For years now, the automobile industry has experimented with alternative fuels to replace petrol. Many car and two-wheeler manufacturers across the world have used electricity to power their vehicles, and with global warming on the rise, even companies in India have started taking it seriously. One such two-wheeler firm, Hero Ultra, which boasts a large range of electric two-wheelers, has recently launched a new e-scooter—Velociti. The company is a collaboration between Hero Exports, part of the Hero Group, and Ultra Motor Company of the UK, a global electric vehicle solutions company.
Velociti is powered by the Impulse Inertia Technology, a Hero Ultra invention, which gives the e-scooter a speed of 40 kmph and a better torque. Not exactly a whirlwhind, but one should keep in mind that electric vehicles are not about power, only about going from one point to another at a very low cost and for a specific distance. It’s all about cutting down petrol and maintenance bills.
Design
At first glance, Velociti can be mistaken for a sophisticated toy because of its compact looks. What the e-scooter has going for it is clean and sleek lines, especially the tail lamps and indicators. But it lacks storage space. You’d expect more space under the seat considering that the scooter has a simple electric engine without an air filter, spark plug and other components, not to forget the petrol engine. But no such luck. So you either put a helmet lock on the back rest rail or just carry your head gear. Even the glove compartment is not spacious, enough only for perhaps the registration papers and a very small bag. There’s not much to brag about legroom either, just enough for an adult’s feet, which rules out the possibility of a bag on the floor. The charging point is below the seat convenient enough to plug it in. Velociti’s seats are comfortable and provide a good riding position. Hero Ultra has tried to have an attractive speedometer, but the overall feel of the e-scooter is plasticky. This is a major drawback, given that it costs Rs 34,000.
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