Simple Energy has stepped up its game with the refreshed Simple One
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The electric scooter segment in India is heating up, and Simple Energy — an electric vehicle (EV) start-up based in Bengaluru — has stepped up its game with the refreshed Simple One. This mid-life update, which the company calls version 1.5, brings an impressive real-world range of 180-190 km (claimed 248 km) on a single charge, along with a slew of refinements that make it a compelling option for urban commuters. But is it worth ₹1.8 lakh? Let’s dive in.
Simple Energy has nailed the aesthetics with an upmarket and bold design
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At the heart of the Simple One lies a dual-battery setup with a combined capacity of 5 kWh. The inbuilt battery holds 3.7 kWh, while a removable 1.7 kWh unit sits neatly under the seat. With a peak power output of 8.5 kW and a top speed of 105 km/h, this e-scooter is no slouch. It sprints from 0-40 km/h in just 2.77 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its category.
The four riding modes — Eco, Ride, Dash and Sonic — offer flexibility, depending on your needs. Sonic mode is particularly exhilarating, delivering instant torque that pushes you back into the seat. Despite its zippy nature, the motor is refined and well-tuned for city riding.
The scooter is easy to handle and has great ergonomics
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Simple Energy has nailed the aesthetics with an upmarket and bold design. The LED headlight, sleek red wing accents at the front, and large, comfortable seat make for an attractive package. The stylish grab handles and large wheels further add to its premium feel. While the scooter is easy to handle and has great ergonomics (even for taller riders), its weight is noticeable on tight turns.
The under-seat compartment is spacious enough to accommodate a full-face helmet or the charging cable
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Storage is another strong point. The under-seat compartment is spacious enough to accommodate a full-face helmet or the charging cable. The Simple One is loaded with features. A large touchscreen display syncs with your mobile phone via bluetooth and provides navigation, battery status, and charging details. The built-in Digi Locker lets you store important documents like your license, RC, and insurance directly on the scooter.
Adding to the convenience factor are forward crawl and reverse modes, which help maneuvering tight spaces. Though the scooter features regenerative braking while coasting, the regen levels are fixed and not adjustable.
Forward crawl and reverse modes help maneuvering tight spaces
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Equipped with a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock suspension, Simple One delivers a comfortable ride, even over rough roads and speed breakers. The combined braking system, featuring hydraulically actuated triple-piston calliper disc brakes at the front and a single-piston disc at the rear, ensures strong stopping power. It is a fun machine to power around town, making city rides enjoyable and engaging.
Charging the Simple One takes approximately six hours on a standard home charger. The batteries are IP67-rated lithium-ion units, offering durability and resistance against dust and water ingress.
The Simple One is an exciting upgrade that enhances range, features, and overall usability
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At ₹1.8 lakh, the Simple One is on the pricier side. While it packs in a lot of tech and offers excellent range, pricing remains a crucial factor in the EV scooter segment. However, for early adopters and those looking for a refined, feature-rich alternative to the Ola S1 Pro or Ather 450X, this scooter makes a strong case.
Simple Energy is betting big on expansion, targeting sales of 60,000 units in the coming year and increasing its dealership network from 10 to 400 by the end of 2025. With EV adoption still in its early stages, the company has its work cut out, but the product itself is well-engineered and thoughtfully designed.
The Simple One is an exciting upgrade that enhances range, features, and overall usability. It’s a refined, fun-to-ride, and practical e-scooter that ticks most of the right boxes. If Simple Energy can work on its pricing strategy or introduce attractive financing options, the Simple One could very well be a game-changer in the Indian EV scooter market.
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Published – February 11, 2025 01:09 pm IST
