Definitive or Derivative?

Ampere's Magnus Neo promises to improve upon their Magnus EX scooter, but is it compelling enough to make a case for itself or is it just another drop in an ocean of electric vehicles (EV)?

- Story: Devashish Puranik

AT FIRST GLANCE, your brain will register the Ampere Magnus Neo as a scooter, just a scooter. When you notice the green number-plate, the data entry in your brain will get tweaked to “electric scooter” and that'll be the end of that. It blends in; maybe, a little too much. Is it attractive? Somewhat. Will you take a second glance at it in a parking lot? Unlikely.

Appearance apart, the second component of a vehicle's visual appeal lies in its fit and finish. While there is no fundamental functional deficit in any of the interaction points, qualitatively there is space for some improvement here.

Charging can be done in two ways, which is a useful addition. You can either plug the charger directly into the scooter or remove the battery and charge it at home. Removing the battery isn't an easy procedure, though, because the battery is very heavy and needs to be lifted out at a very specific angle. Ampere claim a charge time between five and six hours and the claimed range in “eco” mode is between 80 and 95 kilometres.