Amphere EV – Reo Li Plus

My father turned seventy recently. He used his scooter to get around the neighborhood—at most, about 40 km in a day and not more than 10 km one way. Scooter allowed him to visit his regular shops, friends, etc. After he turned 70, he didn't want to ride a heavier scooter or be bothered about his license, registration, pollution certificate, etc. This also meant his daily activities were hindered. I started looking for a moped. Specifically, an e-moped that is easy to use and manage.

Requirements

1. Lightweight
2. No License and Registration requirement
3. Decent mileage per charge
4. Easy to charge
5. Space for minor luggage
6. Reverse

Solution

After much research, we got Amphere EVs - Reo Li Plus. Even though they call it a scooter by Amphere, it's a moped, as it can't go faster than 25 KMPH. It cost us INR 59,000.

I had heard about Amphere and its founder Ms. Hemalatha Annamalai. I didn't know about the change of hands. Apparently, In 2019, Greaves Cotton, acquired it. Ampere Vehicles is now part of the e-Mobility division of Greaves Cotton. Overall, they have a decent history and reputation.

Features I like

1. It's a simple moped that looks like a small scooter (if you know a TVS scooty, it's that size). It's lightweight; it weighs around 90 kg. It is very easy to handle and ride. It can seat two folks and can carry about 120 kg load.
2. It has a 250-watt BLDC Hub motor and a 1.3 kWh NMC- 48V detachable battery. A standard household 3-pin 5A socket should be enough to charge it. It comes with a charger. The promised mileage per charge is 70 KM. We have not range-tested it yet. I will be very happy even if it is 50KM.
3. It comes with 254mm alloy wheels with tubeless tires, with drum brakes at both front and rear wheels. It has a simple hydraulic telescopic suspension.
4. It has a simple digital LCD console that has a speedometer, odometer, ready status indicator, reversing indicator, and battery level indicator.
5. There is a push button to put the scooter in "ready" mode. On the left side, a red reverse button allows the vehicle to be easily reversed.
6. Headlights, tail lights, and turn indicators are LED.
7. There is enough space under the seat and on the footboard to carry small bags, helmets, etc. In the front, there are two small glove pockets. One of them has a USB A port for charging phones.
8. Top speed is limited to 25 km/Hr—no license or registration is required.

Conclusion

Overall, it is very elderly-friendly. It's lightweight, simple to ride, has less documentation, powered reverse, easy to charge, has big clear fonts on the console, and has clear and straightforward physical buttons. I have not found any negative points until now other than that it is a bit expensive at 59K.

We had plans to buy an electric vehicle for a long time. We even have a proper EV charging point at home. I didn't think it was going to be a moped. But come to think of it now, it makes the most sense. EVs work well for the inside city and last-mile mobility. We are happy about the buy. I will report back after a year of usage.

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