Ampere Nexus e-scooter first ride impressions: Few tweaks away from perfection!

Earlier this year, the Ampere Nexus entered the competitive electric scooter market with a lot of promises and claims. We recently got the opportunity to ride the EV and after riding it in and around Delhi-NCR amid varying traffic conditions, we’ve come away impressed by certain aspects but also found areas that could use improvement.

First off, the design. Now, if there were beauty contests held for electric scooters, the Nexus has the potential to grab a few accolades. Why so? It’s clear that Ampere has put effort into giving the Nexus a clean and premium look. There are no visible bolts or screws, which adds to the scooter’s neat aesthetic. It boasts of a rather sophisticated design which isn’t entirely aerodynamic nor boxy. In fact, it's a well-balanced design that makes for a stylish family scooter. However, the boxy finish on the front apron could benefit from a bit of rethinking.

Besides that, what stood out to us was the build quality—solid and well put together. No creaks, no rattles. Everything fits where it should, with zero odd panel gaps. The design might lean towards the conservative side with flat body panels, but it works. It looks big and proportionate, and for a commuter, that’s key.
Performance-wise, the Nexus packs a decent punch for city commutes. Its 4kW motor offers quick acceleration, especially in Power mode, which can take you up to 93 kmph - our best attempt on a long empty stretch was 86 kmph and it happened without any problem. In City mode, the top speed drops to a more manageable 63 kmph, and for those ultra-conservative rides, Eco mode limits it to 45 kmph.

Ampere claims a certified range of 136 km on a full charge, but in real-world conditions, we managed about 105 km in Eco mode. The range would be more than sufficient for daily commutes. Charging is quick too - just a little over three hours to fully juice the battery up.
The suspension setup - telescopic front fork and twin shock absorbers at rear - is well-tuned to iron out bumps and road undulations. We took it through some rough patches, and it absorbed the shocks quite well, although there were minor jerks felt on the handlebar but not enough to break the deal.

However, the seat is another story. While it's large and offers plenty of legroom, the cushion is way too soft. After an hour of riding, I started feeling discomfort in my lower back and my ‘sit-me-down’ part. Ampere could definitely improve the seat firmness to ensure long-distance comfort.

As for storage, the boot space was roomy enough to hold groceries and small items. But when I tried fitting a full-size helmet, it just wouldn’t go in. So while it’s spacious, it’s not quite practical for larger items.

Braking on the Nexus is a mixed bag. The front disc brake does a good job of bringing the scooter to a stop, but the rear drum brake lacks a bit of bite. It’s adequate, but in situations where you need quick stops, more feedback from the rear brake would be appreciated.

The scooter’s handlebar controls feel premium, with piano-finished buttons that are satisfying to press. But here’s a flaw that Ampere needs to address - the buttons are placed too far from the natural reach of your thumb. I found it awkward to adjust settings, blow the horn, or toggle between riding modes while on the move, as I had to stretch my hand, which is not ideal when you’re focusing on the road.

One of our favourite features on the Nexus has to be the 7-inch touchscreen display. It’s bright, clear, and easy to read, even under direct sunlight. The information is well-segmented, giving you all the essential details such as battery level, speed, range, and more. However, the display could be a bit more responsive. There’s a noticeable lag when you swipe through menus. But overall, the tech package is pretty solid for its price range, especially with features like Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse mode for those tight parking spots.

The Ampere Nexus is a strong contender in the electric scooter space, offering a great balance between performance, practicality, and a decent road presence. The design is clean, the features are modern, and the build quality is impressive for a scooter at this price point. Besides that, the real-world range is optimum for daily commuting. However, there are a few niggles that keep it from being perfect. The rear brake could use more bite, the seat could be firmer for better long-distance comfort, and the handlebar controls definitely need repositioning for easier access. But overall, if you're in the market for an electric scooter that covers all the basics with a few premium touches, the Ampere Nexus should be on your list. The model is priced from Rs 1.10 lakh, ex-showroom, and is available in two variants - EX and ST.