other feature!
  • [0] For the pure pedallists, who just want to cycle without the motor's assist, the steel frame and weight (~26 Kg) ensures that you need to make an effort to push off and to sustain speed.
    • No gears provided with the stock version. The addition of physical gears would greatly alleviate this difficulty but still for those who are interested in pedalling long distances (30 to 100+ km) and only wanting to get help for short bursts or on difficult inclines, this is not the bike.
    • As regenrative braking is a feature, the motor does add some noticeable resistance to your pedalling, when there is no motor assist.
  • [+1] The performance is consistent even when the SOC is low
  • [+1] ​The 26” Taiwanese Kenda tyres are really nice and have a good grip even on wet roads. It’s quite easy to fix a flat tyre (as we experienced) provided we have the tools The alloy rim will maintain it’s shape and give good service for a long time.

Efficiency & Range : 5 out of 8

  • [+1] The battery pack is 2.5, 3.3, 4 kg in weight depending on which variant you purchase. This of course is much lighter and more efficient than a comparable lead acid battery pack. The range is 30 km for e30, 60 km for e60, and 100 km for e100. 
  • [+1] The e30 model only consumes 0.29 units (kWh) of electricity to fully charge and goes 30 km + whatever extra is regenerated.
    • ​This much charge enables the 250 W motor to carry it at full load and full speed to a distance of 30 km.
    • Very good economy for those who decide to use it as a means of daily commute.
  • [-1] The cycle frame, wheels, drive train, handle bars, and seat weigh 25-26 Kg. Any accessories would add to the weight. This extra weight does impact the range, especially on hilly roads.
    • ​The weight is a bit much compared to other better quality frames available.
    • For purists and long distance pedallists every gram more than it needs to be, is a gram too much.
    • On flat roads you can expect to get the range specified. Once you encounter hills, you see the voltage rapidly plummet on the LCD screen, as you twist the throttle. Not a good feeling. It is recommended to go for the e60 model if your commute is on hilly roads, to ensure there is no range anxiety.
  • [0] The Spero does not come with physical gears and is the only electric e-Cycle with a regenerative charging feature. We thought this would be it’s biggest advantage over other two wheelers but its not a major deal.
    • ​Regen adds a bit of resistance when pedal assist is disabled and throttle is not used.
    • It doesn't seem to give back as many kms as we anticipated, which actually makes sense as a cycle weighs less, thus there is less kinetic energy which an be converted into electricity, while slowing down.
    • Gears are recommended accessory. With a single speed geared e-Cycle, pedaling from a standstill at 0 kmph is tougher and you tend to use the throttle right from the start, and that drains more power from the battery. With a geared e-Cycle, you can use the lower gears to pedal easily and use the electric throttle when you reach a certain speed. Thus having gears with help your e-Cycle go further, as you are seeking the motor’s assistance more efficiently. Which means more range per charge.
  • [+1] Test ride 1: Baner to Pune University
    • Distance - 8.4 km
    • Time, road & traffic condition - Early morning, regular roads, Kamlesh did the honors as he is used to Pune traffic and it would enable us to give a better picture of how it would feel if someone started to use this as their regular vehicle.
    • Verdict - Ripped across the city with pedal assist mode 5 combined with throttle. Reached a top speed of 37 kmph. Very comfortable even at those speeds.
  • [+1] Test ride 2.1 to 2.x: Within Pune University
    • Distance - ~10 km
    • Time, road & traffic condition - Morning to afternoon, empty narrow roads with sporadic traffic. The EV community members tried out the e-Cycle and tried to put it through it’s paces. They also checked out all the features and how it suited them. Many of them wanted to buy the products and had come just for a hands on demo. Others were regular cyclists and were evaluating this against their daily rides.
    • Verdict - Very impressed with the handling and comfort. The suspension was quite good. The pedal assist was a pleasant surprise.
  • [+1] Test ride 3.1 to 3.y: Pune University to Bhugaon via Chandni Chowk
    • ​Distance - 17.8 km
    • Time, road & traffic condition - Afternoon while it was raining, on steep hills. The traffic had gotten quite dense. Kamlesh, Raphae, Puneet and other EV community members took turns riding it upto and up and down the hills too.
    • Verdict - On steep hills we set the assist to level 5 & used throttle & pedalled a bit too. But we made it very easily without breaking a sweat. Normally in a single speed cycle, one would have had to get off and walk.
  • [+1] Test ride 4: Pune University to Bhugaon via Chandni Chowk
    • ​​Distance 16.5 km
    • Time, road & traffic condition - In evening and at night, mostly downhill.
    • Verdict - Handled downhill slopes in pouring rain very well. Brakes were nice and firm. The headlights lit the way pretty well.

Charging : 1 out of 4

  • [+1] The charge indicator is on the LCD display and gives a fair idea about the SOC (State of Charge).
    • The LCD does not report the SOC % rather it shows a voltage value. It is left to the user to figure out the SOC %.
    • One would also like to see a DTE (Distance to Empty) reading in KM.
  • [-1] 4 to 6 hours is TOO slow with the slow charger provided with the Spero.
    • ​The quick charger is a separate accessory that needs to be purchased and will charge the battery in 90 mins. The company says slow charging benefits the battery in the long run. But the company can provide a quick charger with the stock cycle to help users charge quickly in an emergency.
  • [0] The prototype that we received did not have a removable battery but the production version is supposed to have one.
    • ​The production version of the e-Cycle will have a detachable battery. This allows us to charge conveniently at home and not have to maneuver the cycle to a spot close to an electrical outlet. However if an electrical outlet is available it seems easier to just plug it in in the garage.
  • [+1] Regenerated some energy too especially when rolling down hill but not as much as we expected.
    ​However it’s a good feature.    ​
    • We could even attach a full stand and use it as an exercise cycle. The benefit would be not just to health but also we would feel happy having generated useful electricity. :-)

Pricing and Availability : 3 out of 4

  • [+1] India’s first crowd funded e-Cycle!
  • [+1] Great introductory prices!
  • [0] After the funding campaign ends, the Spero e30 model is rumored to cost INR 55K/-, which is expensive.
  • [+1] As of August 2016, they sell only on the fuel a dream website. 
    • ​​​From October 2016 onwards, there will be an online shop and dealers in major cities.

Extra Features : 8 out of 9

  • ​[+1] Electric control key
  • [+1] Intelligent display LCD panel
  • [+1] Disk brakes on front tyre only in the stock variant.
    • ​Rear disk brakes is available as an accessory
  • [+1] Powerful & very adequate LED headlamp.
    • ​It is able to illuminate the road at night, even when there are no streetlights.
    • Being connected to a large battery means
      • ​Lasts a long time.
      • It stays bright unlike dynamo or battery based cycle lights.
  • [+1] Tail & brake lights
    • The mudguard (purchased separately), covers the tail light.
  • [+1] Password protection for the digital features
  • [+1] Walk Assist mode is a cool feature, where the Spero cruises at 5 kmph to enable you to walk with it.
  • [+1] Colourful bell and electric horn.
  • [0] Extra accessories purchased separately
    • Quick charger
    • 7 speed physical Shimano gears
    • Front basket
    • Mobile charger, mobile holder, helmet holder.
    • ​Pressure indicator.
Picture
Pune Cyclist Atul Gopal - 3rd from right - checks out the Spero
Picture
Green Pune Hills

Long Term Ownership Details

  • The battery may need replacement every 2.5 years depending on usage. 
    • The cost of an extra battery or replacement is not known.
  • Generally it turn out to be about 45% of the total cost.
  • At 0.29 units per full charge we spend INR 1.45/- for 30 km (if 1 unit costs INR 5/-). So it’s about 5 paise per km. In petrol equivalent it’s 1320 kmpl!!! (petrol @ INR 66/- per litre).
    Dealers and service provided is still an unknown. The company assures us that customer issues would be promptly dealt with.

Miscellaneous Points

  • We spoke to a Pune based cyclist Atul Gopal, who has been cycling in Pune hills for many years and also had owned a Lead Acid based electric cycle from BSA.
    Here are some perspectives from him.
    "Compared to the BSA e-Cycle that I have - which is lead acid based - the Spero was a charm. One, because of a better frame, and two, because of the weight reduction in battery.
    The way I use the electric cycle is that I put on the assist mode only when I have to climb a hill. This helps in extending the range. So a free-wheeling cycle is important in that sense. My apprehension is that the regen would take away that pleasure. Maybe I would want a model with an even smaller battery - with a lesser weight penalty. Or better still - a modular battery pack, where I can decide how much battery I want to carry - based on the length of the ride I am going for. This will be good - as a lighter cycle is beneficial for the rider - and the planet.
    The last worry area is about the LCD display. Am imagining the kids in my building trying to make phone calls with the display :-) Maybe I may want it better protected when locked.. But users will share experience - maybe touch screens are not such a novelty nowadays - and kids would have better things to do in life :-)"
  • Spero with it’s quick charge adapter and a small, light battery finally gives us the ability to stay on the go. What’s more it can even be used as a very large battery bank on wheels for our “smart” mobile phones. ;-)
  • ​Currently FAME India (under NEMMP 2020) is not applicable to e-Cycles. It would be great if the government looked into this.
  • Cycles are a big thing in India.
    • I feel a whole discussion about cycling lanes coming up… we leave that for the comments. Pune has recently announced a campaign to decide via public consensus which routes to create these lanes on first. Pune already has few cycle lanes. If Pune can succeed the rest of India will soon follow. :-) 
    • Pune Cycle Plan URL - From a blog: https://goo.gl/bohFm1
    • Comprehensive Bicycle Plan for Pune PDF: http://goo.gl/Ismjf4
  • Where to ride: http://goo.gl/9Gv09O
This is a great option to transform your daily commute into something fun and relaxing! Go green, go electric!
Thank You!
The PluginIndia review team would like to thank the following people for being very nice and co-operating with us in order to work on this review.
  • Mr S MANIKANDAN Managing Director, Milltex Engineers Pvt Ltd.
  • Mr MOTHILAL SIVASUBRAMANIAM, Head Emerging Business, Milltex Engineers Pvt Ltd.​
  • Pune EV community for coming in numbers and testing the Spero

Other Links
Spero Fuel a dream campaign
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