EV startups are now a dime a dozen, each one wanting to fill a void that most of us didn’t know existed until these brands told us so. For Bengaluru-based Numeros Motors, it was developing an e-scooter that would appeal to new riders and not be in the grey zone of low-speed electric two-wheelers that have infested our streets. And the company’s solution was not just another run-of-the-mill EV, but the N-First — a rather unique and, as I found out, quite an attention-grabbing e-scooter.
In the three hours I spent with the N-First, I was pulled up and grilled about it by over ten people, who were willing to move from their premium e-scooters and even ICE bikes. That intrigued me. What was it that appealed to the young guys as well as middle-aged men? A fellow was honest enough to tell me that he wanted something that looked (manly?) like a bike but was easy like a scooter. Though I questioned his understanding of motorcycles, I got what he meant. The 16-inch wheels, tall suspension and skinny profile lent it a stylish-yet-utilitarian design that could appeal to anyone. And thankfully, it moved just as well as it looked.
I was riding the top-of-the-line Max+ variant which had a bigger 3 kWh battery and a peak power of 2.5 kW which was complemented by a Sport mode unique to this variant. For me, the problem with new ‘beginner-friendly’ e-scooters is not their Sport mode, but the slowest one — Eco. So, I started the ride through the Bengaluru traffic in Eco, preparing myself for a disappointment, but I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike some e-scooters, the Eco mode actually doesn’t make you a hazard on the road. Yes, the inital acceleration is a bit slow, but decent enough to keep up with the traffic. Normal mode made the ride even more enjoyable, capping the speed at 55 kph (10 kph more than Eco). And the Normal mode sufficed in the traffic… till I got used to the chassis.
The 16-inch wheels with Eurogrip tyres provided great grip and almost motorcycle-like handling. Of course, the kerb weight of 117 kg helped. Though I didn’t go apex-hunting, it was fun cutting through traffic. I guess that could also be a reason for all the curiosity when the traffic caught up at signals. And these bigger wheels also bring another advantage — better ride quality. It could handle all the bad stretches beautifully, and with a pillion, it was even more compliant. That said, I would have preferred it to be touch softer on some nasty roads we encountered, but then again, going slow is always an option. Well, the drum brakes at both ends do their jobs just fine, but I found myself relying on them too much because of the scooter’s quirk — it would accelerate for a split second after decelerating, which was unnerving to say the least. But that wasn’t the only issue. The N-First had a weird vibration on the floorboard and handlebar from 7 kph to 30 kph — my first on an EV. Though the Numeros team wasn’t sure about it, was likely because of the chain drive. Yes, the brand’s choice of chain over belt drive baffled me, but I was told it was more ‘traditional’ and durable.
But unlike a traditional scooter, you won’t find much storage space. The battery sits under the rider’s seat, while the space under the pillion seat is good enough for your wallet and keys. There’s a small space under the floorboard, too, but that’s for the first aid and toolkit. Then again, nothing is traditional about this scooter… not even the way I sat. The handsome proportions made for a comfortable and commanding riding posture.
The N-First Max+ came across as an interesting proposition for an e-scooter that’s priced at ₹84,999 (introductory, ex-showroom). It doesn’t have a fancy TFT console with connectivity and relies on an in-built holder that can fit a mobile or tab. There are no unnecessary styling elements or features, either. In a world that’s crowded with EVs trying to invent problems, the N-First felt refreshingly real — and judging by all the curious stares, clearly not a problem anyone minds having.
