The EVs we need

Polarity smart bikes showcases a personal mobility solution that combines the performance of a motorcycle with the convenience of a bicycle

POLARITY SMART BIKES, A PUNEbased start-up, co-founded by evo

India’s contributing editor Anand Mohan, unveiled six prototypes of its ingenious pedal-assisted electric vehicles. Available in two trim lines, the ‘S’ Sport and ‘E’ Executive series, the prices start from `38,000 and go up to `1.1 lakh (both ex-showroom). Pre-bookings are already underway on the brand’s website for a refundable deposit of `1001.

All six prototypes flaunt unique frames, different batteries and even motors. The idea of having pedals is that if ever the bike runs out of juice, the pedals can get you to the nearest charging spot, thus negating range anxiety. While the base variants S1K and E1K get a 1kW BLDC hub motor that can clock a top speed of 45kmph and 40kmph respectively, the top-ofstandard, the-line S3K can go all the way up to 100kmph using a 3kW motor.

Polarity’s bikes get loads of premium hardware like colour display with Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable USD forks and a monoshock along with disc brakes on both ends. All these bikes weigh under 55kg.

The smart bikes have Li-ion batteries, however and will get 5 Ampere chargers as while customers can opt for a 10 Ampere fast charger that can charge the bike in two hours. Another innovative accessory on offer is a lightweight solar panel that can fit into a backpack to charge the bikes on-the-go.

Polarity Smart Bikes will be unveiling as many as 36 models at the launch next year and the deliveries will commence in the first quarter of 2020.