A trail ready electric motorcycle isn’t a new
concept, although no such product is available in the Indian market. However,
Coimbatore based start-up, Gugu Energy, is set to change that with its new
R-SUV electric bike.
The maxi-scooter inspired design brings a modern
touch to the package. Behind the windscreen is a fully digital, 5-inch
touchscreen instrument console that, apart from the ride related information
such as odometer, tachometer and others, offers navigation functions, provides
real-time traffic update, and displays battery level, range and vehicle
diagnostics.
OTA updates would ensure that the instrument console
gets the latest features and functionality as the technology develops. Gugu
Energy App gives the rider the locations of the see nearby charging locations
and complete vehicle diagnostics. The Advanced Navigation system learns the
daily commutes and suggests the quickest route to avoid traffic.
Steering duties are performed by naked
roadster-style, single-piece handlebar. The switchgear quality looks
commendable in the images, but we would hold our thoughts until we see the
vehicle in person. The electric bike features off-road style knuckle guards,
and headlight and the tail lamp grilles to offer protection and accentuate the
rugged styling.
The saddle features a step-up design with a
dual-tone finish that gives this rugged vehicle a premium touch and matches the
theme of the body paint. The headlamp, tail light and blinkers are LED units.
The all-terrain electric bike rides on wire-spoke wheels (front: 17-inch, rear:
15-inch) that are wrapped in dual-purpose tyres.
Hardware specifications include upside-down forks at
the front and an adjustable pro-link suspension at the rear. The suspension
setup is claimed to have been tuned to offer a balance between on- and off-road
uses. Disc brakes on both ends perform the anchoring tasks, while the safety
net includes a single-channel ABS.
The Gugu R-SUV comes with a 6 kWh liquid-cooled
battery pack and has an electric motor that generates 65 Nm of peak torque. The
0-96 km/h time is under six seconds, although the exact number is
not available. The top speed is electronically limited to 100 km/h. The range is
claimed to be over 106.9 km per full charge. The battery pack can
be charged from zero to 80% in 30 minutes at any Gugu Ultra-Fast charger.