India’s 1.3 billion residents reside in regions where the annual average particulate pollution level exceeds the WHO guideline. A significant 67.4 percent of the population resides in areas that surpass the country’s national air quality standard of 40 µg/m³. While the government is taking steps to reduce pollution, it is incumbent upon each individual to embrace more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Electric bikes offer a convenient solution in this regard.
We have reached a point in time where advanced and top-quality electric bikes have captured people’s attention. The transition from “mileage” to “range” may require some time, but there is a noticeable shift in the mindset of younger generations, steering them towards more sustainable transportation methods.
In this blog, let’s take a look at the top 5 electric bikes in India 2023
Advantages of Electric Bikes in India
Rechargeable
Electric bikes and motorcycles operate on rechargeable nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion batteries, making them easily rechargeable through any standard wall socket. A full charge typically takes about eight hours.
Low Maintenance
Electric bikes require less maintenance compared to traditional bicycles. They spare you the inconvenience of regular bike maintenance, which involves routine checks, lubrication, and adjustments. However, it’s important to remain attentive to tasks such as fluid flushes, brake pad replacements, and tire upkeep.
Low Fuel Costs
Electric bikes offer the advantage of lower fuel costs. Approximately 20 minutes of electric bike riding consumes around 250 watts of power, and the cost of electricity is relatively low at approximately 0.5 Rs. per unit. Meanwhile, gasoline prices continue to rise.
Noise-Free Operation
Indian roads are consistently noisy, largely due to the loud engines of petrol and diesel motorcycles. In contrast, electric bikes silently glide through city streets, creating minimal noise. Some electric bikes even incorporate devices to generate artificial sounds for the awareness of nearby pedestrians and commuters.
With the sharp rise in gasoline prices, an increasing number of people are transitioning to cost-effective electric bikes. Many households now own electric bikes because of their affordability, low maintenance requirements, and fuel efficiency. Widespread adoption of electric bikes over traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles would significantly reduce air pollution. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to make the switch to electric bikes (or other electric scooters) and encourage others to do the same.
Best Electric Bikes in India
The best electric bikes in India vary in their characteristics, with differences in factors such as range, speed, and price between different manufacturers. Leading companies like Hero, Oben, and Revolt are known for offering top-notch electric bikes in the Indian market. In this article, we’ll present the specifications of the top five electric bikes available in India.
- Revolt RV 400
The Revolt RV 400 electric street bike starts at a price of approximately Rs. 1,29,000 in India. It comes in two different versions and is available in three colors, with the highest variant costing around Rs. 1,61,000. The RV 400’s motor produces 3000 watts of power, and it’s equipped with a combined braking system that operates on both the front and rear disc brakes.
What makes the Revolt RV 400 stand out is that it’s the first electric bike in India with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. It has a protective fairing covering components like the motor and battery, a muscular storage tank, a one-piece seat, and a rear subframe that can be bolted on. The bike features a single disc brake at both ends and a mono-shock suspension in the rear, with inverted forks up front.
This electric bike is powered by a 3 kWh motor that generates 5 kW of power and 50 Nm of torque, thanks to a 3 kWh lithium-ion battery. The RV 400 has three riding modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, and the range varies depending on which mode you use. In Sport mode, it can go up to 90 kilometers, 85 kilometers in City mode, and 120 kilometers in Eco mode when riding at a constant speed of 65 km/h. When set to Eco mode and traveling at a speed of 45 km/h, the RV 400 can achieve a range of 156 km.
In terms of features, the RV 400 is equipped with a fully digital instrument panel and full LED lighting for the headlight, tail lamp, and turn signals. It also has a mobile app that allows you to start the bike, set up a geofence, and receive low battery alerts. The company offers a “Delivery on Demand” service, where they deliver a fully charged bike to a specified location. Revolt also provides an onboard charger and a portable battery charger. They are planning to set up Switch Stations where you can swap out batteries. An interesting feature is the ability to control the bike’s exhaust noise through the app.
Revolt offers two color options for this electric bike: black and a dual-tone black/red paint job.
- Tork Kratos
The Tork Kratos electric street bike is available for Indian customers at a starting price of about Rs. 1,67,000 and the premium model starts at Rs. 1,77,000. You can choose from two different versions and four colors. The motor of the Tork Kratos delivers a power output of 4000 watts. It’s equipped with a combined braking system that uses both front and rear disc brakes.
Tork Motors has introduced the new Kratos electric bike in India to compete with models like the Revolt RV400. The Tork Kratos comes in two versions: Standard and R, and it will gradually become available in various Indian cities, including Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.
The bike has a simple roadster style with a triangular-shaped headlamp, a split-type seat, and two-piece grip rails for the passenger. The standard model is available in white, while the R variant comes in four colors: white, blue, red, and black. The standard model’s electric motor produces a maximum torque of 28Nm and a peak power output of 7.5kW (equivalent to 10.05bhp).
On the other hand, the R model has a higher peak torque of 38Nm and a significantly greater power output of 9kW (equivalent to 12.06 horsepower). The standard model can accelerate from 0 to 40 kilometers per hour in four seconds, with a top speed of 100 kilometers per hour. The R version can reach a top speed of 105 kmph and accelerates from 0 to 40 mph in 3.5 seconds.
Both versions of the Tork Kratos are IP67-certified and come with a lithium-ion battery. They are advertised as having an Indian Driving Cycle (IDC) range of 180 kilometers, but in real-world conditions, both bikes can travel around 120 km on a single charge. The R model benefits from quick charging, with Tork Motors claiming it can go from 0% to 80% charge in just one hour.
Both models come with various features, including multiple riding modes, regenerative braking, reverse mode, mobile connectivity, USB charging, anti-theft measures, a front storage box, and over-the-air updates. Other standard features include full LED lighting and a fully digital instrument cluster.
The battery pack is an integral part of the steel trellis frame that supports the motorcycle. Suspension is handled by telescopic front forks and a rear mono-shock, with single disc brakes at both ends and CBS technology for safety. Additionally, the premium R model offers fast charging, two years of free use of the charging network, geofencing, vehicle location, motor walk assist, accident alerts, track mode, and smart charge analysis.
- Odysse Evoqis
The Odysse Evoqis electric commuter bike is priced starting at around Rs. 1,58,471 in India. It comes in a single variant with four color options. The motor of the Odysse Evoqis generates 3000 watts of power, and it’s equipped with disc brakes for both the front and rear wheels.
This two-wheeler from Odysse is a feature-packed electric bike with a top speed of 80 km/h. It can accelerate from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The bike offers two levels of speed in assisted bike mode and has a maximum load capacity of 170 kg. According to the company, the bike can cover over 100 kilometers on a single charge, and it takes about five hours to fully recharge the battery.
The electric motorcycle has an aluminum frame that supports a mono-shock and telescopic fork. It features a single disc brake at the rear and two rotors up front for its braking system. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires. Its sporty design is highlighted by a twin-pod headlamp, front turn indicators integrated into the fairing, and split-style seats. The Evoqis also comes with a music system, keyless entry, anti-theft lock, and full LED lighting. The seat height is set at 750 mm, making it accessible for riders of varying heights.
Odysse offers the Evoqis electric motorcycle in one shape and four colors: Fire Red, Lime Green, Magna Silver, and Candy Blue.
- Oben Rorr
The Oben Rorr is priced at Rs 99,999 (ex-showroom) after accounting for state discounts and FAME II subsidies. There is only one model available for this electric bike.
The Rorr comes with a digital instrument cluster that can connect to your smartphone. It features an all-LED lighting system and offers various features through the Oben Electric app, including roadside assistance, geo-tagging, predictive maintenance, ride data, battery status, and geo-fencing. The bike also includes CBS (Combined Braking System) as a standard safety feature.
Powering the Rorr is a 10kW motor mounted on the frame and connected to a chain drive. It can reach a top speed of 100 km/h and accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3 seconds. The bike offers three riding modes: Eco, City, and Havoc. In City and Eco modes, you can expect a range of 120 km and 150 km, respectively, while the Havoc mode offers a range of around 100 km. The bike comes with a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that the manufacturer claims can cover 200 km under Ideal Driving Conditions (IDC). Charging the bike fully using a 15A socket takes about 2 hours.
For the suspension, the Rorr features a mono-shock at the rear and telescopic forks in the front. It has disc brakes at both ends, along with CBS for added safety. The bike also has impressive water-resistant capabilities of 230mm and a comfortable 200mm ground clearance. The competition between the Oben Rorr and the Tork Kratos is fierce in the electric bike market.
- Pure EV EcoDryft
The PURE EV EcoDryft is an electric street bike available in a single version with four color options. It has a 2000W motor that powers the bike and features front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with a combined braking system for both wheels.
This commuter electric motorcycle from PURE EV is called the EcoDryft and is priced at Rs 1,14,999 (ex-showroom, Delhi). It’s offered in four colors: black, blue, white, and grey.
The EcoDryft has a slim design with an LED headlight that looks similar to the one on the Bajaj Pulsar NS 200. It comes with a one-piece seat and a grab rail for added comfort. In general, the EcoDryft has the appearance of a typical 110cc commuter motorcycle.
Pure EV has equipped the e-motorcycle with a 3kWh battery connected to a 3kW motor (peak power). The claimed top speed for the EcoDryft is 75 kmph, and it can cover a maximum distance of 130 km on a single charge. Pure EV states that this electric motorcycle can carry a load of approximately 140 kg.
The bike is equipped with gaitered front forks and dual rear shocks for suspension. It has a front disc of 220mm and a rear drum of 130mm for braking. These components are mounted on 18-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels with 80/100 tires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the electric vehicle (EV) market in India is buzzing with exciting options for eco-conscious commuters.
Whether you’re seeking a stylish and powerful electric street bike like the Revolt RV 400, a sporty yet economical option like the Tork Kratos, or a feature-rich and comfortable ride like the Odysse Evoqis, the Indian EV market has something for everyone.
To stay updated on the latest developments in the world of electric vehicles, explore our extensive resources at EV Infotain, a leading EV blog in India. Join us as we delve deeper into the electric mobility revolution, provide in-depth reviews, and offer valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about your next electric ride.
Don’t miss out on the electric future – visit EV Infotain today and embark on your electrifying journey!
A: You can recharge an electric bike either at your home using a standard 5A socket or at public charging stations.
A: Typically, it takes around 4-5 hours to fully charge the battery of an electric bike using a regular 5A socket. If the electric bike supports fast charging, it can charge up to 80% in about 1.5 hours (90 minutes).
A: Nowadays, electric bikes primarily use lithium-ion batteries. However, some more affordable electric bikes still utilize Lead-Acid batteries.
A: Electric bikes typically have an approximate range of 70-100 kilometers on a single charge.
A: Yes, modern high-performance electric bikes are well-suited for use in hilly regions.
A: If the top speed of an electric bike or electric scooter exceeds 25 kilometers per hour, then it is subject to road tax and requires a valid driver’s license for operation.
A: Yes, all electric bikes and electric scooters require insurance.
A: Yes, electric bikes and scooters are equipped with disc brakes, and many of them feature electronic brake assist systems, making them safe for riding.
A: Yes, electric bikes and scooters are equipped with motors that power them on the road.
A: The main advantages of electric bikes over regular bicycles include their low running costs, minimal maintenance requirements, and user-friendly operation without the need for a gearbox.
A: Some of the top electric bikes and scooters in India include Ather 450X, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak Electric, Tork Kratos, Simple One, Revolt RV400, and Oben Rorr.
A: Electric bikes generate very little noise, with the sound originating from their motors. The noise level of electric bikes is significantly quieter than that of gasoline-powered motorcycles.
A: Yes, electric bikes are equipped with braking systems because brakes are essential for stopping the electric bike.
A: In India, the top electric bikes to consider purchasing include the TVS iQube, Ather 450X, and Tork Kratos.
A: Some popular electric bikes and scooters in India are the Ather 450X, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak Electric, Tork Kratos, Simple One, Revolt RV400, and Oben Rorr.
A: Yes, electric bikes operate without a gearbox and function like automatic vehicles.
A: Electric scooters and motorcycles vary in speed. Some have a top speed of 25 kmph, while high-speed electric bikes can reach speeds ranging from 70 kmph to 147 kmph.
A: Electric vehicles offer advantages such as zero pollution, cost savings, and ease of operation.
A: To choose an electric bike in India, conduct research on available options, establish a budget, consider your daily riding requirements, and select an electric bike that suits your needs. You can find valuable information on electric bikes in India at evinfotain.com.
A: Electric bike prices in India typically range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3.5 lakhs.
A: Yes, you can ride an electric bike in the rain, as the motors and batteries of electric bikes are designed to be waterproof.
A: The battery life of an electric scooter is approximately 4 to 5 years.
A: Most high-speed electric scooters have a payload capacity ranging from 100 to 130 kg.
A: Lithium-ion batteries can be relatively expensive, with a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery costing around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the battery’s quality.