Introduction
What we’ve got here today is the Ampere Primus. Now Ampere is the e-scooter brand owned by Greaves Mobility, and the Primus is its first truly indigenous Made in India made for India offering. Let’s check it out.
Price
This primer sits at the top of the Ampere lineup. It’s the flagship. It’s priced at 1.1 rupees X showroom, and where that places it in the e-scooter market is slightly below the base variant of the TV tube and exactly on par with the Ola S1 air in its most expensive guys.
Performance
In terms of performance on paper, this is similar to the IQ. You’ve got a four-kilowatt motor that gives you a 0 to 40 time of 4.2 seconds and a claimed top speed of 77 kph, nearly identical to the TVs in the real world. However, things aren’t quite so similar now. The Primus isn’t what you’d call slow or sluggish; it doesn’t quite have the zip you’d expect from a four-kilowatt electric scooter, even in its highest power mode. It doesn’t feel as quick as something like a TV tube, and acceleration also Trails off quite considerably Beyond 40 kph. That being said, it does continue steadily gaining speed. It will eventually cross a speed indicated 80 kph, so overall performance levels are adequate for City commuting. You’re not going to be a liability in traffic, but you’re not going to be.
Range
Entertained, and then there’s the all-important question of range the Primus packs in a three-kilowatt battery pack. This LFP battery pack offers better thermal properties but loses a little on energy density compared to a conventional NFC battery pack. This pack resides under the seat, offering a certified range of 107 kilometers in the real world. Though you might not get that much, we hope to find that out for ourselves soon. We spent the day riding mostly in power mode, and the scooter seemed on cost recover somewhere between.
Charging time
Once it’s dead, 70 and 80 kilometers on a full charge; Ampere says a full top-up will take about 5 hours, while an optional fast charger will cut this down to roughly two and a half hours. We noticed, though, that the Scooter’s SOC indicator isn’t the most accurate or reliable unit around. It only dropped one percent from 100 to 99 after the first 10 kilometers of riding and then dropped a further 15 over the next 10 kilometers, so there’s still some work to be done in this area. There were other issues with the small Bluetooth-enabled LCD; aside from being quite dim and difficult to read under bright sunlight, the single trip meter cannot be reset manually. It automatically resets every time the scooter is left off for a while and then turned back on; strangely, the clock seems to reset like this, and it’s also impossible to manually toggle between the odometer and the trip meter on the screen.
Riding position
One thing that strikes you when you jump aboard is the riding position. The floorboard is quite high up. I’m not very tall, but even for me, it’s a knees-up position. Aside from the knees of posture, there’s a reasonable amount of space for both Rider and Billion, and the floorboard is fair.
Boot space
There’s also a decent amount of storage space under the seat, 22 liters, according to Ampere. The compartment is wide and fairly long but not very deep, so you can’t fit a helmet, but it will swallow many other smaller items. There’s also a fairly large cubby on the back of the apron.
Features
Features: you’ve got an LED headlight, Bluetooth connectivity, three riding modes, and reverse, as well as a USB charger in the cubby on the back of the apron.
Build and Quality
Fit levels across the scooter are quite decent, but there are several other ways in which the Primus does feel quite built to a cost. Material quality isn’t great on something that costs over 1 lakh rupees like a showroom, and a front drum brake is rather surprising at this price point. You don’t even have the option of a front disc.
Ride and handling
The rest of the chassis package is decent, with 12-inch wheels at both ends. Ride quality strikes a nice Middle Ground, not as soft as an IQ but not as stiff as an Aether. It feels sure-footed around corners while still keeping you comfortable over bad patches of road, but the weak drum brakes hold you back from upping the pace and having fun on board this scooter.
Verdict
The Ampere Primus is a bit of a strange scooter, to sum up, at 1.1 lakh rupees, it certainly isn’t cheap in absolute terms, you could get a far more capable and better-equipped petrol scooter for less money in the electric space it is more affordable than most of the well-established premium e-scooters around but not by much if a cost-effective basic and simple e-scooters what you’re after the Primus could be worth considering. The life battery does have its appeal for most people. However, the extra 8000 pieces you pay for the base TV’s eye cube are worth paying. The stronger performance, better seating comfort, and front disc brake alone would justify that premium. Still, you also get a neat DFT display, better build quality, and a stronger reputation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Ampere Reo Plus electric scooter offers a stylish, eco-friendly, and practical solution for urban commuting. Its efficient electric motor, comfortable ergonomics, and convenient features make it a compelling option for riders seeking an environmentally sustainable and hassle-free mode of transportation in urban environments.
FAQs
1. What is the range of the Ampere Reo Plus on a single charge?
The Ampere Reo Plus’s range can vary depending on riding conditions, speed, and terrain. However, it typically offers a range of around 60-70 kilometers on a single charge.
2. How long does charging the Ampere Reo Plus battery take?
The charging time for the Ampere Reo Plus battery depends on the charging method used. Using a standard household outlet (AC charging), it takes approximately 6-8 hours to charge the battery fully. A fast charger (DC charging) can take around 3-4 hours for a full charge.
3. What is the top speed of the Ampere Reo Plus?
The top speed of the Ampere Reo Plus is around 25-30 kilometers per hour, which is suitable for urban commuting and city riding.
4. Is the Ampere Reo Plus eligible for government subsidies or incentives for electric vehicles?
Eligibility for government subsidies or incentives for electric vehicles varies by region and country. It’s recommended to check with local authorities or electric vehicle incentive programs to determine if the Ampere Reo Plus qualifies for any subsidies or incentives in your area.
5. Does the Ampere Reo Plus come with a warranty?
Yes, the Ampere Reo Plus typically comes with a warranty provided by the manufacturer. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary, so it’s advisable to review the warranty details provided by Ampere or authorized dealers.
6. Is the Ampere Reo Plus suitable for two riders?
The Ampere Reo Plus is designed primarily for single-rider use, but it does come with a pillion seat for a passenger. However, the scooter’s performance and range may be affected when carrying a passenger, so it’s important to consider this when riding with a passenger.
7. Can the Ampere Reo Plus be charged using a portable charger?
Yes, the Ampere Reo Plus can be charged using a portable charger compatible with the scooter’s charging port. However, it’s important to use a charger suitable for electric vehicles and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for charging to ensure safety and proper operation.