Kyte Energy Magnum Pro
The Magnum Pro brings in the alluring promise of long range, yet also has some serious flaws
BORN IN 2017, KYTE ENERGY has the entry level e-scooter segment in its crosshairs. The Magnum Pro is the Nashikbased firm’s latest model, that targets the youth. It has aggressive design language, a large apron-mounted LED headlight, angular mirrors that offer good rear view and a triangular LED taillight. The Magnum Pro does grab a few eyeballs, and its digital speedometer also displays trip, battery voltage and range. The unit although small, is legible even on the brightest of days. A conveniently large cubby hole integrated into the front apron offers good storage space. However, fit-finish is mediocre, to say the least, with many exposed screw heads, lacklustre switchgear and flimsy feeling body panels. The Magnum Pro gets a singlepiece seat, with cushioning that’s a touch too soft, making riding the scooter for prolonged periods uncomfortable. The riding position is awkward, with a low seat height and high floor pan. The rider could do with a little more room too. And you feel this most when turning at low speeds, because the handlebars end up uncomfortably close to your knees. Powering the Magnum Pro are two Lithiumion batteries, with a capacity of 3.2kWh. These feed power to a hub-mounted BLDC electric motor that outputs 2.4kW (3.2bhp). The battery packs are removable and can be switched via a toggle housed under the seat. Kyte Energy claims the Magnum Pro will do 160km on a single charge. We pushed the scooter hard during its test, and were able to eke out 70km without coming to the second battery. So expect real world range of up to 140km on both batteries. The Magnum Pro has three ride modes that limit top speed to 41, 52 and 62kmph. Power delivery feels similar in all three modes, with the throttle delivering choppy power delivery. There’s a combi-brake system, relying on drum brakes, that feel far from reassuring. The system lacks bite and progression and often fails to effectively slow the scooter. The Magnum Pro rides fairly well on bad roads, at lower speeds, but handling feels iffy around bends. At `80,999, the Magnum Pro is amongst the more expensive scooters in its class. Yes, it offers good range but its many serious shortcomings, including poor build quality, ergonomics and handling make this a scooter that’s hard for us to recommend.