The OG Kinetic DX has finally made a comeback after almost two and a half decades in a reincarnated avatar. Pune-based Kinetic Watts and Volts Ltd. (KWV), the EV manufacturing subsidiary of Kinetic Engineering Ltd. (KEL), has brought back the iconic DX scooter in a fully-electric avatar.
Originally launched as a petrol scooter way back in 1984, it was the first scooter in India to offer self-start ignition and a CVT automatic transmission. In its fully-electric guise, the Kinetic DX is offered in two variants: DX and DX+ priced at Rs 1,11,499 and Rs 1,17,499 (both ex-showroom), respectively.
Kinetic has started accepting bookings for the new DX electric scooter at a token amount of Rs 1,000. Interested customers can book the same through the company website. Bookings are currently limited to 35,000 units. Deliveries of the scooter are slated to commence from September this year.
Kinetic DX electric scooter: Design
As seen in the teasers and patent image revealed previously, many visual details of the new battery-powered DX is carried over from the OG Kinetic DX also known as the Kinetic Honda scooter. Up front, it gets a flat apron featuring a hexagonal headlamp cowl housing a rectangular LED headlamp mounted on the handlebar, and a flat bench seat, all reminiscent of the original Kinetic DX.
The new electric DX scooter gets a small flyscreen with an illuminated “KINETIC” lettering. Even the rear section, including the side rear fenders, is uncannily similar to the Kinetic Honda DX. The major change seen in this patent is the absence of a spare wheel mounted at the rear, which was a signature design highlight for the Kinetic Honda DX. In its place, the electric scooter gets a thick grab-handle that looks very contemporary.
The DX+ is offered in five colours – Red, Blue, White, Silver and Black whereas the DX variant is available in Silver and Black colours.
Kinetic DX electric scooter: Features
The new-gen Kinetic DX gets a truck-load of features including full LED lighting, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless ignition system, built-in speaker with Bluetooth connectivity, along with advanced Telekinetic features, including real-time ride stats and vehicle data, Geo-fencing, Intruder alert, Find My Kinetic, Track My Kinetic and many more. The biggest feature highlighted in the Kinetic DX is cruise control.
The scooter offers a class-leading underseat storage of 37 litres which Kinetic claims is good enough to accommodate a full and a half helmet. The new DX also gets a red ‘READY’ starter button, which is a direct inspiration from the original Kinetic Honda’s switchgear layout. Safety features include reverse and hill hold assist.
Kinetic DX electric scooter: Hardware specs
Suspension setup comprises telescopic front forks and adjustable rear shock absorbers. Braking duties are handled by 220mm front disc and 130mm rear drum brake aided by a combi braking system (CBS). The new electric DX runs on 12-inch wheels, offering a ground clearance of 165mm, and a wheelbase of 1314mm.
Kinetic DX electric scooter: Powertrain specs
The new Kinetic DX is powered by a hub-mounted electric motor with a peak output of 4.8 kW. This motor derives its energy from a 2.6kWh LFP battery mounted underneath the floorboard. The powertrain claims a top speed of 90 kmph and offers a peak range of 102 km and 116 km for the base and top-spec variant, respectively on a single charge.
Kinetic claims that engaging cruise lock between 25–30 kph on flat roads can extend the scooter’s real-world range to 150 km. There are three ride modes on offer: Range, Power, and Turbo. Charging times are listed as 0–50% in 2 hours, 0–80% in 3 hours, and a full charge in 4 hours. The scooter also features an integrated charger with a 15A plug, conveniently stored in the glovebox through the brand’s Easy Charge system.
