Remember The Kinetic Scooter From Your Childhood? It's Coming Back Soon, As An EV!
Kinetic Green has just patented the design of a new electric scooter in India. Interestingly, the patent image looks very similar to the original Kinetic Honda DX two-stroke scooter that was on sale here- the one many of us would have grown up riding. This hints at the possibility of Kinetic Green reviving the iconic scooter in an all-electric avatar. The manufacturer had taken a similar approach with the Luna, which gave birth to the E-Luna that is currently on sale.
Familiar Design Inspired by the Original
It is clear that this new Kinetic Green electric scooter closely resembles the old Kinetic Honda DX. The scooter keeps the classic boxy shape and proportions, angular lines, and the rectangular headlight that many riders will remember.
Even the small flyscreen atop the headlight looks like the one on the original petrol scooter. On the front panel under the seat, there are two small vents — another nostalgic touch inspired by the DX.
A notable element that has gone missing on the EV's patented design is the spare wheel. Back in its day, the DX came with a spare wheel, which soon became one of its defining visual identities. It will not make it to the EV.
The new scooter's design looks modern and features a telescopic front fork in place of the DX's trailing link suspension. Going by the images alone, it could ride on 12-inch wheels and have disc brakes at the front.
To Be Called The Zwag?
Kinetic Green recently trademarked a new name, “Zwag,” for one of its upcoming two-wheelers. This name could be used on the upcoming electric scooter. It is, however, too early to have clarity on this.
Big Competition Ahead
The electric scooter market in India has become fiercely competitive. A well-knit product plan and marketing strategies are both required to find success here. The Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube take the lead in the EV race by legacy manufacturers. To beat them, Kinetic Green will have to prep the upcoming product well and price it right.
Little is known about the possible powertrain and performance of the upcoming Kinetic Green electric scooter. It should be able to impress with its range and performance if it were to actually find a place in the race.
Looks like it is safe to speculate that the new Kinetic EV scooter would have a top speed of 70-80 kph, in which case it could do fair justice to the original Kinetic DX which used to be one of the fastest two-stroke scooters back in its day.
Could Be Placed Up In Kinetic's Portfolio
The E-Luna is currently the company's most important product. It is priced between Rs 69,990 and Rs 82,490. The company also sells a couple of Chinese-origin scooters, and three-wheelers. The new scooter could take the top spot in Kinetic's portfolio when launched. It could also become its most premium and recognisable product.
Major Leadership Change
To steer it through India's challenging market waves, Kinetic Green announced a major leadership change in early June. It appointed Jayapradeep Vasudevan as the President of its electric two-wheeler business, who brings a wealth of expertise in strategic leadership, business development, organization development, and commercial operations. He has held key roles in various automotive brands, with the latest of them being Royal Enfield.
Known as 'JP' within the industry, Jayapradeep will lead the go-to-market strategy for the electric scooter that's now been patented, along with those of other future products.