Oben Roar EZ : In the bustling streets of India’s metropolitan cities, a quiet revolution is taking place. Electric vehicles, once considered futuristic alternatives, are now becoming commonplace, with electric two-wheelers leading this transformation. Among the latest entrants making waves is the Oben Roar EZ, a promising new electric bike from Bengaluru-based startup Oben Electric. This sleek machine isn’t just another addition to the growing electric vehicle market—it represents a significant step forward in making sustainable transportation accessible to the average Indian consumer.
As I navigated through Gurugram’s congested roads last week, I couldn’t help but notice the increasing number of electric bikes weaving through traffic. The transition from conventional petrol-powered vehicles to electric alternatives is happening faster than many anticipated, driven by rising fuel costs, environmental consciousness, and governmental push toward cleaner mobility solutions. The Oben Roar EZ arrives at this critical juncture, promising to address the common concerns that have historically held back widespread EV adoption in India.
The Birth of Oben Electric and Its Vision
The story of Oben Electric begins like many successful startups—with a problem that needed solving. Founded by Madhumita Agrawal and Dinkar Agrawal in 2020, Oben Electric emerged from a simple yet profound observation: India’s electric vehicle market lacked products that could truly replace conventional petrol motorcycles without compromising on performance, range, or affordability.
“We didn’t want to create just another electric scooter,” Madhumita Agrawal told me during a conversation at their Bengaluru headquarters earlier this year. “Our vision was to build electric bikes that could match or exceed the performance of petrol motorcycles while offering the environmental and economic benefits of electric mobility.”
This vision materialized after years of research and development, with the company securing significant funding from notable investors including We Founder Circle and GVK Family Office. The name ‘Oben,’ derived from German meaning ‘above’ or ‘top,’ reflects the company’s ambition to rise above conventional limitations in the electric vehicle space.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. Developing an electric motorcycle that could withstand India’s diverse and often harsh road conditions while meeting performance expectations required extensive testing and iterations. The founding team, comprising engineers with backgrounds in automotive design and electric mobility, spent countless hours refining their product to ensure it could deliver on their promises.
From Concept to Reality: The Evolution of Roar EZ
The Oben Roar EZ represents the culmination of this journey—a thoughtfully designed electric motorcycle that addresses the specific needs and preferences of Indian riders. The bike’s development process involved extensive consumer research, with the company collecting feedback from thousands of potential users across different demographic segments.
“We wanted to understand what makes people hesitant about switching to electric vehicles,” explained Dinkar Agrawal. “Range anxiety, performance concerns, charging infrastructure, and pricing emerged as the key factors. The Roar EZ was designed specifically to address these concerns.”
The company’s approach to product development wasn’t limited to technical specifications. They recognized that for widespread adoption, electric vehicles needed to appeal to consumers on an emotional level as well. This meant creating a design that resonated with younger riders looking for style and performance while ensuring the practicality that daily commuters demand.
After multiple prototypes and rigorous testing across various terrains and weather conditions, the Oben Roar EZ began taking its final shape. The result is a motorcycle that doesn’t scream “I’m electric” through unconventional design choices but rather presents itself as a capable, modern motorcycle that happens to be powered by electricity.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Oben Roar EZ isn’t just impressive on paper—it delivers where it matters most. Powered by a fixed lithium-ion battery pack, the bike offers a real-world range of approximately 150 kilometers on a single charge. This addresses one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: range anxiety.
The motor generates peak power equivalent to a 150cc petrol motorcycle, allowing the Roar EZ to achieve a top speed of 100 km/h. What’s particularly impressive is the acceleration—the bike can go from 0 to 40 km/h in just 3 seconds, providing the quick response needed for navigating through city traffic.
During my test ride through Gurugram’s varied road conditions, the bike’s performance was notably consistent. The immediate torque delivery characteristic of electric vehicles makes the Roar EZ particularly adept at urban riding, where frequent stops and starts are inevitable. The bike feels nimble yet stable, with the battery weight positioned to lower the center of gravity, enhancing handling and maneuverability.
Battery Technology and Charging Infrastructure
At the heart of any electric vehicle is its battery, and the Oben Roar EZ doesn’t disappoint in this crucial aspect. The bike features a fixed 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that has been engineered for durability and efficiency. The company claims the battery can withstand over 1,000 charge cycles before significant degradation occurs—translating to approximately 1,50,000 kilometers of riding.
“Battery technology has been our primary focus,” shared one of Oben’s senior engineers who preferred to remain unnamed. “We’ve developed a thermal management system that prevents overheating even in extreme Indian summer conditions, which is crucial for battery longevity and safety.”
The charging solution for the Roar EZ is pragmatic—understanding the limitations of India’s charging infrastructure, Oben has designed the bike to be charged using a standard 5-amp household socket. A full charge takes approximately 4 hours, making overnight charging a convenient option for most users. Additionally, the bike is compatible with the growing network of public charging stations being established across major Indian cities.
For those concerned about the environmental impact of battery production and disposal, Oben has implemented a battery recycling program. “We take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of our batteries,” explained Madhumita. “When a battery reaches the end of its useful life in the vehicle, we ensure it’s either repurposed for stationary storage applications or properly recycled.”
Design Philosophy and User Experience
The Oben Roar EZ strikes a balance between conventional motorcycle aesthetics and modern electric design elements. The bike features a muscular tank area (which houses electronics rather than fuel), angular body panels, and a sleek LED lighting system. Available in four colors—Midnight Blue, Sunrise Orange, Stellar White, and Cosmic Black—the bike offers personalization options without appearing ostentatious.
The riding position is upright and comfortable, suitable for both short commutes and longer rides. The seat height of 800mm makes it accessible to riders of various heights, while the ground clearance of 175mm ensures it can handle typical Indian road conditions without scraping the underside.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Roar EZ is its connected features. The bike comes equipped with a 7-inch TFT display that pairs with a smartphone application, offering navigation, ride statistics, battery status, and service reminders. The app also enables remote diagnostics, allowing service technicians to identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Ride Quality and Practical Considerations
During extended testing across different road conditions, the Roar EZ demonstrated remarkable consistency in performance. The suspension setup—telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear—strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. The bike absorbs minor road imperfections well, though larger potholes still transmit some jarring to the rider—a common characteristic in this segment rather than a specific criticism of the Roar EZ.
The braking system comprises disc brakes at both ends with a combined braking system (CBS) rather than ABS. While this might seem like a compromise, the implementation is effective, providing controlled stops even in panic braking scenarios. The regenerative braking system also contributes to energy recovery, marginally extending the range during city riding with frequent deceleration.
For practical daily use, the Roar EZ offers reasonable storage options. There’s a small compartment where the fuel tank would typically be, suitable for storing documents and small items. Under-seat storage is limited, however, which might be a consideration for those who carry more than the essentials during their daily commute.
Market Positioning and Competitive Landscape
The electric two-wheeler market in India has become increasingly competitive, with established manufacturers and startups vying for market share. The Oben Roar EZ enters this space with a starting price of approximately ₹1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it in the mid-range segment of electric motorcycles.
This pricing strategy places the Roar EZ in direct competition with models from Revolt, Tork Motors, and the lower variants of Ultraviolette motorcycles. It also competes indirectly with high-end electric scooters from Ather Energy, Ola Electric, and TVS.
What distinguishes the Roar EZ in this crowded marketplace is its focus on delivering a traditional motorcycle experience powered by electricity rather than reimagining the two-wheeler concept entirely. This approach might resonate particularly well with existing motorcycle owners looking to transition to electric without adapting to the significantly different riding dynamics of a scooter.
Economic Benefits and Ownership Experience
The economic proposition of the Roar EZ is compelling when considered over the vehicle’s lifetime. With electricity costs significantly lower than petrol prices, the operational expenses are reduced drastically. Based on current electricity rates in major Indian cities, the cost per kilometer works out to approximately ₹0.50, compared to ₹2-3 for petrol motorcycles.
Maintenance costs also favor the electric option. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and reduced wear on braking components (thanks to regenerative braking), the scheduled maintenance expenditure is estimated to be 40-50% lower than comparable petrol motorcycles.
Oben Electric has established service centers in major cities, with a roadmap for expansion to tier-2 cities within the next year. The company also offers doorstep service in areas where physical service centers haven’t yet been established—an important consideration for potential buyers in regions with limited EV service infrastructure.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability Initiatives
While the economic benefits of electric vehicles are often highlighted, their environmental impact deserves equal attention. The Oben Roar EZ, with zero tailpipe emissions, contributes to reducing air pollution in urban centers—a critical concern for many Indian cities that consistently rank among the world’s most polluted.
However, the environmental equation isn’t as straightforward as “zero emissions.” The manufacturing process, particularly battery production, carries its own environmental footprint. Oben has been transparent about these challenges while implementing measures to minimize impact.
“We’ve partnered with suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable manufacturing,” said Madhumita. “Our production facility in Bengaluru uses renewable energy for 40% of its power requirements, and we’re working to increase this percentage year-on-year.”
The company has also implemented a water recycling system at its manufacturing plant and aims to achieve zero landfill waste by 2025. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to sustainability that extends beyond the product’s operational benefits.
Policy Support and Future Roadmap
The growth of electric mobility in India has been significantly influenced by government policies, including subsidies under the FAME-II scheme, reduced GST rates, and state-level incentives. The Oben Roar EZ qualifies for many of these benefits, reducing the effective cost to consumers and improving the value proposition.
Looking ahead, Oben Electric has outlined an ambitious roadmap for product development and market expansion. The company plans to introduce at least two more models in different segments over the next three years, including options at both lower and higher price points than the Roar EZ.
“Our ultimate goal is to have an electric option for every type of two-wheeler user in India,” shared Dinkar. “From students looking for economical transportation to enthusiasts seeking high-performance machines, we want to cater to the entire spectrum.”
The Riding Experience: A Personal Perspective
Having spent considerable time with the Roar EZ, I can attest to its capability as a daily commuter with weekend leisure riding potential. The transition from a conventional motorcycle is remarkably seamless—the controls are familiar, with the standard handlebar layout requiring minimal adaptation.
The most noticeable difference, of course, is the absence of engine noise and vibration. Initially disconcerting for someone accustomed to the rumble of an internal combustion engine, this silence quickly becomes a welcome feature, allowing for a more peaceful riding experience and easier communication at traffic stops.
The power delivery is distinctly electric—immediate and linear. There’s no waiting for the engine to reach its powerband; twist the throttle, and the response is instantaneous. This characteristic makes the Roar EZ particularly well-suited to urban environments, where quick bursts of acceleration are often more valuable than high-end speed.
Living with an Electric Motorcycle
Beyond the riding experience, the day-to-day practicalities of living with the Roar EZ deserve consideration. The home charging setup is straightforward—the provided charger connects to any standard socket and features safety mechanisms to prevent overcharging or power surges.
The smartphone application enhances the ownership experience significantly. The ability to check battery status remotely provides peace of mind, while the ride planning feature helps identify routes with charging stations if the journey exceeds the bike’s range. The application also gamifies efficient riding, awarding points for energy-conscious behavior that can be redeemed for service benefits.
For those considering the Roar EZ as their primary vehicle, the range limitation requires some lifestyle adjustment. Most daily commutes in Indian cities fall well within the bike’s 150km range, making daily charging unnecessary for many users. However, longer weekend trips need more planning than they would with a conventional motorcycle—a consideration that potential buyers should factor into their decision.
Is the Oben Roar EZ the Right Choice?
The Oben Roar EZ represents a significant step forward in India’s electric motorcycle landscape. It successfully addresses many of the concerns that have historically limited EV adoption, offering compelling performance, reasonable range, and familiar motorcycling dynamics in an electric package.
For urban commuters looking to reduce their environmental footprint while potentially saving on running costs, the Roar EZ presents a convincing case. The initial investment is higher than comparable petrol motorcycles, but the reduced operational expenses offer long-term economic benefits, particularly for high-mileage users.
That said, the Roar EZ isn’t without limitations. The charging infrastructure, while improving rapidly, doesn’t yet offer the convenience of ubiquitous petrol stations. Long-distance touring remains challenging, and those without access to secure overnight charging facilities might find the ownership experience less convenient.
As with any emerging technology, early adopters accept certain compromises in exchange for being at the forefront of innovation. The question for potential buyers isn’t whether the Oben Roar EZ is perfect—it isn’t. Rather, the question is whether its strengths align with their specific needs and whether its limitations are acceptable given their usage patterns.
For an increasing number of environmentally conscious urban riders, the answer to that question appears to be yes. The Oben Roar EZ doesn’t just represent a new product; it symbolizes a shifting paradigm in Indian mobility—one where electric isn’t merely an alternative but increasingly the preferred choice for discerning two-wheeler users.
As India continues its journey toward electrification, products like the Roar EZ will play a crucial role in demonstrating that sustainable transportation doesn’t require compromising on the aspects that make motorcycling enjoyable. In that respect, Oben Electric has delivered a product that deserves serious consideration from anyone in the market for a new two-wheeler, regardless of whether they were initially looking at electric options.
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