The presence of electric vehicles is increasing, so is the market for electric scooters. The Okinawa Ridge is the latest to get on the bandwagon
Pics/Saurabh
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Okinawa Autotech has entered the electric scooter segment with the new Ridge. And, if you're on the lookout for combustion- and emission-free mobility with decent pace, the Ridge is something to take a closer look at.
Weighing 96 kg, the Okinawa Ridge is a rather well designed scooter. It has some sharp curves and flowing lines that don't make it seem like a light electric scooter.
Economy mode allows a range of 70 km and Sport mode accentuates performance but diminishes range
It looks substantial enough as an everyday workhorse and has the specs on paper to make it seem like it is indeed.
The first thing that struck us about the bike, before we even saw it, was the set of keys we were handed. It has a pair of key-blades as well as a pair of fobs. The Ridge has an alarm that can be armed using the key-fob. However, the key-blade is required to open the seat and turn the ignition. Under the seat is a switch, much like an electric fuse (which it is), that actually turns on the bike for use. A sharp pair of beeps later, it was ready to go.
Five batteries contribute to the extensive 70-km range
The Ridge is quite stylish and comes in a choice of nicely contrasting colours. It has all the required lighting, and looks conventional. The handlebars are quite wide and high, especially considering that the seat padding has supersoft foam, softer than Pirelli's softest F1 tyre. There aren't too many sharp edges around, so build quality is decent. However, the positioning of the switchgear is far from ideal and the turn indicators and the (two) horn buttons (on either side) aren't easy to reach.
It takes off pretty well, and in silence. The instant torque gets it up to double-digit speed immediately, regardless of which mode you're in. The Ridge has two modes: 'E' and 'S'. In E, the Ridge climbs to 20 km/h in five seconds and heads up to a cruise speed of 30 km/h, though 35 is possible. Switch to S, and the urgency increases dramatically, allowing a quicker sprint to 40 km/h and a top speed of an indicated 51 km/h, or 45 km/h true, as our test equipment verified.
The underseat switch is used to turn on or off the Ridge
The motor behind this wholesome charge is an 800-Watt (1.09-PS equivalent) electric motor. It puts out a peak 1.2 kW (1.63-PS equivalent) in S mode. While torque figures weren't quoted, it does feel like it puts out a good amount, comparable to a 100-cc commuter. The source of the power is a 60-volt setup with five batteries stacked under the seat.
The handling is not half bad as it is light and very nimble. It runs a telescopic fork at the front with twin-damped coil-springs at the rear. While the Ridge feels stiff over uneven bumps, it tends to bottom out when getting off a speed-hump. The claimed range is 70-90 km. In E, it will actually go on to 70 km. However, some inclines require S mode to stay ahead of the swarm of inconsiderate road-users, and that changes things. Overall, it offers a real-world range of 45-50 km - considering an average rider weight of 65 kg - which is good for quick runabouts within the confines of the city or within proximity of your residence.
The Okinawa Ridge, at Rs 42,000 (ex-showroom, Pune), offers a good alternative to those who need a relaxed scooter that can handle a good amount of weight without compromising on manoeuvrability. A full charge takes six to eight hours using a standard point.
Electric vehicles are increasing in presence. With more range, they could very well be the way forward.
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