Okinawa Scooters has launched its new Praise at Rs 59,889 (ex-showroom, Delhi). The manufacturer’s second offering, which was teased in November this year, the Praise sits above the Ridge (Rs 43,702) in Okinawa’s line-up. Pre-bookings for the new electric two-wheeler had begun at the end of November for an amount of Rs 2,000.
It is powered by a 1,000W electric motor while the Praise’s 72V, 45Ah lithium-ion battery provides a claimed range of 170-200km. Bear in mind that the standard battery is a lead-acid type unit while the lithium-ion battery will cost around Rs 10k more but will bring faster charge times and significanntly lower weight. Peak torque figures are yet to be revealed. Okinawa also claims that the e-scooter will offer a comparatively high top speed of 75kph (the Ridge is capable of 55kph) and quick charging time of two hours (in the case of the Li-ion battery); standard charging time is quoted at six to eight hours. These claims not only make the Praise the fastest e-scooter in India, but also the one with the highest range. The Praise is offered with three speed modes Eco (top speed limited to 35kph), Sporty (65kph) and Turbo (75kph).
The sporty-looking electric scooter features an LED headlamp, underlined by a sweeping LED DRL. The handlebar cowl gets turn indicators integrated while the handlebar comes with bar-end weights. The Praise is available in three colour options – a dual-tone glossy purple and black, a matte blue and black, and a matte gold and black.
The seat height stands at 774mm, making it easier to get on and off, while the ground clearance is ample at 170mm. Like the Ridge, suspension duties at the front are taken care of by a telescopic fork while the rear uses a dual-shock suspension. The 12-inch alloy wheels are shod with 90/90 R12 tubeless tyres.
However, unlike the Ridge, the Praise comes with a unique double disc set-up at the front with a larger disc mounted to the edge of the wheel rim that sits on the outside of a small, conventionally mounted disc. The purpose of this set-up is partly aesthetic and partly to addres the fact that Okinawa finds that some users don't use the front brake enough and that this system provides up to 1.8x the stopping power as a standard disc. The rear gets a single disc and Okinawa also claims an EABS system (Electronic Assist Brake System) but this is not to be confused with traditional ABS, which is not available. Combined braking is on offer though and sends up to 50 percent of brake force to the front when the rider applies the rear brake.
In terms of equipment, safety and security features, Okinawa has equipped the Praise with side-stand sensors, an anti-theft sensor in the main stand, keyless start, a mobile charging point and a pre-loaded ‘Find My Scooter’ location tracker.
At the launch, Okinawa also showcased a new in-house developed lithium-ion battery, which weighs just 9kg and is compact in size. It will come with a quick charge capability, able to attain 80 percent charge in 45 minutes.
The brand has also said that it will invest USD 30 million (about Rs 192 crore) over the next three years into new products, improving its capability and for network expansion. The sales target it has set for itself is 10,000 units by end of FY18 and one million e-scooters by FY22.
Azaman Chothia
Vishal Venugopal
