AURA (benling)
In India, the Benling Aura electric scooter has a starting price of Rs. 91,667. There is only one variant and three hues offered. The motor of the Benling Aura produces 2500 W of power. Brakes with front discs and rear drums are provided by Benling Aura.
Four of the electric two-wheelers made by Chinese company Benling are assembled and sold in India. The Aura, the company's high-speed flagship model, competes with models like the Ather 450X and the Bajaj Chetak electric.
The Aura's design was influenced by vintage Italian scooters from that country. The electric scooter is offered in three colours: gloss blue, matte black, and matte purple. In terms of features, the Aura comes with a start/stop button, smart breakdown help, a fully digital console, a smart key, an anti-theft alarm, and parking assist mode.
A 2.5kW BLDC motor that is driven by a 72V/40Ah lithium-ion battery propels the Aura. According to claims, this battery can be fully charged in four hours using a fast charging system, and in Eco mode, it has a range of about 120 kilometres. Three other riding settings are Low, Sports, and Turbo Speed, the latter of which is only effective for rapid overtakes. The e-scooter has a top speed of about 60 km/h, telescopic forks and a monoshock for soaking up bumps, and a disc-drum combo for braking.
Benling Aura Summary
Aura key highlights | |
---|---|
Riding Range | 120 Km |
Top Speed | 60 Kmph |
Battery charging time | 6 Hrs |
Rated Power | 2500 W |
USB Charging Port | Yes |
Rear Brake Type | Drum |
Introduction
The amount of EVs we have examined is evidence of how quickly electric transportation is encroaching on our lives. This is the third in a month's time. The transformation is thus well underway and unavoidable. The Benling Aura is the electric scooter you see in these images.
China-based Dongguan Benling Vehicle Technology, which exports to more than 83 nations, owns Benling India. Since its launch in India in 2019, Benling has been able to reach 185 cities in the country. Out of the four models that the firm sells in India, the Aura is the only high-speed electric scooter. In light of the scooter's on-paper specs, stated battery range and top speed, detachable battery, and retro-inspired styling, it appears promising. The majority of EVs, however, fall short of providing an experience as pleasurable as they claim to. Then what sort is the Aura? Let's investigate.
The Visuals
It is clear that the Aura and Vespa's VXL line have essentially identical aesthetics. Neo-retro styling allows it to mix in with any group of ICE scooters. A simple yet lovely scooter is created with the pillion backrest, flat beige seat, spherical headlamp, and flowing body panels. We would have preferred a unique design, even though this will help Benling attract notice and boost sales.
The overall quality of the Aura is almost as commendable as how appealing it looks. The luxurious paint finish and strong plastic panels are what initially draw your attention. Even the fitment is decent; no part is moving from its place or producing strange noises. Except for the difficult access to the start/stop and horn buttons, I also enjoyed the quality and tactility of the switchgear. The lockable glove box in the front also felt too weak to handle any type of abuse, especially the cover and hinges.
The Package
A 2.88Kwh lithium-ion battery powers a 2.5kW BLDC (brushless DC) motor that propels the Aura. The battery's claimed maximum range and top speed are 60 km/h and 120 km/h, respectively. There are three riding modes, identified by the numerals 1 (35 kmph), 2 (48 kmph), and 3 (60 kmph), each with a different top speed. You also get the 4th mode, which has a 60kmph top speed but offers speedier acceleration.
A huge black LCD occupies the cockpit area, which clashes with the scooter's overall expensive appearance. The speed, battery life, riding mode, and distance travelled are all displayed. The charge level on its four-point battery display keeps varying with the fluctuation in the pace, thus it might have incorporated the remaining battery range to allow users to better plan their journeys.
The battery takes up the majority of the under-seat storage space, leaving limited room for other items. It can, at most, swallow a full-size, lightly-stuffed backpack. Regarding the front storage area, it includes space for a small water bottle or a smartphone that is connected to the USB charging connector. Even the footboard is somewhat small due to the middle hump.
Regenerative braking and a security system to prevent theft are further features. If someone tries to move the scooter or unlock it using the key after you've locked it using the included remote controller, the latter blows a loud alert.
The Ride
The Aura has a balanced riding position, which makes it feel comfortable when you're moving. The footboard isn't too high to force you to squat, as is the case with some electric scooters, and the handlebar is simple to reach. The width of the seat is a problem because it makes it challenging to put your feet on the ground, even if you're sitting up front on the seat. Due to my height of 5'11", this wasn't a huge problem for me, but it might have been for others. Additionally, the seat cushioning needs to be denser because after 30 minutes of riding, you can feel the hard surface underneath.
The Aura performs as expected for an electric vehicle up to its top speed, although it isn't as vivacious as the Ather 450X. However, rapid sprints in the fourth (fastest) mode from 0 to 60kmph are rather enjoyable. Even the motor's whining noise isn't loud enough to be bothersome.
The on/off throttle change is a tad abrupt, similar to many other electric two-wheelers, especially in the second, third, and fourth modes where riding the scooter in stop and go traffic ends up being a jerky affair. Moving from a stop, the throttle responds with a sharp acceleration. However, this problem isn't as serious at the slowest mode. I also saw that the power delivery continued to fluctuate and emit a rocking sensation even if I maintained a constant throttle position anyplace beyond 40kmph.
As for the ride quality, the suspension setup has been tuned on the firmer side as you can feel even the smallest of undulations. The front, in particular, feels extremely stiff as it keeps bobbing while going over rough patches, thereby constantly shaking your arms. The rear feels a little more forgiving than the front but the firmness can still be sensed. The lack of seat foam density only adds to the discomfort here.
Although not particularly sharp, the handling is agile enough to get through traffic quickly because to its low 95kg kerb weight. The brakes, on the other hand, have good progression and respectable bite and are fairly efficient. The rear drum also responds gradually enough to prevent locking the wheel in most situations, while the front disc performs a terrific job of shedding speed.
The 120km battery range may sound great, however that number can only be obtained by riding the vehicle in the slowest (1st) mode. I used a variety of riding techniques and achieved a range of roughly 80–85 kilometres. If you consistently maintain it in fourth gear and accelerate as hard as you can, it also decreases to roughly 60–65 km.
You have the choice to directly plug the scooter into a standard 5A socket to charge it. Otherwise, you can take the battery inside to charge it. It is removable. It takes roughly five to six hours to charge fully.
The replaceable battery's weight is one issue I see with it. It weighs so much that even carrying it for a short distance while walking is physically taxing. I feel uneasy thinking about doing this frequently. Nevertheless, as the batteries of electric scooters are often heavy, this is not specific to the Benling. I distinctly recall using the Okinawa Praise Pro in 2019, which included a large changeable battery.
Should You Buy It?
The Benling Aura displayed some admirable traits along with a few niggles. The good bits include its elegant neo-retro styling that would attract every member of a family from different age groups and not just youngsters. Even the build quality is sturdy enough to match an ICE scooter. And with a real-world range of 80-90km and a top speed of 60kmph, it’s a practical and useable proposition for commuting.
However, when considering scooters, we anticipate them to have a considerable quantity of storage capacity, which the Aura significantly lacks. With a rough ride and an uncomfortable seat, it is also less comfortable than it could be. Even the instrument cluster ought to show more data, if only the battery's remaining range.
But the Benling Aura's ex-showroom pricing of Rs 82,975 makes it worthwhile to take into account. The Aura is more expensive than the majority of electric scooters with comparable battery and motor characteristics. Additionally, Benling has a sizable dealership network with about 185 stores in metro, tier-2, and tier-3 cities throughout India. Even if the Aura has flaws, some of the more serious problems with EV performance and build quality aren't as serious in this instance.
Specifications
Power & Performance
- Max Power-
- Rated Power2500 W
- Max Torque-
- Riding Range120 Km
- Top Speed60 Kmph
- Battery charging time6 Hrs
- Fast charging time4
- Riding ModesLow, Eco, Sport and Turbo
- TransmissionAutomatic
- Motor typeBLDC
- Battery capacity2.88 kWh
- Battery typeLithium Ion
- No. Of Batteries1
- Portable BatteryYes
- Swappable BatteryNo
- Charger TypePortable Charger
- Charger output72v/10As
- Carrying capacity150 kg
- Gradeability7 Degree
- Fuel TypeElectric
Brakes, Wheels & Suspension
- Front SuspensionTelescopic Suspension
- Rear SuspensionTelescopic Suspension
- Braking SystemStandard
- Front Brake TypeDisc
- Front Brake Size-
- Rear Brake TypeDrum
- Rear Brake Size130 mm
- Calliper TypeDual Piston Caliper at the Front
- Wheel TypeAlloy
- Front Wheel Size12 inch
Rear Wheel Size
12 inch
Front Tyre Size
90/90 - 12
Rear Tyre Size
90/90 - 12
Tyre Type
Tubeless
Radial Tyres
No
Dimensions & Chassis
- Kerb Weight-
- Seat Height-
- Ground Clearance165 mm
- Overall Length1855 mm
- Overall Width740 mm
- Overall Height1175 mm
- Wheelbase-
- Chassis TypeUnderbone
Manufacturer Warranty
- Battery warranty3 Year
- Motor warranty1 Year
Features
- OdometerDigital
- Regenerative breakingYes
- Touch screen displayNo
- OTA UpdatesNot Available
- Call/SMS AlertsNo
- Central locking systemNo
- Artificial soundNo
- Hill AssistNo
- Anti theft systemYes
- Geo fencingNo
- SpeedometerDigital
- TachometerNo
- Stand AlarmYes
- No. of Tripmeters1
- Tripmeter TypeDigital
- Low Battery IndicatorYes
- ClockNo
- Front storage boxNo
- Under seat storageYes
- Mobile App ConnectivityNo
- DRLs (Daytime running lights)No
- Shift LightNo
- Headlight TypeLED
- Brake/Tail LightLED
- Turn SignalLED
- Pass LightYes
- GPS & NavigationNo
- USB charging portYes
- Parking assistYes
- Cruise ControlNot Available
- Reverse modeNo
- Start/stop buttonYes
- Start TypeElectric Start
- KillswitchNo
Stepped Seat
No
Pillion Backrest
No
Pillion Grabrail
Yes
Pillion Seat
Yes
Pillion Footrest
Yes
Additional features
4 Speed Modes, Smart Brake down Assistance system
ELECTRIC BIKES.....
- OLS - S1 PRO
- Ather - 450x Gen3
- TVS - IQube
- OLA - S1
- BAJAJ - Chetak
- OLA - S1 air
- MATTER - Area
- REVOLT - RV 400
- AMPERE - Magnus EX
- HERO electric - Optima CX
- TORK - Kratos
- EVOLET - pony
- ODYSEE - Evoqis
- AMPERE - primus
- IVOOMI - S1
- BOUNCE - infinity E1
- TECHO ELECTRO - NEO
- HERO ELECTRIC - photon
- EVOLET - derby
- OKINAWA - OKHI-90
- OKINAWA - R-30
- YO -Edge
- EVOLET - POLO
- OKINAWA - praise
- HERO ELECTRIC - NYX HX
- JOY E- BIKE - monster
- BENLING - aura
- PURE EV - Etryst-350
- PURE EV - EPluto 7G
- OLS - S1 PRO
- Ather - 450x Gen3
- TVS - IQube
- OLA - S1
- BAJAJ - Chetak
- OLA - S1 air
- MATTER - Area
- REVOLT - RV 400
- AMPERE - Magnus EX
- HERO electric - Optima CX
- TORK - Kratos
- EVOLET - pony
- ODYSEE - Evoqis
- AMPERE - primus
- IVOOMI - S1
- BOUNCE - infinity E1
- TECHO ELECTRO - NEO
- HERO ELECTRIC - photon
- EVOLET - derby
- OKINAWA - OKHI-90
- OKINAWA - R-30
- YO -Edge
- EVOLET - POLO
- OKINAWA - praise
- HERO ELECTRIC - NYX HX
- JOY E- BIKE - monster
- BENLING - aura
- PURE EV - Etryst-350
- PURE EV - EPluto 7G
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