Jolta Sparrow

Motor and battery

The Sparrow is Jolta’s smallest and most affordable two-wheeler. It is powered by a 500 watt motor and a 48V 26Ah graphene battery, and Jolta describes it as electric plus pedal. The quoted top speed is 35 km/h and the range is 25 to 35 km per charge, with a charging time of 6 to 8 hours. These figures make it a short-distance runabout rather than a replacement for a motorcycle or a full-size scooter, and riders should plan their daily distance around that range.

Size and practicality

Jolta has not published dimensions, weight or seat height for the Sparrow. Its low top speed and short range suit trips around a neighbourhood, to school or college, or to the local market. Jolta’s feature list includes a low wind resistant body, rolling-resistant tyres, aluminium alloy rims, low-loss cables and a side stand sensor. Charging takes 6 to 8 hours, so the Sparrow is best plugged in overnight, ready for the next day’s errands.

Equipment

There is one variant. The official page lists front and rear drum brakes, a digital speedometer and an anti-theft alarm, and it states clearly that there is no USB port. The general feature list also mentions a multi-mode motor and a traction control system. Unlike Jolta’s larger scooters, the Sparrow page does not list cruise control or reverse gear, and it does not have disc brakes. With a 500W motor, it is the least powerful two-wheeler Jolta sells, and its 35 km/h top speed is the lowest in the range.

Warranty

Jolta lists a 20 month warranty for the Sparrow. Ask the dealer whether the graphene battery is covered for the same period and what the replacement cost of the battery would be after the warranty ends. Jolta’s website also promotes doorstep after-sales service and genuine spare parts, so ask your nearest dealer how service visits are arranged in your city.

Which variant to buy

The Sparrow is sold in a single version at Rs 144,900. Our opinion: buy it only if your daily riding is short and slow, for example a student’s trip to school or college, or errands within a few kilometres of home. If you need to ride on main roads or cover more distance, the Storm costs Rs 25,000 more but lists an 800W motor, a 50 km/h top speed, 60 to 70 km of range, front and rear disc brakes, cruise control and reverse gear, which we think makes it a far more usable everyday scooter for most buyers.