World Environment Day 2022: Best Electric Bikes - Team Zig Picks

Kartikeya S - TVS iQube

Have you heard of the MAYA principle, or Most Advanced Yet Acceptable? Raymond Loewy, often called the father of Industrial Design and, most famously, the designer of the Coca Cola bottle, coined it. He said that even a breakthrough or disruptive product has to balance familiarity with new innovations to gain acceptance with users. For me, the iQube hits that spot almost perfectly. The iQube doesnt shout or shock the mass market scooter buyer about switching from ICE to EV. The conventionality of its form with just subtle twists to elements, like the headlamp and DRLs give it that MAYA quotient even at a galnce. The same applies to the way it works too - it just feels like a better scooter which happens to be electric. Moving away from the convenience of petrol is discomforting enough for most people, hence finding familiarity in the way the scooter works serves to soothe and convince more riders. Finally, as the iQube delivers on its promises unhesitatingly it draws more and more users from ICE into the EV fold, smoothly. With the new updated versions of the iQube the speed of conversion looks all set to get faster too!

 Ajit Menon - RGNT No.1 Classic SE

Swedish company RGNT has shown that not all electric motorcycles need to look like some sporty, ultra high-tech gizmo from the future. Their RGNT No.1 Classic SE fuses retro styling with modern elements such as a 7-inch touchscreen instrument cluster and circular LED headlights - just the way I’d like my electric bike.

It’s got a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, wire-spoked wheels, handcrafted leather seats and lots of chrome at just the right places. The boxy casing that hides its 9.5kWh motor is probably the single biggest give away of its electric roots.

A top speed of 120kmph makes the RGNT’s Classic just about as fast as a Royal Enfield Classic 350. Charging from 20-80% takes about 3 hours. But you’ll need to spend double this time for a full charge and a claimed range of 148km. This may not feel sufficient for long rides out of town but in-city jaunts should be relatively stress-free and gratifying thanks to all the heads it’d be turning on the road.

At €13,495 (Rs 11 lakh+), the RGNT No.1 is an unlikely bike for India. But hopes of an affordable, retro-styled electric motorcycle are alive with reports of Royal Enfield and Classic Legends-owned BSA entering the EV segment soon. 

PD - Zero SR/S

While I was tempted to pick something like the Lightning LS-218 - possibly the fastest production bike in the world (not just electric) or the mental Energica Ego, I came to the conclusion that the electric bike of my dreams would combine performance with practicality. And that’s what i love about the Zero SR/S - it’s got enough performance - a top speed of 200kmph, but it’s got great real world range too. The standard bike, with its 15.6kWh battery can manage a combined highway range of 180km. But thanks to a “Cypher upgrade” that squeezes out a total of 17.3kWh from the battery, it can travel 200km on a full charge. Add in an optional “power tank” and that range goes up to 243km. To top it off, the SR/S’ ergos are more sport tourer than outright supersport. And did I mention that it looks quiet cool too. This is a bike I’d be happy to ride everyday.

Arun N - Ultraviolette F77

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Let me be honest, my experience with electric two-wheelers has been limited. However, one particular bike that really impressed me was the Ultraviolette F77. It was the first electric motorcycle that I ever rode and that too at the race track. Until I rode the F77, I had this image that EVs are slow and only good enough for commuting. All my apprehensions were shattered as I entered C5 of MMRT. The F77 was fast, it was exciting and so much fun! Within a few corners, the F77 felt natural and barring a raspy exhaust note, it seemed as if I was riding a KTM. While it wasn't perfect, the F77 proved to me that EVs can be fun, and I can't wait to ride the production version soon. 

Praveen M - Energica EsseEsse9+ RS

The Energica EsseEsse9+ RS instantly tugged at my heartstrings the moment I came across the electric motorcycle. It’s got a gorgeous neo-retro naked design tempered by a completely modern powertrain and battery pack. Its claimed 420km city range and a combined range of 246km is more than enough for my needs. Oh, and it's got the brawns to back up the range too. How about 80kW of peak power, 200Nm of peak torque, and a 0-100kmph acceleration time of 2.8 seconds sound? Then you’ve got four riding and regenerative modes, six levels of traction control, connectivity and cruise control among others too. It’s as wholesome as it gets in my opinion. 

Manaal M -  Damon HyperFighter Colossus

Imagine unleashing an all electric streetfighter that packs power equivalent to 200PS and 200Nm. With multiple riding modes, traction control system and a really cool CoPilot 360-degree warning system which deploys front and rear cameras, radar, non-visual and force sensors to make your ride safer. Yes the hardware is premium, monocoque chassis, premium suspension by Ohlins and braking managed by Brembo. Not to forget the carbon wheels and sticky Pirelli Supercorsa tyres. That said, the coolest feature however has to be its two-level variable ergonomics tech, called ‘Shift’. Flick between sport or commuter mode(switchable on the fly) the system can raise or lower the handlebar, and also move the footpegs towards the front or the rear. With a claimed combined range of 234km and 0-96kmph that comes up in under three seconds, I can commute to work on Friday and slay corners on Saturday. 

Bernard M- Ultraviolette F77

The Ultraviolette F77 is India’s first electric performance bike, and hence it’s no surprise why I pick this as my polar bear friendly bike. Packing enough grunt in the form of a 25kW electric motor that develops 90Nm of torque at the motor, the performance promised by this package can be compared to a typical 300cc petrol-powered motorcycle. Also, as this bike is track-focussed, it is perfect for me to slide my knee around at MMRT.

Aamir M - Pursang E-Track

This European e-bike combines the best of both worlds by fusing the practicality and ruggedness of a flat tracker with a sustainable and green electric motor. The Pursang E-Track is powered by an 11kW Bosch motor that can make it achieve a top speed of 110kmph. I know that isn't a lot, but I'm sure that I'll be having a lot of fun riding it. It offers a decent 120km of claimed range. But, the most impressive thing about the bike has to be the way it looks. Absolutely gorgeous. It gets a neo-retro yet futuristic styling, that you just cannot resist. Oh and also, most of the body parts are 3D printed. 

Nishaad J - Harley-Davidson LiveWire

I love riding off-road. The idea of hitting backyard trails with my friends is simply one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had on two wheels. KTM sells fast and exciting motorcycles in India for sure, overseas however, it retails lunacy on two wheels. Especially for the off-road enthusiast. This KTM Freeride E-XC features a brushless synchronous motor that makes a peak power of 18kW(24.4PS) and 42Nm. More than sufficient for your Sunday trail rides. Its 3.9 kWh battery pack is said to charge up to 80 per cent in just over an hour(75 minutes). And in true KTM fashion, you get hardcore WP suspension(front and back) that can make easy work of the gnarliest stuff out there. Moreover, as this is an EV, your clutch lever is replaced with a rear brake lever, so it's like riding a big KTM enduro bike with the ease of a scooter!