SIMPLE ENERGY One [2023-2025]

(Also read: Simple Energy announces nationwide expansion, 150 dealerships and 250 service centres planned in 2025)

The Simple One Gen 1.5 is based on the Gen 1 scooter, which has been on sale since May 2023. Not that we are complaining because the design itself has aged rather well. The angular lines give it a sharp look with the two-part LED headlamp flanked by racing-style winglets on the front apron. The split LED taillights look distinctive and the exposed swingarm and five-spoke alloy wheels add a sporty touch. This is a good-looking scooter.

It’s also compact. The floorboard isn't the most spacious but decently accommodating. The seat isn’t too long either but scores well on comfort for the rider and pillion with decent cushioning.

Simple One Gen 1.5: New Feature Stack

Simple has also worked on introducing more tech to the feature stack. The latest update brings features like call, SMS, and WhatsApp notifications. The updated digital console now integrates navigation via Map My India, along with digital documents, and a new fall-safe mode that will cut power to the motor in case of a crash. There’s a new Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and a new app with a host of connectivity options.

The 7-inch screen is nice and big but the font sizes could be bigger or adjustable at the least. A gloss finish would also make it more readable under direct sunlight instead of the current matte finish. Simple says that all these upgrades will make it to the existing One and Dot One sold to customers via an over-the-air (OTA) update from April 1, 2025, onwards.

Simple One Gen 1.5: More Range, Same Battery

Simple has improved the battery life and range on the One, which has been one of its USPs right from the start. It’s the only electric scooter to get a fixed and removable battery setup. There’s a 3.7 kWh fixed battery pack under the floorboard along with a 1.2 kWh removable battery under the seat. The range has been enhanced to 248 km (IDC) on a single charge with the Gen 1.5 version, which is substantially more than the previous 212 km (IDC) the company previously claimed on the scooter.

Simple says it's achieved a higher range by making incremental changes. The battery algorithm has been revised across riding modes and toned down in the Eco mode to optimise battery life. The scooter's coasting regen levels have increased while braking regen has been added. Moreover, Simple now calculates the total range down to 0 per cent state of charge instead of the previous 6 per cent, further boosting the overall claimed range.

The scooter showed a range of 190 km at 100 per cent battery capacity on our test scooter, which the company claims is what the real-world range looks like. If you are looking for proper performance, the Sonic and Dash modes will keep you entertained but will also deplete the battery faster.

Despite the change, the Eco mode continues to feel quick and does not feel dull at any point. However, the ride modes stop being active as the range drops on the battery. The Sonic mode disappears as the state of charge hits 60 per cent, while the Dash mode is inactive when the battery drops under 50 per cent. The One restricts itself to Eco mode once the battery hits 35 per cent with a top speed of only 50 kmph.

We covered about 96 km in our test ride with about 12 per cent charge left and another 20 km to go as per the stats on screen. While it may be a bit far from the company’s real-world claim, we did ride the Simple One with a generously open throttle and mostly on the highway. A more balanced test of city and highway conditions will give us a true understanding of the real-world range.

Simple One Gen 1.5: Performance

The One was always positioned as a sporty scooter and we are happy to report that performance remains as entertaining as claimed. This is a powerful scooter with the PMS mid-drive motor producing 8.5 kW (11.3 bhp) and 72 Nm of peak torque, making it one of the most powerful in its class. Simple claims 0-40 kmph in 2.77 seconds with a top speed of 105 kmph.

The Simple One is properly fast. The scooter unleashes its complete performance in the Sonic mode, allowing it to hit the top speed easily. The mid-range is equally strong and you can keep up with faster machines on the open roads. The most impressive part about the One is how well it holds itself together on the highway. The scooter feels light yet firm at high speeds you can sit comfortably between 70-80 kmph. Throttle calibration is precise and all four modes are quick and responsive.

Simple One Gen 1.5: Handling & Braking

The suspension setup is a revelation considering the scooter’s sporty positioning. The setup is well-balanced and offers a good mix of comfort and agility. The Simple One is agile and easy to handle, especially around a sharp corner but can take on rough roads with equal ease. It’s not plush on broken roads but absorbs bumps well. At high speeds, the suspension is firm enough to keep you stable. Despite tipping the scales at 135 kg, the electric scooter is effortless to manoeuvre and you hardly feel the weight.

That said, it feels slightly top-heavy when crossing big bumps at high speeds. This has more to do with the portable battery under the seat that never lets you immerse yourself into the scooter. It also lacks a certain solid feel, which would be more confidence-inspiring at high speeds. Braking performance is good with discs at either end. The rear brake lever has a stronger bite though, while the front feels a bit too soft. A better balance between the two will work better. There’s combi-braking as standard on the e-scooter.

Simple One Gen 1.5: Improvements

While Simple has done a good job with the updates, it can do several things better. The build quality needs to be better in places giving it a more robust feel overall. The rearview mirrors are flimsy and need to be adjusted repeatedly. There could be an open glovebox to give it more usable storage space and it needs hazard lights too.

You get a sizable 30-litre under-seat storage boot even with the removable battery pack. The boot is good enough for a half-face helmet and a charger. A full-size full-face helmet would be a tight fit here. The One gets a 750-watt charger, which will fully charge the scooter in less than nine hours. Simple is also working on introducing a 950-watt charger, which will drop the charging time on the scooter.

Simple Gen 1.5: Verdict

Simple has finally brought the One up to speed with what the competition has to offer and it’s nice to see the upgrade coming without a price hike. That said, the Simple One still misses out on a few crucial features including hill hold, traction control, as well as fast charging, which the competition accomplishes. The portable battery can’t be charged at home either, which doesn’t make it a flexible option as one would hope.

What Simple also needs to work on is sales and distribution. The company has about 11 dealerships across 11 cities and is now looking to expand to more markets. The brand plans to have about 400 dealerships across India over the next two years, each equipped with a service centre. This expansion will be crucial to the company's success in competing against established rivals - start-ups and legacy players alike. For now, the Simple One is promising and the improvements make it a better-packaged scooter. Take a test ride once you find a dealership near you.