Simple Energy One Gen 2

The Simple One electric scooter has been around since 2021, and it has received multiple updates over the years. We rode the Gen 1.5 last year, and that was a much-improved product. And now, for 2026, Simple Energy has launched the new Gen 2 model, which gets substantial upgrades under the skin. Besides the new features and tech, the bigger gameplay is the larger 5kWh battery pack and the increased claimed range of 265km. We spent a brief time with the scooter in Bengaluru, and here are our first impressions about the new Simple One Gen 2.

Visually, the Gen 2 continues with the familiar-looking styling of the older model. Yes, it still does look similar to the Ather 450X, but the sharp cuts and creases, additional apron-mounted panels, and the sharp design elements lend it a unique sporty visual appeal.

Simple Energy has significantly improved the quality levels of the scooter and most of its body panels are well put together. That said, the panel near the touchscreen dashboard has some rough edges and could do with a better finish. Meanwhile, switchgear feels tactile to operate and it is easier to access the various menu on the instrument cluster.

The scooter is available in two variants - 4.5kWh and 5kWh, with the top-spec 5kWh version offering a claimed IDC range of 265km. The power has gone up marginally, and the top speed has been increased to 115kmph in the new Sonic X mode. More importantly, courtesy of the fixed battery pack, the under-seat storage has gone up to 35 litres.

Additionally, the kerb weight has gone down by a significant 8kg, and it now stands at 129kg. The majority of the weight savings comes from the fixed battery pack, which is four kilograms lighter than the older unit. The Gen 1.5 model scooter came with a removable battery pack, which contributed to its higher kerb weight.

Simple Energy has also strengthened the chassis for better rigidity and lateral stiffness. That said, the highlight is the addition of new features such as two new ride modes - Eco X and Sonic X, traction modes, multi-level regenerative braking, cruise control, hill-hold, and an extensive suite of connected tech.

Other features include TPMS, Park Assist, Find My Vehicle, customisable dash themes, rapid brake alert, trip history and statistics, USB charging port, and OTA updates. The scooter continues to get full LED illumination, a new seven-inch touchscreen display with better processing power, full map navigation from Map My India, and six ride modes - Eco, Eco X, Ride, Air, Sonic, and Sonic X. The Eco X offers higher riding range, while Sonic X enables sharper throttle response and a higher top speed of 115kmph.

Powering the Simple One Gen 2 is an in-house developed 8.8kW (11.80bhp) electric motor that delivers a peak torque of 72Nm. This motor enables the scooter to accelerate from 0-40kmph in 2.55 seconds while offering a top speed of 115kmph. The 4.5kWh battery pack variant offers an IDC range of 236km with a top speed of 90kmph and a 0-40kmph time of 3.3 seconds.

Simple Energy claims that they have used higher-density battery packs and updated the battery algorithm for improved range and better thermal efficiency.

We mostly rode the scooter in the Air or Sonic mode, and the throttle response felt lively and alert. The slightest of inputs catapulted the scooter ahead with ferocity, and never once did we feel the power was lacking. The Ride mode is more than enough for your daily commutes unless you want a sudden burst of power. Meanwhile, the Eco mode offers the maximum range and is good for making your way through city traffic. While there’s no jerkiness to throttle response, it is a touch too sensitive, and I would’ve liked it to be more linear for a seamless experience.

The One Gen 2 comes with two cruise control modes: Metro and Standard. The Metro mode can be engaged between 20-80kmph, while the Standard mode can be engaged between 50-100kmph. The latter is still under development and isn’t available for users. The scooter also comes with four traction modes: Road, Rain, Track, and Rally. Each mode alters the throttle response and is optimised to offer precise control across riding conditions.

While we didn’t test the real-world range of the scooter, Simple claims the scooter delivers a true range of around 200km on a single charge in Eco X mode. That said, we can test the exact real-world range of the scooter once we get it for a proper road test in Mumbai.

As for the charging times, it takes 5 hours and 20 minutes for a 0-80 per cent charge with the bundled 750W charger. With Simple’s fast charging network, the scooter can be charged from 0-80 per cent in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The scooter also comes with three charging modes – Normal, Smart Charging, and Charging Limit. In the Smart Charging mode, the scooter charges normally from 0-80 per cent, and goes on a slow trickle charge from 80-100 per cent. The Charging Limit mode allows you to limit the charging threshold to 80 per cent for better battery life.

The Simple One is dynamically sorted as well, courtesy of a stiff and responsive chassis. The scooter feels planted around corners and sticks to its line without much effort. It also changes directions with ease, and filtering through traffic is effortless.

The suspension setup offers a good balance between sportiness and comfort. There is an underlying firmness to the setup, but it feels comfortable across surfaces. It doesn't kick back or throw you off the seat.

Where the scooter falls short in the braking department. The front brake lacks bite, stopping power, and progression, and it has a wooden feel to it. Meanwhile, the rear brake provides better stopping power and feel, and you'd have to use both brakes in tandem to stop the scooter.

Fundamentally, the Simple One Gen 2 is a very good scooter. The performance, ride and handling package, features and tech; everything is on point. Yes, it does lack in the braking department, and the pricing could have been better, but these aren’t bigger issues.

I think the bigger problem is with the limited sales and service network of Simple Energy. The company really needs to expand its network so that the scooter is available in more cities in India. Right now, we can't see many of these on the road.

Apart from that, we hope Simple Energy sends this scooter for an extensive road test, so that we can test it comprehensively and perhaps even compare it with other electric scooters. And that is when we'll have a better idea of this scooter, and will be able to tell you with conviction whether or not you should buy this scooter.

Photography by Kapil Angane