Introducing the Oben Rorr, a revolutionary electric bike that has taken the market by storm. This sleek and innovative two-wheeler is just a glimpse of what Bengaluru-based startup, Oben Electric, has in store for us. Their ambitious plans include releasing a new product every six months, with a total of four electric two-wheelers in their lineup by 2024. But what really caught my attention is their upcoming electric scooter, set to captivate enthusiasts everywhere. Oben’s unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation and cutting-edge designs continues to make waves, promising an exciting future for electric mobility. I can’t wait to see what else Oben Electric has in store for us. Stay tuned for more exciting developments!
In the realm of electric motorcycles in India, the Oben Rorr holds immense promise, even though the segment is still in its early stages. Oben Electric has a unique chance to carve out a niche for itself amidst established giants like Ola, Ather, Bajaj, TVS, and soon Suzuki and Honda as well. Although the scooter market presents a daunting challenge, Oben’s ingenuity and unwavering dedication to electric mobility make them a formidable player in the industry. Keep an eye out for further updates on Oben’s forthcoming electric scooter and other captivating releases. Exciting times lie ahead for electric bike enthusiasts!
Oben Rorr-range
Introducing the Oben Rorr, the electric scooter that defies expectations with its impressive range. Despite being priced lower than other electric two-wheelers, the Rorr manages to outperform most of them in terms of range. In its lowest Eco mode, with a top speed of 102kph, Oben claims a substantial real-world range of 150km (IDC range quoted at 200km). Only the Ola S1 Pro surpasses it with a real-world range of 165km, thanks to its recent MoveOS 2 update introducing an Eco mode. Previously, the Ola S1 Pro had a claimed real-world range of 135km in Normal mode.
Don’t mistake the Rorr for a slowpoke; it achieves its impressive range without sacrificing power. Boasting a peak output of 10kW from its permanent magnet motor, it stands as the most powerful option among its counterparts. Even in its fastest Havoc mode, the Rorr claims a top speed of 100kph, while still offering a respectable 100km of real-world range according to Oben. This outperforms other popular models like the Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak. It’s no wonder our curiosity was piqued when we first heard about this remarkable scooter.
Having recently taken the Rorr for a spin outside Bengaluru, we can share our firsthand findings. Stay tuned for our detailed impressions!
Oben Rorr: Performance and battery
When you hit the road with the Oben Rorr electric bike in 2023, get ready for an exhilarating ride like no other. This bike truly knows how to perform, especially when you engage its Havoc mode. Hold on tight as it accelerates from 0 to 40kph in a mind-blowing 3 seconds, leaving other electric two-wheelers in the dust. The adrenaline rush continues until it levels off around 80kph, but that doesn’t mean the excitement ends there. This beast of a bike can even surpass a speedo-indicated 100kph,
proving its prowess on the road. Even in the more moderate City mode, the Oben Rorr delivers a powerful pull and impressive performance, allowing you to effortlessly keep up with traffic. With a sensible top speed limit of 70kph, this mode is perfect for most real-world riding scenarios. Get ready to experience the thrill of the Oben Rorr electric bike’s impressive range and performance in 2023!
Even in the lowest Eco mode, you’re not a liability on the road – acceleration is reasonable, and you can get up to 50kph, meaning that you can realistically use this mode if you need to eke out as many kilometres as possible. This being a brief first ride, we didn’t have the opportunity to run the bike dry, but in the period we rode it, the range seemed to be depleting at the claimed rate, and the bike seemed on course to cover nearly 100km on a full charge, being ridden mostly in Havoc mode.
The secret to the Rorr’s range is quite a simple one – it packs in a massive non-removable 4.4kWh battery pack. For reference, the Tork Kratos R comes closest with a 4kWh unit, and e-scooters, with their more complex packaging constraints, have even smaller battery packs (the Ola S1 Pro manages 3.97kWh). It’s also worth noting that this is an LFP or lithium iron phosphate battery, which is a different kind of Li-ion battery that has a number of advantages (better chemical and thermal stability, to name some) and also a few shortcomings (lower energy density) compared to its traditional counterpart.
Oben, the renowned electric scooter brand, is all set to introduce its latest model, the Rorr, in nine cities across the nation. As an electric scooter enthusiast, I am eagerly awaiting its arrival in Mumbai, which is expected sometime in August. One key aspect I’m excited to test is the Rorr’s range claims. Upon depleting its battery, the Rorr can go from empty to fully charged in just 2 hours—an impressive feat considering the battery pack’s substantial size. However, it’s important to note that this speedy charging requires a 15A plug-point, meaning you won’t be able to charge the bike with a regular 5A socket. Luckily,
Oben understands this limitation and offers to set up a 15A socket at your residence, at no additional cost, if you decide to purchase the Rorr. Nonetheless, it’s worth considering that this charging constraint could pose an issue if you run out of charge while away from home. To ease such concerns, Oben provides three years of roadside assistance as part of the package. So, even if you find yourself stranded, help is just a phone call away. Stay tuned for my upcoming review of the Rorr’s performance and range once it hits the streets of Mumbai!
Features and equipment
Now let’s delve into the fascinating aspect of the Rorr electric scooter that has captured everyone’s attention – its price. Unlike many of its counterparts in the market, the Rorr doesn’t boast an array of extravagant features. You won’t find a flashy TFT display, built-in speakers, cruise control, or even a reverse mode. However, what the Rorr lacks in fancy additions, it compensates with essential functionalities. Equipped with a coloured negative LCD display, it provides basic information at a glance, along with the convenience of eSIM and app connectivity. Additionally, the Rorr offers an anti-theft system and comprehensive LED lighting, ensuring your safety on the road. This no-frills approach allows Rorr to offer an impressive package at an affordable price.
The Rorr electric scooter, priced at over Rs 1 lakh depending on the purchase location, disappoints in terms of its overall quality. It not only falls short compared to other electric two-wheelers, but even for its own price range, it feels like a crude product. The various shortcomings are evident throughout the scooter, indicating cost-cutting measures during its production. The castings lack the desired quality, and numerous metal components have a rough surface finish. The switchgear and LCD display suffer from bugs and glitches, affecting their smooth operation. Basic features like the horn often fail to work, and the display frequently flickers and restarts during rides.
Additionally, there are instances of poor design, such as cables getting pinched against the bodywork when the handlebar is turned to full lock. The scooter also sports an unappealing number of exposed bolt-heads around the ‘fuel tank’ area, along with subpar paint quality on certain body parts. These issues detract from the overall appeal of the Rorr electric scooter, making it a less desirable choice in its price range.
Ride and handling
Once you hop on the Rorr electric scooter and start cruising, you’ll quickly notice that its subpar quality takes a backseat. The chassis of the Rorr is impressively designed, featuring a trellis frame supported by a telescopic fork and mono-shock. Even when pushing its limits at a top speed of 100kph, the scooter feels remarkably stable and sure-footed.
What sets the Rorr apart is its natural and predictable behaviour when tackling corners. Given its performance and price range, it handles remarkably well. However, there’s room for improvement in the suspension setup. Currently, it leans toward the firmer side, which enhances stability and handling. Yet, when navigating through city streets, it struggles to smooth out bumps and potholes, transmitting those imperfections to your backside.
To enhance the overall comfort, Oben, the manufacturer, would be wise to consider adjusting the spring and/or damping rates, ensuring a more balanced suspension setup. This small tweak would greatly benefit riders, especially considering the typical usage scenarios for this scooter.
Wheels and Tyres | electric |
Front wheel (inch) | 17 inch |
Rear wheel (inch) | 17 inch |
Dimensions & Chassis | Electric |
Chassis Type | Trellis frame |
Weight (kg) | 130kg |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 200mm |
Oben Rorr engine | Electric |
Fuel Type | Electric |
Electric Max Power | 10kW |
Motor | Permanent magnet motor |
Battery capacity | 4.4kWhr |