Praise worthy?
We try out an electric scooter that on paper gives the internal combustion scoot a run for its money. But can it really be an alternative and compete with the everyday commuter?
It all started several years ago with the humble twist grip two stroke scooter. Then came the automatics that wiped the conventional geared scoot out of the market. Now, decades later the future seems to be electric and we have something which looks rather promising the—Okinawa Praise.
At first glance the Praise looks impressive. Dimensions reveal that it is longer than the market leader Honda Activa. It is also wider and dare we say marginally taller. The front end looks a bit bulbous and that's because it is designed to hide the electronics. The headlamp unit is state-of-the-art and comes with daytime running lights, full LED headlights and even turn signals. The unit fits flush within the body and overall quality remains high.
The Praise comes with a unique dual disc set up in the front and even gets a single disc at the back. The instrument panel is loaded with a speedo, odo, trip, ride mode indicator, charge indicator and tell tales. While everything is a digital affair, we'd have preferred an in-depth design as far as looks go. The switchgear operates well, but the mode switches and especially the boost button come across as an afterthought. Below the handlebars, there are cubbyholes which can accommodate plenty of luggage. There is a USB socket located here and one can plug in a smart phone and even store it in the bins below. The seat is a large unit and under it resides a 19.5-litre bin. Handy it sure is and is operated via the key fob.
The Praise also comes with a whole bunch of unique features which are clever and add to the versatility of the electric scoot. Like the ‘walk along' function can be operated by switching on the scoot. One just needs to hold on to the handlebars and the Praise starts to inch forward or backward. This comes handy when one is getting out of a parking lot or perhaps during a puncture. The Praise can also be started remotely using the key fob. A sort of keyless go if you may. There is also a side stand sensor. This contraption cuts the power so that there is no accidental scampering off.
Once on the seat, the Praise feels unique. That is because of the odd riding position thanks to the high floor which is used to store the lead acid battery pack. If you stick your feet within the recesses on the leg
THE PRAISE OFFERS A ROLL ALONG FEATURE WHERE THE MOTOR SENDS OUT LIMITED POWER TO THE WHEEL TO ENABLE A CRAWL
shield and you're good to go. A slight roll of the accelerator and the Praise takes off in silence. The acceleration is brisk and within no time one is silently riding at a comfortable 35kmph on E mode. While to some that might be adequate, we switched to the S mode which allows the scooter to get to 65kmph.
The Praise also gets a boost button which ironically has been labelled ‘turbo'. Press it and one gets a noticeable bump in power and top speed. Unfortunately the fizz dies after 30-odd seconds. This is not exactly a fault but a programmed operation and it doesn't hurt to have it. It worked well on our test. Another positive is that the Praise can take on inclines without much fuss. We tried it with a pillion rider and it climbed the ramp at 19kmph in E mode. You can always switch to S mode for a faster climb.
Overall the Praise feels well-built and definitely not flimsy. The ride too is comfortable and the gas filled shocks absorb well. As far as cornering goes, it is not a hot rod and will be used by mostly people who want to save a few bucks and in turn the environment.