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-   -   Hero introduces Lectro: Electric pedal-assisted cycle range (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/bicycles/182026-hero-introduces-lectro-electric-pedal-assisted-cycle-range.html)

Hero Cycles has introduced a new brand of bicycles in India. Named Lectro, this new brand will include a range of electric pedal assisted cycles (EPAC). The Lectro brand was launched in Birmingham, Europe earlier this year. Hero will be officially launching various bicycle models under the Lectro brand in India next year, which will be priced in the range of Rs. 40,000 - Rs. 80,000.

The Lectro range of bicycles will come in various sizes and structures. Models specially designed for children will also be on offer. All bikes will come equipped with a 250 Watt electric motor, which is located in the rear wheel's hub. This motor will be supplied power from a 48 Volt or a 36 Volt battery. Though the range will vary depending upon the model, Hero Cycles claims that most models will be able to cover a distance of 50 kilometres on a single charge.

The level of electric assist required by the rider can be controlled through a small control unit mounted on the handlebar. The assist level can be altered in a range of 0 (off) to 5. All bicycles under the Lectro brand will be limited to a speed of less than 25 km/h to classify them under the category of electric two-wheelers that do not require any registration or license.

The top-end model will also get some advanced features including Bluetooth connectivity and a GPS-based tracking feature. This model will also have the capability to be mildly charged when the rider reverse-pedals.

Source: Car and Bike


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What has prevented me from investing in an expensive bicycle is that they are soft targets for thieves and vandals (and also angry dogs but that is a different problem altogether). If these pedal assisted bicycles cannot be registered, they cannot be insured which protects from theft and vandalism.

Such a pity because I'd seriously consider buying an electric pedal-assist bicycle which can be registered and is backed by a good dealership network.

I saw a similar bicyle from Hercules in Srirangapatna. A kid was driving around while there was a marathon (kaveri trail marathon) going on. On inclines he used the electric power and on flat surfaces he was doing the pedalling by himself. He was using it pretty easily and I liked it. Not sure of the range and assist modes but could be really good to use on city roads.

Hero/Hercules bikes are what cyclists call BSO (Bike shaped Objects). They are not cheap to begin with and even costlier to own. They have their share of niggles. The frames are study but very heavy. Things like gears, brakes, suspension and wheels are shoddy.
Better to invest in a good bike and have a care free ownership.

You can get a very good hybrid bike at 40K (with all the hefty import duties and what not).

A good start. But prices need to come down to make it mainstream. An add on kit to modify existing bikes will be a better idea.

OT
I am cyclist myself. I have failed to understand why a descent bike costs as much as a Scooty or even an Activa!!

I just bought a Lectro. I am getting used to it.
I am currently testing it.

While they sound interesting, the pricing and lack of security appals me. 40k for a bicycle is simply asking for too much for, by a brand like Hero. Looks like they converted their EUR prices to INR and listed them here.

The Indian bicycle market is pretty clear in its choices.

Modern, passionate bikers with a focus on lifestyle and exercise buy better made, international brands and constantly upgrade them as well. To them, Hero has no brand appeal whatsoever, inspite of the positioning.

On the other end, there are customers who buy bicycles as a means of commute/utility/basic recreation (for children, ladies etc). It is this segment who buys these brands en-masse and to them, such prices will just not make sense.

Needless to say, this is by no means a practical alternative to any moped/scoot as well.

Great. Can you write down a detailed review? Is the battery removable so that you can carry it home and charge and then install it back on the cycle?

25kmph? That's far lower than what I pedal on an average on my Canondale Bad Boy. That looks like a lock on the battery pack, means you can detach and take it along. Good feature.

Hello Sandeep,

Can you please share the feedback or a detailed review on the same? I am considering purchasing one and your feedback might help.


Regards,
Sunil

I have Hero Lectro Renew.

I have ridden it 2800 km in last 10 months.
I have made few mods to suit my needs.

It attracts more attention than expensive mobikes because of its tyres.

The battery is removable and can be charged away from the bike.

Security is an issue but I get around that by making friends with ubiquitous pan wala, chai wala, dukaanwala, security wala, and et cetera wala. They love to look after it, and I don't even lock it. The best part of being in India is that we have these people station in every nook and corner of every part in the city.

Never under estimate the power of small talk and an honest smile.

It has few niggles, which I am sharing with hero. Let's hope they listen to it.

E-bikes are evolving. So, it all depends when you want to jump on to them. But whenever you jump, something new and better will come up in some time. Just like a mobile or a pc.

As far as I am concerned, I am loving it. After my gypsy, this is something I am enjoying a lot.

I am planning some long distance bikepacking trips. Hopefully, I will have something fun to report in coming months.

The listed price says Rs 88,900 :Shockked:
Is that correct?

Put in a travelogue later, but now that you have spent some time with it, could you post a small ownership report about costs involved, maintenance, battery cycle, tyre life, mods etc.

Upgraded tyres?

Is the bike pedal assist only? Or can it ride on its own?
What is the range for a full charge?

Still compatable to the entry level iPhones of 2018! :)

That bike with its fat tyres is an attention-grabber for sure! clap:

Here's a review I just noticed -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8wWnTPrIqQ

https://herocycles.com/leisure/epac/lectro
The hero cycles site mentions the price at Rs.45,000 range. They have one model for Rs.27,000 too.