Motovolt E-Cycle has been around for a few years now, and as of May 12, 2025, it’s still a solid pick for anyone looking for an eco-friendly way to get around town. Motovolt, a Kolkata-based brand that started in 2018, has been pushing smart e-mobility solutions, and their e-cycles are designed for city commuters who want something affordable, green, and easy to ride. They’ve got a range of models like the HUM, Kivo, and Urbn, with some updates likely for 2025. Let’s break down what these e-cycles offer for urban riders looking to ditch fuel costs and traffic hassles.
A Look That Fits the City Vibe
Motovolt e-cycles keep it simple but stylish. The HUM model, for example, has a sturdy steel frame with a practical design—think flat handlebars, a comfy saddle, and a minimalist look that’s perfect for city streets. The Kivo series, like the Kivo Easy, comes in colors like pink, turquoise, and purple, aimed more at women, while the Urbn e-Bike has a sleek, modern vibe with options like yellow or carbon grey. They’re around 1800 mm long, 650 mm wide, and 1000 mm tall, with a wheelbase of about 1100 mm—small enough to weave through traffic but stable for a smooth ride. Ground clearance is roughly 150 mm, fine for city roads but might struggle on rough patches. At 20-25 kg, they’re light enough to carry up a few stairs if needed.
A Battery That Keeps You Going
These e-cycles come with a 36V 250W rear hub motor, hitting a max speed of 25 km/h—no license needed since they fall under the Motor Vehicle Act’s e-cycle rules. Battery options vary: the HUM Standard has a 6Ah lithium-ion battery with a 45 km range in pedal-assist mode, while the HUM Smartplus can go up to 105 km with a bigger 16Ah battery. The Kivo Standard offers 45-75 km, and the Urbn e-Bike claims 120 km in pedal-assist mode, though real-world use often gets you 55-65 km, based on rider reviews. Charging takes 2-4 hours with a standard home socket, and the batteries are removable, so you can charge them at home or work. They’re IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, so monsoon rides are no worry, but some users mention battery life dropping after 6-12 months, sometimes down to 15 km from 45 km.
Rides Smooth for Daily Commutes
Motovolt e-cycles are built for city roads with a high-tensile steel frame, spring-operated front fork suspension, and some models like the Urbn have rear hydraulic suspension to soak up bumps. The 150 mm ground clearance handles speed bumps fine, but don’t expect to take it off-road—it’s not built for that. Brakes are dual disc on models like the HUM, though the Urbn’s disc brakes get mixed feedback, with some saying they’re only 50% effective even after adjustments. They roll on 26-inch wheels with puncture-resistant tyres, giving decent grip in traffic. The pedal-assist mode makes pedaling easier, especially on slight inclines, and you can switch to manual pedaling downhill to save battery. They can carry up to 120 kg, so a pillion rider is fine at low speeds.
Features That Make It Handy
Motovolt packs in some neat features for daily use. The Smartplus series has inbuilt GPS for live tracking, plus app connectivity through the Motovolt app—think call alerts, ride stats like distance covered, and even anti-theft security. You get front LED lights, rear taillights, mudguards, indicators, and a horn for safety. The display shows speed, range, and battery level, though some users say the app can be glitchy with reconnects. It’s a 2-seater with a comfy saddle, but there’s no under-seat storage, so you’ll need a bag for your stuff. Some riders wish for better brakes and a quieter front fork—there’s often a loud thud sound over bumps that the company hasn’t fully fixed.
Super Cheap to Run
With a range of 45-105 km per charge, these e-cycles cost about 7 paise per km to run—way cheaper than a petrol bike at ₹4-5 per km. A full charge at ₹10/kWh might cost ₹20-30, saving you ₹15,000 a year compared to a 20 kmpl bike at ₹100/litre. They’re eco-friendly with zero emissions, perfect for cutting down your carbon footprint. But if you’re using the throttle a lot or riding in heavy traffic, the range might drop to 30-40 km, so plan your charging spots.
Price and Where to Get It
Motovolt e-cycles start at ₹26,999 for the Kivo Easy, going up to ₹42,000 for the HUM Smartplus. The Urbn e-Bike is around ₹45,499. You can buy them online on Motovolt’s website, Amazon, Flipkart, or JioMart, or visit one of their 105 dealers in 75 cities across India—like Kolkata, Delhi, or Mumbai. EMIs are available through Bajaj Finserv, starting at ₹1,500/month with zero downpayment on some models. They come with a 3-year warranty on manufacturing defects, but mechanical parts like brakes might not be covered for wear and tear. Delivery takes 7-15 days depending on your location, and festive deals in May 2025 might include ₹2,000 cashback—check with dealers.
Bikes It Competes With
The Motovolt e-cycles compete with:
Hero Lectro (₹25,000): 40 km range, reliable but fewer smart features.
Ninety One (₹29,000): 45 km range, sturdy but no GPS.
Svitch (₹35,000): 50 km range, more premium but pricier.
Motovolt’s app connectivity and range give it an edge, but competitors might have better build quality or smoother rides.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The Motovolt e-cycles are affordable at ₹26,999 to ₹45,499, but battery life can be an issue after 6-12 months, dropping significantly for some users. At 20-25 kg, they’re easy to handle, but the 150 mm ground clearance isn’t great for rough roads. Range might fall to 30 km with heavy use. It’s a 2-seater, but the second person slows it down at higher speeds. Some users report poor customer service—like unhelpful support or delays in fixing issues like the front fork noise. Spare parts are available at dealers, but service quality varies, especially in smaller towns. Test the brakes and suspension before buying; they’re not the best in class.
Who This E-Cycle Is For
The Motovolt E-Cycle is for city commuters, students, and eco-conscious folks who want a 2-seater with 45-105 km range and smart features like GPS and app connectivity. Its compact size and low running costs make it great for urban rides, while the removable battery suits apartment dwellers. It’s not for long-distance trips, rough terrain, or those expecting top-notch customer service.
Where to Check It Out
You can find Motovolt cycles at their 105 dealerships across India, like in Bangalore or Kolkata, or buy online through their website, Amazon, or JioMart. Deliveries might take 7-15 days, and festive deals in May 2025 could offer discounts look for colors like Carbon Grey or Yellow.
Motovolt E-Cycle 2025: Green and Easy
Motovolt E-Cycle has a 250W motor 45-105 km real-world range, and starts at ₹26,999 to ₹45,499. It’s got smart features like app connectivity, GPS, and a removable battery. Battery life issues and average service are drawbacks, but it’s a solid pick for city commuting in 2025. Perfect for riders who want a green, budget-friendly ride with some tech.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports as of May 2025. Check with Motovolt dealers for the latest details.
FAQs About Motovolt E-Cycle 2025
What’s the motor and range like?
A 36V 250W hub motor with 45-105 km range in pedal-assist mode, though real use might get 55-65 km.
How’s the charging?
Takes 2-4 hours on a standard socket, and the battery’s removable for easy charging.
What’s the price range?
Starts at ₹26,999, goes up to ₹45,499, depending on the model.
What safety stuff does it have?
Dual disc brakes on some models, IP67-rated battery, and tubeless tyres—but brakes can be average.
What features stand out?
App connectivity, GPS on Smartplus models, LED lights, and pedal-assist mode for easier rides.
Good for daily rides?
Yes, great for city commutes with a 45-105 km range and light 20-25 kg build.
How’s it versus the Hero Lectro?
Motovolt’s 45-105 km range beats Lectro’s 40 km, and it has smart features, but Lectro starts at ₹25,000 versus Motovolt’s ₹26,999.
