ABZO VS01 Electric Bike : In the sweltering heat of a typical Delhi afternoon, a strange silence punctuated by a soft electronic hum caught the attention of onlookers. The source? A gleaming cruiser motorcycle slicing through traffic without the characteristic roar of an internal combustion engine. This was my first encounter with the ABZO VS01, India’s newest entrant in the premium electric motorcycle segment, and it left an impression that lingered long after the motorcycle disappeared around a corner.
For a country that consumes over 28 million motorcycles annually, the electrification of two-wheelers represents not just a trend but a seismic shift in one of the world’s largest automotive markets. The ABZO VS01, with its distinctive cruiser styling and cutting-edge technology, isn’t just another addition to this growing electric ecosystem—it’s potentially a game-changer that merges India’s love for cruisers with its growing environmental consciousness.
After spending three weeks with this machine, riding it through the chaotic urban landscapes of Delhi, the winding highways of Maharashtra, and even briefly testing its limits on the rugged terrains near Shimla, I’ve gathered my thoughts about what might be one of the most important electric motorcycles to hit Indian shores this year.
ABZO VS01 Design and Build Quality: Tradition Meets Innovation
Aesthetic Appeal That Turns Heads
The VS01 doesn’t scream “electric” in your face—and that’s precisely what makes its design philosophy so compelling. At first glance, you might mistake it for a conventional cruiser, with its low-slung profile, wide handlebars, and forward-placed footpegs offering that classic, laid-back riding position cruiser enthusiasts crave.
The motorcycle’s silhouette pays homage to iconic American cruisers, featuring a teardrop-shaped tank (which actually houses part of the electronic control unit), a wide rear fender, and a generously padded seat that seems to promise comfort on long rides. But look closer, and the futuristic elements begin to emerge—angular LED headlights with a distinctive DRL signature, sleek side panels with subtle cooling vents, and the conspicuous absence of an exhaust system.
“We wanted to create something familiar yet revolutionary,” explained Rajiv Sharma, ABZO’s Chief Design Officer, during the motorcycle’s unveiling event in Bengaluru. “The brief was simple—design a motorcycle that would appeal to traditional cruiser lovers while subtly introducing them to the electric future.”
And that brief has been executed with remarkable precision. The VS01 comes in four colorways—Midnight Black, Electric Blue, Sunset Orange, and my test unit’s particularly striking Lunar Silver, which features subtle blue pinstriping that illuminates in low light conditions thanks to cleverly integrated fiber-optic elements.
Build Quality That Justifies the Premium Tag
Indian motorcyclists are notoriously detail-oriented when it comes to build quality, and ABZO seems well aware of this fact. Panel gaps are consistent throughout, paint quality is exceptional with a deep luster even under harsh sunlight, and switchgear feels premium to the touch.
The mirrors, often an afterthought on many motorcycles, deserve special mention—they’re well-damped, stay firmly in position even on rough roads, and offer excellent rearward visibility without excessive vibration. The side stand has a robust feel with an integrated safety switch, while the main stand (a standard feature) makes home charging considerably more convenient.
During my three-week test period, nothing rattled, came loose, or showed signs of premature wear—impressive considering I subjected the motorcycle to some fairly rough treatment, including a sudden cloudburst that left me riding through 6 inches of water during a particularly heavy monsoon shower in Mumbai.
The only build-related criticism I could muster was directed at the passenger grab rails, which felt slightly less substantial than the rest of the motorcycle and flexed noticeably when my pillion rider used them during emergency braking scenarios.
ABZO VS01 Performance: Redefining Expectations
Power Delivery That Challenges Conventional Cruisers
Electric motorcycles have traditionally excelled in urban environments while struggling to match their combustion counterparts on highways. The VS01 makes significant strides in narrowing this gap, though some compromises remain evident.
The heart of this electric cruiser is a liquid-cooled permanent magnet synchronous motor rated at 35kW (approximately 47 horsepower) and 90Nm of torque. These figures might not sound revolutionary until you consider that all 90Nm is available from a standing start—giving the VS01 a level of low-end acceleration that leaves most conventional cruisers in its dust.
During performance testing at Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT), the VS01 consistently achieved 0-60 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds—numbers that put it firmly in middleweight sport cruiser territory. Top speed is electronically limited to 145 km/h, which proved more than adequate for highway cruising, though sustained high-speed riding does impact range significantly.
“We could have easily pushed for more power,” noted Arjun Mehta, ABZO’s Performance Engineering Lead. “But cruisers aren’t about outright performance—they’re about accessible torque and a relaxed riding experience. Our motor tuning reflects this philosophy.”
That philosophy translates to real-world rideability that surprised me throughout the test period. Overtaking maneuvers that would require a downshift or two on conventional cruisers can be executed with a simple twist of the throttle, while the predictable power delivery makes navigating through tight traffic almost intuitive.
The VS01 offers three riding modes—Eco, Urban, and Sport—each with distinctly different power delivery characteristics. Eco mode caps power output at 60% and felt somewhat lethargic on open roads but extended range considerably. Urban mode (80% power) struck a satisfying balance for daily riding, while Sport mode unleashed the motor’s full potential at the expense of range.
Range and Charging: The Practical Realities
The most frequently asked question whenever I parked the VS01 outside a café or restaurant was invariably about range, reflecting the persistent anxiety Indian riders have about electric two-wheelers.
ABZO claims a city range of 250 kilometers and a highway range of 185 kilometers from the motorcycle’s 7.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. In real-world testing, these figures proved optimistic but not entirely unrealistic.
In purely urban riding using primarily Eco and Urban modes, I consistently achieved 220-230 kilometers before the battery indicator dropped to the 5% reserve level. Highway riding at speeds between 80-100 km/h reduced range to approximately 160-170 kilometers, while a mixed riding cycle typically yielded around 190-200 kilometers.
The VS01 supports fast charging through a Combined Charging System (CCS) port discreetly integrated into what would traditionally be the fuel tank area. Using a DC fast charger (increasingly available at major highways and urban centers across India), the battery charges from 20% to 80% in approximately 45 minutes—just enough time for a proper chai break and snack.
Home charging through a standard 15A socket takes longer, requiring approximately 6.5 hours for a full charge from empty. ABZO includes a portable charger with the motorcycle, though they strongly recommend installing their wall-mounted home charging solution, which includes scheduling features and surge protection.
“Range anxiety is primarily a psychological barrier,” suggested Dr. Meena Patel, ABZO’s Battery Technology Specialist, during a technical briefing. “The average Indian motorcycle commuter travels less than 40 kilometers daily. Even accounting for recreational weekend rides, the VS01’s range envelope covers most usage scenarios comfortably.”
This assertion held true during my testing period. For daily commuting and weekend pleasure rides, the range proved more than adequate. It was only during a planned 300-kilometer highway trip that I needed to consciously include a mid-way charging stop—something that added approximately an hour to the journey.
Riding Experience: The Cruiser Soul, Electrified
Handling Dynamics That Surprise
Cruisers, by their very design philosophy, typically prioritize straight-line stability over corner-carving agility. The VS01, while remaining true to cruiser ergonomics, brings some unexpected agility to the segment—largely thanks to its electric powertrain.
With the heavy battery pack positioned low in the frame and the motor mounted centrally, the VS01 benefits from a center of gravity significantly lower than most conventional cruisers. This translates to a motorcycle that feels remarkably planted through corners despite its considerable 248 kg curb weight.
The suspension setup consists of 43mm USD forks with adjustable preload up front and a monoshock with rebound and preload adjustability at the rear—both tuned for comfort but offering enough control for spirited riding. Ground clearance stands at 165mm, which proved adequate for all but the most aggressive speed breakers encountered during testing.
The VS01 runs on specially developed 120/70-17 front and 160/60-17 rear tubeless tires, which provided confident grip even during an unexpected rain shower I encountered while navigating the twisty sections near Lonavala. Braking duties are handled by dual 320mm discs with radial-mounted four-piston calipers up front and a single 240mm disc at the rear, both equipped with ABS.
“Finding the right handling balance was tricky,” admitted Sanjay Kapoor, ABZO’s Chassis Development Engineer. “Electric motorcycles have unique weight distribution characteristics compared to conventional motorcycles. We went through seventeen different chassis configurations before arriving at the production specification.”
That extensive development is evident in the way the VS01 handles. Initial turn-in requires some deliberate countersteering input, but once leaned over, the motorcycle holds its line with impressive stability even over mid-corner bumps. The riding position, with its forward-set footpegs and wide handlebars, does limit lean angle to approximately 32 degrees before hard parts begin to scrape—but that’s well within expectation for a cruiser.
The Sensory Experience
Perhaps the most significant departure from conventional cruiser riding comes in the sensory experience. The characteristic rumble and vibration of a V-twin engine—long considered essential to the cruiser ethos—is conspicuously absent, replaced by a faint electronic whirr that intensifies under hard acceleration.
ABZO has chosen not to implement an artificial sound generator, unlike some competitors. “We believe electric vehicles should embrace their inherent characteristics rather than mimic combustion engines,” explained Sharma. “The quietness opens up a new dimension of the riding experience—you notice sounds, smells, and visual details that are typically drowned out by engine noise.”
This philosophical stance divided opinions among various riders I invited to experience the VS01. Traditional cruiser enthusiasts initially missed the engine’s mechanical symphony, while younger riders and those coming from other segments appreciated the serene experience, particularly during longer rides where engine drone can cause fatigue.
What nobody disputed was the smoothness of the experience. With no clutch to modulate, no gears to shift, and no vibration transmitted through the handlebars, footpegs, or seat, the VS01 offers a level of refinement that conventional cruisers simply cannot match.
This refinement extends to the throttle response, which has been calibrated to deliver power in a manner reminiscent of internal combustion engines rather than the on/off switch feeling that plagues some electric motorcycles. Roll-on and roll-off transitions are seamless, allowing for precise control in traffic and when navigating tight spaces.
The regenerative braking system offers three levels of intensity, selectable through the motorcycle’s TFT display. In its strongest setting, it provides enough deceleration to handle most urban riding scenarios with minimal use of the brake levers—effectively enabling one-pedal-style riding once you’ve acclimated to the system.
Technology and Features: A Connected Cruiser
The Interface
The central command center of the VS01 is a 7-inch full-color TFT display that remains legible even under direct sunlight—something I particularly appreciated during afternoon rides in Rajasthan’s harsh summer glare. The display’s interface is intuitively laid out with essential information (speed, power usage, range, battery percentage) prominently displayed while secondary functions require minimal menu navigation.
The display pairs with ABZO’s smartphone application (available for both Android and iOS), enabling features like turn-by-turn navigation, music control, call management, and ride telemetry tracking. The integration worked seamlessly throughout my testing period, with no disconnection issues or lag—something that cannot be said for all motorcycle Bluetooth systems I’ve tested.
Perhaps the most impressive technological feature is the adaptive range prediction system, which continuously recalculates remaining range based not just on battery level but on recent riding style, elevation changes on planned routes, ambient temperature, and even upcoming traffic conditions (when using the navigation system). This dynamic approach provided remarkably accurate range estimates that adjusted in real-time as riding conditions changed.
Safety and Convenience Features
The VS01 comes equipped with an impressive array of safety features, including cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, and crash detection with automatic emergency notification if paired with a smartphone.
During a particularly enthusiastic acceleration test on a damp road, I experienced the traction control intervention first-hand—a subtle reduction in power delivery accompanied by a flashing indicator on the display, all without the jarring abruptness that characterizes some systems.
On the convenience front, the VS01 includes keyless operation, USB-C charging ports for devices, under-seat storage sufficient for a half helmet or rain gear, and self-canceling indicators that actually work as intended (using both time and lean angle to determine when to deactivate).
The lighting system deserves special mention—the full LED setup includes an adaptive headlight that adjusts its beam pattern based on lean angle, illuminating further into corners as the motorcycle tilts. This feature proved genuinely useful during a late-night return journey from Pune, making night riding significantly less stressful.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Motorcycle
Pricing and Value Proposition
At ₹3.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the VS01 positions itself in premium territory—considerably more expensive than commuter-focused electric two-wheelers but undercutting premium electric offerings from international manufacturers by a significant margin.
When accounting for various state subsidies (which range from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the region), along with the running cost advantage (approximately ₹0.50 per kilometer compared to ₹2.80-3.20 for equivalent petrol motorcycles at current fuel prices), the long-term economics begin to make sense for high-mileage users.
ABZO offers an 8-year/80,000-kilometer warranty on the battery pack and a 5-year/unlimited kilometer warranty on the motor and controller—industry-leading coverage that significantly enhances the value proposition and addresses concerns about long-term reliability of electric components.
Dealer Network and Service Infrastructure
ABZO has taken a measured approach to expansion, currently operating 24 dealerships across 15 cities with plans to expand to 50 locations by the end of 2025. Each dealership doubles as a service center with technicians specially trained for electric motorcycle maintenance.
I visited the flagship Delhi dealership during the test period and was impressed by both the facility and the knowledge level of staff, who comfortably fielded technical questions about the motorcycle’s motor technology and battery management systems.
For owners in areas without an ABZO dealership, the company offers a doorstep service program with technicians who travel to the customer’s location for scheduled maintenance. Emergency roadside assistance is available 24/7 across all major highways and cities, with the company promising a response time of under 45 minutes in urban areas and 90 minutes on mapped highway corridors.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
The electric motorcycle segment in India is rapidly evolving, but the VS01 currently has few direct competitors in the cruiser category. Offerings like the Revolt RV400 and Tork Kratos target different riding styles and price points, while premium offerings from companies like Ultraviolette focus on the sport and naked segments.
Perhaps the closest conceptual competitor is the Harley-Davidson LiveWire—but with that motorcycle priced at more than triple the VS01’s asking price and with limited availability in India, the comparison remains largely academic for most buyers.
The real competition comes from conventional cruisers like the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 (₹2.05 lakh) and the Jawa 42 (₹1.95 lakh), which offer the authentic combustion experience at lower price points but with significantly higher running costs and environmental impact.
An Electrifying Proposition with Caveats
After three weeks and just over 1,200 kilometers with the ABZO VS01, I’ve developed a genuine appreciation for what this motorcycle represents—a thoughtfully designed electric cruiser that manages to retain the soul of the category while embracing the advantages of electric propulsion.
The VS01 offers a riding experience that’s both familiar and novel—the relaxed ergonomics and straight-line stability that cruiser enthusiasts value, combined with the seamless power delivery, refinement, and technological integration that represent the future of motorcycling.
For urban commuters and weekend pleasure riders with access to charging infrastructure, the VS01 makes a compelling case for itself. The combination of premium build quality, impressive performance, comprehensive feature set, and industry-leading warranty coverage justifies the asking price for those ready to embrace electrification.
That said, potential buyers should approach with realistic expectations regarding range (particularly for highway touring) and charging times. While the infrastructure is improving rapidly, electric motorcycling still requires more route planning and charging awareness than conventional motorcycles—something that will undoubtedly improve in the coming years but remains a consideration for now.
What’s perhaps most exciting about the VS01 is what it represents—not just another electric motorcycle, but evidence that the transition to electric mobility need not abandon the distinct character and riding experiences that motorcyclists cherish. If this is the future of cruising, it appears to be in capable hands.
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