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Okinawa Praise Road Test Review
More power. More range. More style. That’s what the Okinawa Praise promised to bring to the table. Does it deliver the goods? We find out.
Lohia-fame-and-lohia-oma
Motor: 250W, Top Speed: 25km/h, Range: 70km, Price: Rs 31,000 (approx)
Motor: 250W, Top Speed: 25km/h, Range: 70km, Price: Rs 31,000 (approx)
The electric vehicles manufacturing division of the Rs 500 crore Lohia Group, Lohia Auto Industries (LAI) unveiled their first electric scooters at the International Trade Fair in Delhi recently marking their entry into the electric two-wheeler segment in India.
Developed with German technology, both the Fame and the Oma have been duly designed to cater to different sets of people. Though technically same, the scoots are quite different when it comes to design. While the Fame with its feminine contours has been molded keeping the fairer sex in mind. The Oma, on the other hand comes across as the more traditional of the two with no lacy strings attached. The Fame comes in sensuous red, magnificent mauve and smart pink colour options with striking features like big twin headlamps up front and the curvy rear end, although we do feel some design cues are overdone. The Oma is available in macho black, fiery red and spirited silver shades and looks substantial for a low powered e-scoot.
Both models are powered by a 250Watt motor with rechargeable and maintainance free VRLA batteries that can be charged just with an inverter or generator. It takes around six to eight hours for a full charge. The vehicles are capable of achieving speeds of 25km/h and once charged can easily take you for almost 70km in the city. With no engine inside, the vehicles require little maintenance and the total running costs add up to be only around 10 paise per kilometre. To add to it there are no harmful emissions.
Other significant features include a telescopic front fork and high ground clearance for both the models. The scooters also have ample two-step storing capacity under the seat which can also be utilized for carrying the battery charger. There’s a glovebox in the front as well with additional storage space for small essential items. As the motor is rated at 250Watt and the true maximum speed doesn’t exceed 25km/h, both these e-scoots don’t require a registration or license for riding thus being a good option for youngsters.
Priced at Rs 31,000 a piece, both models will start selling in few months’ time. In the meantime LAI is also gearing up to introduce a high powered scooter which will be capable of doing 45km/h soon.
With its manufacturing facility at Kashipur in Uttrakhand, LAI is banking on their innovative technology and quality service to bring a revolutionary change in Indian electric vehicle market.
This is by far the most radical e-scoot in India. The design looks appealing from a few angles, while from others, it looks a bit overdone. Big lamps up front look good and the black visor with indicators on each side is a neat touch. Two step underseat storage is decent
The Oma’s big grab rail adds a practical touch |
The over optimistic speedo reads 60km/h though one will never see anything more than 30km/h |
The wavy design of the wheels looks good on the move |
Hero-maxi
Motor: 250W Top speed: 25km/h Range: 40km Price: Rs 29,400
If you want something that is even cheaper than the Optima Plus, then you have the option of going in for the other offering from the Hero Electric stable, the Maxi. Priced below Rs 30,000, the Maxi is equipped with the same motor as the Optima Plus. It looks futuristic as well, specially with those stylish 16-inch wheels and sharp design angles. The Maxi is aimed at the a wide varienty of users. The paint quality is top notch though the build quality, like the switch gear, etc. is not the best in the segment. The Maxi has neat touches like a clear and easy to read speedometer console, a big grab rail, and a pleasing rear end.
The seating position and ergonomics too could be better. A rather tall seat and lowered handlebars put you in an awkward riding position. The performance of the Maxi is reasonable given the fact that it comes with a 250Watt motor. Like the Optima Plus, the Maxi too has a top speed of a true 25km/h.
With its low pricing and specially the Hero brand name the Maxi isn’t a bad option for the low budget consumer. Within a year of its establishment, Hero Electric managed to become one of the highest sellers in the electric scooters market and has spread its network across the country through 260 dealerships. The company currently makes electric vehicles for all age groups at their manufacturing facility near Ludhiana.
The rather simple console of the Maxi reads out the necessary info easily |
The Maxi is not one of the better looking electric vehicles around. The low grade plastics and the paint combinations give the scooter a rather inexpensive look |
The tail lamps are designed differently – something that might appeal to only a few |