Simple Energy is a startup from Bangalore that makes electric scooters. They have two models: One and One Dot. The company had some delays, but it started selling the Simple One in mid-2023. So far, they have sold about 2,500 scooters. Simple Energy is also improving the scooter’s software to make it run better and last longer. They have added new features to make the ride more comfortable and enjoyable. We tested the latest version to see what’s new.
Design
- The Simple One has a sporty and stylish look.
- It has sharp edges and a sleek front design.
- The LED headlamp is triangular in shape, with LED turn signals on the sides.
- Daytime running lights are placed on the handlebar.
- The side panels extend smoothly to the back, where there is a nice-looking tail lamp.
Comfort
- The seat is wide and comfortable for both the rider and a passenger.
- The materials used in the scooter feel premium and high quality.
- It has 30 liters of storage under the seat, which can fit a full-size helmet and a removable battery.
- There is a USB charging port to charge devices while riding.
- An LED light inside the storage area helps at night.
Features
- A 7-inch touchscreen display with improved themes and features.
- Users can store documents, navigate with live traffic updates, check trip history, and find their scooter.
- Tire pressure monitoring system.
- Regenerative braking, which saves up to 7% energy.
- A flashing brake light to warn other drivers during sudden braking.
- Park assist with forward and reverse options for easy parking.
Performance and Battery
- The Simple One’s motor remains unchanged, but its software has been fine-tuned for better efficiency and range.
- It has an 8.5 kW motor with 72 Nm torque, connected to a belt drive.
- The battery has a total capacity of 5 kWh and takes about six hours to charge from 0 to 80% using a home charger.
- The battery consists of two parts: a fixed 3.4 kWh unit and a removable 1.6 kWh unit, which weighs 10 kg and can be charged separately at home or work.
- The scooter offers four riding modes:
- Eco Mode: Provides the best range (up to 248 km as per the company, but around 200 km in real-world conditions).
- Ride Mode: Suitable for daily city commuting.
- Dash Mode: Offers more power and acceleration.
- Sonic Mode: Provides maximum performance with a top speed of 105 km/h and an acceleration of 0-40 km/h in 2.77 seconds.
- However, Sonic Mode cannot be used when the battery charge is below 60%, and Dash Mode is unavailable if the charge drops below 50%, which can be frustrating for riders.
Ride, Handling, and Brakes
- The Simple One is stable and easy to handle.
- It has 12-inch wheels with telescopic suspension at the front and a centrally mounted monoshock at the rear.
- With a weight of 137 kg, the scooter is well-balanced and offers good cornering and maneuverability in traffic.
- The ride quality is mostly smooth but can feel slightly stiff on rough roads.
- The braking system works well, but the front brake alone does not have a strong bite compared to when both brakes are applied together.
- While the Simple One is a fun and capable electric scooter, it lacks some features like hill-hold assist, traction control, and cruise control, which some competitors offer.
Price
- The Simple One is priced at Rs 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom).
- It is more expensive compared to some competitors.
- Simple Energy’s service centers are still limited.
- There are not many public charging stations, which makes charging difficult.
Additionally, Simple Energy’s sales and service network is still growing, and the lack of a public charging network makes things more challenging. The portable battery cannot be charged separately, which can be inconvenient.
