The Simple ONE Gen 1.5 electric scooter is a product designed to cater to urban mobility demands, combining futuristic design, thoughtful engineering, and sustainability. A few years in the making, the engineering and design teams wanted to get the right blend of range and performance for this flagship model. It aims to provide a seamless electric ride that balances performance and efficiency for the modern rider. Claiming a range of 248km on a single charge, and priced at INR 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom), it makes for a great commuter with enough torque to zoom past traffic.
Rakish Design Looks Good
At first glance, the Simple Energy One stands out with its sleek and contemporary design. Key design elements include a large 35-litre under-seat storage space, which accommodates daily essentials, and a custom-built rear suspension that balances ride comfort and load handling. A rubber seal across the boot liner would have made it water-resistant, something that the engineers can look into.
But the great bit is that it looks futuristic and sporty with a sharp silhouette. The riding triangle is designed for comfort and the large seat adds to the convenience. The all-LED headlights have a cool design, and the tail section genuinely looks exotic.
Performs Well On Streets, Even Off Them
The scooter boasts a peak motor power of 8.5 kW (about 11.4bhp) with 72 Nm of torque, ensuring quick acceleration that keeps you up with traffic on open roads. Its four riding modes—Eco, Ride, Dash, and Sonic—offer varied performance settings. Eco mode prioritises efficiency, while Sonic mode takes it up to its top speed of 105 kmph. This versatility makes it equally suitable for navigating traffic or cruising on open roads. Honestly the quick acceleration lets you dart across traffic with ease on your commute. The 3.7kWh main battery pack sits under the floorboard, while a 10kg 1.3kWh removable pack is under the seat for quick access.
The scooter is powered by a dual battery setup—one fixed and one portable—with a combined capacity of 5 kWh. This setup delivers a certified IDC range of 212 km, which can be stretched to 248km with a very careful and restricted throttle. While real-world conditions may lower this figure slightly, the dual-battery system allows extended commuting without frequent recharging. You will lose the Sonic mode once you go past 62% of battery charge, which is annoying but understandable.We pushed through all the modes, and did a bit of off-road bits as well. This meant we chewed through the range quick, but it shows the scooter will go 170km on a single charge without trouble.
The compact yet robust tubular steel chassis ensures both durability and lightweight construction, contributing to improved handling and agility. The telescopic front forks and progressive monoshock at the rear create a smooth ride, whether on uneven roads or during sharp cornering. This scooter feels compact and agile when pushing through corners. And the regen is mostly there to simulate engine braking rather than to increase range pointlessly.
Charging is straightforward with options for home and portable charging. The onboard PRCD (Portable Residual Current Device) charger ensures safety by regulating current. With a 750W home charger it will take 8 hours to charge it to full, although the company claims you will get 80% charge in about 4 hours. And if you carry the large charger with you, it will restrict the use of that boot considerably.
Smart Features
The multi-functional 7-inch TFT touchscreen dashboard elevates the riding experience. With an IP65 rating for weather resistance, it provides real-time data, including navigation via MapMyIndia, battery health, and speed. Its Bluetooth connectivity and upcoming features, such as call and music control, add to the utility.
Additionally, the system’s Over-the-Air (OTA) update capability keeps the software current without requiring physical intervention. Customisable options, like themes and brightness adjustments, enhance usability. However, we would like the UI department, not UX, to work on the font sizes a bit more for better legibility while riding.
Safety & Braking
The CBS (Combi-Braking System), paired with hydraulic disc brakes, delivers enough stopping power. The front triple-piston calliper and rear single-piston calliper offer excellent control, even during scary braking scenarios.
The drop safety feature and rapid brake light blinking alert reduce risks in panic situations. Furthermore, the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and side stand sensor ensure safety before and during rides. The overall braking is better than the competition.
Ride Quality
The ride quality of the Simple Energy One is pretty good, with responsive handling and good suspension tuning. The lightweight aluminium swing-arm enhances stability while reducing unnecessary bulk. The low centre of gravity and a balanced 48:52 weight distribution further contribute to its nimble performance.
Features like parking assist, reverse mode, and a high ground clearance (164.5 mm) make it suitable for a variety of urban conditions. The low beam escort light, which stays on for 10 seconds after you pull the key out, is a thoughtful touch for dim lit parkings.
Simple Energy provides a well-structured maintenance schedule, emphasising battery health, brake wear, and suspension checks. The scooter’s warranty options, extending up to eight years, reflect the company’s confidence in its product's durability. The omission of fast charging may be annoying for now, but we were promised it is under development and will soon be available.
The Simple Energy One is a thoughtfully engineered electric scooter that meets the demands of urban commuters. Its combination of performance, sporty design and loads of features makes it a strong contender in the growing EV market. While minor improvements could refine the experience, the scooter already sets a high standard after a long wait for its market availability. It is a promising step forward in by a committed team of engineers. Also, they told us that this has been called the ONE Gen 1.5 deliberately as Gen 2.0 is around the corner, probably equipped with a rapid charger. So, great things awaited from Simple Energy.
Photography: Mohd Nasir
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