At the Milan Motorcycle Show in 2022, Japanese automobile giant Honda unveiled its latest electric scooter coming to European markets, the EM1. Launched as an affordable option for the city commuter, the EM1 does not compromise on comfort for two riders, safety, and design. It is the perfect, cute little scooter that almost every one of you will want in your home, especially thanks to the brand value that Honda has to offer. Here is a look at the Honda EM1’s expected price in India, features, specifications, range, colours, images, and everything we know so far. Read on.
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Honda EM1 expected price in India
There is currently no official confirmation on the Honda EM1 price in India. But, given that the EM1 might be a rehashed Honda U-Go, we can expect the new scooter to start at about EUR 985 (~Rs 87,000) in the European market. If that is indeed the case, the Honda EM1 might be coming to India in the sub-Rs 1 lakh price segment. This segment is currently dominated by players such as Ola S1, Bounce Infinity E1, Electric Optima, and Ampere Magnus EX, among other options.
Honda EM1 features
Let’s talk about the features of the Honda EM1 now. Set to be made available in the European market by summer 2023, the e-scooter offers a flat surface to offer a moped-like experience to customers in Europe. Furthermore, with things like a removable battery pack, lower top speeds, and an ergonomic design, this scooter is made for short commutes around the city.
The best part about its battery is that they are made as part of the Mobile Power Pack, which is compliant with a consortium formed between Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Suzuki to create common swappable batteries. So, finding a new one on the go will never be an issue.
The rims on the wheels are 10 inches big, which makes for a comfortable ride. In terms of design elements, there isn’t much to ride home about except the fact that it has a very Activa, Aviator-esque design with panniers at the back and a footrest for rear passengers.
Honda EM1 images
Honda EM1 specifications
Talking about specifications, reports suggest the EM1 is quite similar to the U-Go in every sense. Thus, we can expect a top model with dual batteries offering 1.2kW nominal and 1.8kW peak power output. The batteries will be made from lithium ion and be made possible for recharging 3,000 times in their lifetime. With an expected range of 40km on a single charge, this means the scooter is tested to run 1,20,000 km in its lifetime before you get your batteries replaced.
Some safety features include an anti-theft alarm that will be useful for users who have to park the scooter outside their premises. A USB outlet will also help in charging your devices on the go.
Do note that a base variant, with one battery, 0.8kW nominal output, and weight of 83kg is unlikely to make it to Indian shores eventually due to the range and power offered by the competition.
Specs
- Brand: Honda
- Model: EM1
- Speed: 40km/h
- Power: 1.2 kW (1.8kW peak)
- Weight: 83 kg
- Battery: 18650 Lithium
- Battery Life: 3,000 cycles
- Range: 133 km
- Charge Time: 2 hours
- Motor: 1.2kw
- Maximum Range: 40km+
- Top Speed: 40kmph
- Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
- Rear Suspension: Dual-Shock Absorbers
- Battery: NA
- Front Brake: Disc
- Rear Brake: Drum
- Seat height: 740mm
Honda EM1 colours
As of now, there is no information on the colour options for Honda EM1 that will make it to India. While the event images reveal a White colour option, which is usually the generic one for every scooter, we can expect a Black variant too. And, much like other Honda scooters, other options for the Honda EM1 could come to the market too.
Honda EM1 warranty
While Honda hasn’t yet launched any electric scooters in India, it is expected to face stiff competition from the likes of Hero Electric, Okinawa, and Ola. On those lines, and with the service that the brand is known for, the Honda EM1 could come with at least 3 years and 30,000 km of warranty coverage. To sweeten the deal even further, Honda might offer an unlimited km warranty as well.
Honda EM1 review
The Honda EM1 is a mean little scooter meant for the odd grocery or dining run in your city. It is compact, lightweight, quick to charge, and comes with comfort and safety for the rider and the pillion. While it does not offer the battery range of the Ola S1 Pro or the top speeds of the Ather 450X, it surely packs a punch, especially in the affordable segment. Plus, with Honda’s brand value to go along with it, the scooter is sure to become a hit once it lands on Indian shores. It is silent, affordable, and trustable. The perfect combination for the average city commuter.
Here are some of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Affordable option
- Trusted brand value
- Packed with comfort and safety features
- Ergonomic design elements
Cons
- Not been released in many places yet, India included
- Battery range and top speeds might be dealbreakers for some
