Amid 40 odd players offering semi imported versions of e bikes in the country quite a few are established players. Electrotherm and Hero Ultra are leading the pack. Hero plans to sell 20000 ebikes this fiscal and expects the market to grow at 200% next fiscal. Induselectrans which already sold most number of ebikes in the country has over 200 dealers across the country. Starting with Hero’s maxi we will review popular models of both Hero Ultra and Electrotherm soon.
1) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Hero cycles (Hero Honda group) which collaborated with UK based Ultra motor has become a established player in the electric vehicle(EV) market in India. Compared a year before, Hero – Ultra line-up has grown significantly and now it can satisfy wide range of customers. Starting from flash, eazy, Dash, Hi-Moto, Advanta and Maxi which caters to the need of under 18 to hi powered Velociti and Optima which lures even the fully grown adults.
2) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Hero -Ultra slogans “plug in and ride out”. Also, by riding one of these electric vehicles you can save the earth as it is pollution free. Here is one of the popular product from Hero – Ultra called ‘maxi’ (accounts almost 80% of the total sale).
3) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: The design is simple with steeply raked aprons and neatly mounted turn indicators. Since the electric motor occupies small space maxi looks slim with neat proportions. Dual-tone shades spruce up the scooter and the three spoke alloy wheels adds charm to it. Though paint quality is top notch, switches and controls are flimsy.
4) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Maxi is a regular scooter and is similar to your activa or scooty pep but returns 70km/charge (according to hero-ultra) and makes your monthly budget debt free. To completely charge the battery, it requires 6 to 8 hrs Maxi is the most efficient EV among Hero’s products. According to these electric vehicle manufacturers, running a electric vehicle costs just 1/10th of the running cost of a similar two wheeler. You can charge the maxi with your regular plug point.
5) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Maxi makes use of SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) battery. Power Output of this maxi is below 250W and its maximum speed is limited to 25kmph which means you don’t require license to ride the maxi. Electric bikes fall under exempt category (for the approval of ARAI) on account of power less than 250 W and max speed less than 25kmph. Hence you can ride maxi without a license, registration and road tax. Just hop on ride away.
6) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Maxi can be loaded upto 75kg that means you can take your children along with you when go for shopping. As there is minimal mechanical parts a stress free ride is ensured. Though the charger occupies some space, you can find usable storage spaces both under the seat and in the front glove box.
7) Hero – Ultra maxi EV: Ride comfort is good with coil type suspension at the rear. Since the speed is limited, handling takes the back seat here. But 16″ smaller wheels is a concern and have to be careful at poor road conditions. Instrumentation is not attractive and it lacks some flashy dials. Absence of smart hooks and mobile charging point are clearly visible.
