Odysse launches cheap electric scooter that needs no licence or number plate
Odysse's new Racer Neo electric scooter runs on low-speed rules that exempt it from a driving licence and registration
The electric two-wheeler market has a new and affordable option. Odysse has launched its new Racer Neo electric scooter, and its biggest feature is that riding it does not require a driving licence or a number plate. This naturally makes it an attractive and convenient option for ordinary buyers.
The scooter has been designed with short daily commutes within a city in mind. It has been given a modern, compact look so that riders can move easily through heavy traffic without difficulty in daily use.
On battery and performance, the scooter is offered with lithium-ion battery pack options ranging from 1.4 kWh to 2.5 kWh capacity. Once fully charged, depending on the variant, it can run between 70 kilometres and 115 kilometres, meaning it does not need to be charged frequently for daily travel. It has a 1200-watt BLDC motor that delivers 27 Nm of torque, giving the scooter good pickup.
The scooter comes with several features to make daily travel easier and safer, including a digital speedometer, trip meter, anti-theft alarm system, central lock and reverse gear mode. It also has a USB port for mobile charging, LED headlight and taillight, and under-seat boot space for storage, making it more convenient for everyday use.
On price, the scooter is affordable. In the Indian market, the Odysse Racer Neo's starting ex-showroom price is around Rs 53,000. The company gives a 3-year warranty on the lithium-iron battery and a 1-year warranty on the electric motor. It fully charges in three-and-a-half to four hours from a regular household socket, so a separate charging station is not needed.
The reason this scooter can be run without a licence or number plate is that under Ministry of Road Transport and Highways rules, electric vehicles with a speed of 25 kilometres per hour or less and a motor capacity limited to 250 watts do not require a driving licence or vehicle registration. The low-speed (light) model in Odysse's lineup meets these criteria. This means schoolchildren, women or senior citizens can use this scooter easily without any paperwork hassle, which is one reason it is proving convenient for many.
