Bounce Infinity E1 scooter pricing, battery-swapping strategy may be a hit

Just a few months ago, Bounce Infinity had said it was introducing its electric scooter E1 and when it revealed the E1’s pricing and battery-swapping plans, it sent shock waves across the industry! 

It not only cleverly priced its scooter at Rs 45,000 (without battery) but Bounce also adopted a very innovative battery-swapping strategy. It has allowed a customer to buy the E1 without the battery but permitting battery-as-a-service option by using the company’s swapping infrastructure, which comes dirt cheap.

Bounce Infinity E1 e-scooter

So, what is battery swapping? In battery swapping, you don’t need to own a battery but swap it at the battery stations. This brings down the cost by over 40 per cent. The Indian government is coming up with a battery-swapping policy soon.

In the E1 electric scooter, the exteriors are simple but with good looking body lines. The size of the scooter is smaller compared to a normal one that runs on an internal combustion engine (ICE). 

 

The circular headlamp in front has a round-shaped daytime running lamp (DRL) and an LED headlamp gives the scooter a smart look. 

 

Below, the mudguard comes with a neat look and the large 12-inch alloy wheels look awesome!

 

The simple body lines are stretched till the rear and there are also the bright colour options, that give the E1 a “youthful” feel.

 

The display is simple and smartly done to show all the required information in a lucid way, avoiding any clutter.

 

A matter for concern: There is a 3-4 seconds lag seen after the key is turned on. The company allayed fears, saying this lag will be cut to just one second when final production of the E1 EV takes place.    

 

The overall design and looks of the E1 e-scooter are commendable, but the components’ quality (at this pricing) could be a matter for concern.

 

Several panels require better fitment and the rear-view mirror looks out of place with this vehicle.

 

If you flip the key switch anti-clockwise, the boot opens to a place where the 2 kWhr waterproof battery is kept.

 

Almost half the space is taken up by the battery while in the remaining portion, you can keep a small amount of your groceries. In this space, you can also keep your bag (not a big one, though) or a medium-sized helmet.

 

Tap the starter button and the motor starts in no time, and unlike petrol scooters, there is no exhaust in the Infinity E1. Before the scooter is ready to go, a signal appears on the screen. It starts effortlessly and can go from 0 to 65 km/hour (which is the top speed) with little effort.

 

An upward incline on this Bounce E1 may not be as smooth as you expect. But on a normal road, it is easy to ride the Infinity E1. If you are above six feet in height, it may look odd when you ride the small E1.

 

The Bounce Infinity E1 is no doubt a smart choice — as it is affordable — if you have not set aside much funds for an EV scooter.

READ ALSO | Highest speed e-scooter Simple One to make waves in Indian market

 

Build quality of the E1 may not be up to your expectation. And, compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) two-wheeler, it may be difficult to judge how the Bounce Infinity E1 stacks up right now. 

You need to give the E1 about 3-4 months time to see how it performs compared to ICE scooters even though the pricing and battery-swapping plans may be cleverly thought out.