Ampere Magnus EX Review: Ride Test, Ownership Review & Verdict

Greaves Electric Mobility (Ampere) is India’s renowned electric two-wheeler manufacturer. They offer affordable electric scooters with advanced features and decent range. You might think Ampere is not a popular company, but they sold 46,757 electric scooters in India last year, capturing 7% of the market share. Now you understand the scale of this company.

I will review the Ampere Magnus EX electric scooter, overviewing my riding test and longer-term owners’ experiences over 6-12 months. You’ll get the final verdict on whether the Magnus EX is worth buying. This review synthesizes perspectives from various owners – not just my own – to provide a comprehensive assessment.

So without further delay, let’s dive into the review.

Tests

Charging Test

I will test the charging time of this electric scooter by demonstrating the voltage and electricity usage since the console only shows the charge as a Voltage. First, note the starting time is 9:30 pm and the electricity meter reads 22.3 units. The voltmeter reads 52.5V. Now, let’s start charging the scooter. After 2 hours, at 11:30 pm, the voltmeter reads 59.1V and the charger display indicates 25% charge completion. After 3 hours, at 12:30 am, the charger is at 50% and the console voltmeter reads 60.8V. At 1:30 am, after 4 total hours, the console reads 63.7V and the charger is at 75%.

After 5 hours, at 2:30 am, the console reads 66.4V and the charger blinks its 100% light. Finally, after 6 full hours, the scooter is completely charged, with the console reading 66.9V consistently. The charger fan turns off and blinking ceases at full charge. The total electricity consumed was 24.9 units, meaning the scooter used 2.6 units for a cost of approximately ₹18.2 (at ₹7 per unit). This demonstrates how cost-effective electric scooters can be compared to petrol vehicles.

Range Test

To test the range, I charged the scooter to 99% battery and started in the low mode averaging 29-30 km/h. After 6km, the battery health was 94%. I then switched to high mode and covered:

• 29km (70% battery health)
• 36km (60% battery health)
• 50km (45% battery health)
• 70km (24% battery health)
• 74km (19% battery health)
• 79km (17% battery health)

The e-scooter stopped below 17% battery multiple times, so I couldn’t fully drain it. At 7% battery, I had covered 89km and finally stopped at 92km with just 3% remaining.

Overall, this e-scooter delivered a practical range of 92km on a single charge from 99%. I initially used high mode which allowed 45-48 km/h top speeds. After 50% battery, I switched to low mode averaging 29-32 km/h as the speed gradually reduced.

Design and Build Quality

The electric scooter boasts a sleek and modern appearance, well-suited for urban commuting needs. Its compact yet robust build quality allows easy navigation through crowded city streets. The e-scooter’s body is constructed with durable materials, ensuring stability and long-term usability. However, some users have noted minor issues like sharp edges on the brake lever, suggesting room for improvement in ergonomics. There are also complaints that the soft suspension with limited travel can negatively impact riding quality over rough surfaces. Potential buyers should test-ride the scooter for an extended period before purchasing.

On the positive side, the scooter features halogen headlights and LED daytime running lights for enhanced visibility. While the design and build quality are generally good, the suspension could use further refinement.

Price and Value for Money

The electric scooter is priced at ₹1,04,900, making it a value for money for those seeking a practical electric scooter that delivers a true range of 80-100 km, despite lacking advanced features. Similar to other electric scooters, it may not offer advanced features, but it can reliably provide an optimal range and an average speed of around 50 km/h. I would wholeheartedly recommend this scooter to individuals whose primary need is a short daily commute.

Ownership Review

The owner was happy with the boot space light that helps him put things in and take things out at night. He liked the e-scooter’s good range which helps him with his daily travels. But he said the suspension is not very strong and the double stands touch the footrest which makes a strange noise. The seat is comfortable but not for sitting for a long time. The lighting setup is quite good and provides reliable light power. The e-scooter owner is mostly satisfied except for some small issues. He has not had any problems with the battery and motor even though it has a 3-year warranty.

Verdict

In the verdict, I would recommend this scooter as its reasonable price makes it an affordable choice. Based on my testing, the overall range and charging performance are satisfactory. However, I suggest taking a test drive to assess the build quality and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. The e-scooter’s lighting setup, comprising halogen headlights and LEDs, provides sufficient illumination at night. It offers a true range of 100 km on a single charge and a top speed of 50 km/h, which should meet most commuting needs. While the scooter lacks advanced features beyond an LCD screen, its simplicity may appeal to those seeking a no-frills electric vehicle. Ultimately, your final decision should depend on your specific needs and preferences.