Metro Premium

Battery and motor

The Premium is one of Metro’s two three-wheelers. It uses an 800-watt brushless DC motor, and Metro quotes a top speed of up to 35 km/h, making it one of the slowest models in the range and clearly aimed at short, calm trips. The product page also mentions Eco, Normal and Sport modes. Power comes from a 76.8V 30Ah lithium iron phosphate battery with a claimed range of up to 100 km. A full charge takes 4 to 5 hours and uses about 2.5 units of electricity, and the battery is rated for up to 1,100 cycles.

Size and practicality

The Premium is compact at 1,615 mm long, 710 mm wide and 1,130 mm tall, with 130 mm of ground clearance and a 160 kg load capacity. It uses 3.00-10 6-ply tubeless tyres on aluminium alloy rims. Metro does not publish its seating layout or wheel arrangement on the product page. In our opinion, the three-wheel layout should suit riders who are not confident balancing a two-wheeler, such as older riders or beginners, but the low top speed limits it to neighbourhood use.

Equipment

There is one version. Equipment includes a front disc and rear drum brake, a reverse drive option, NFC, remote control, an anti-theft alarm and an energy monitoring meter. Colours are Silver and Beige.

Running costs

Metro quotes about 2.5 units of electricity per full charge. At the Rs 30 per unit rate used as the default in Metro’s own savings calculator, that works out to roughly Rs 75 per full charge (our estimate). Actual cost depends on your tariff slab and charging habits, and peak-hour or commercial rates will be higher.

Warranty

Metro gives a 24-month warranty on the motor and battery, and notes that lithium battery capacity will reduce gradually with regular use.

Is it worth buying?

Our view: the Premium is a niche product. At Rs 295,000 it costs more than most of Metro’s faster two-wheel scooters, so it only makes sense if you specifically need the stability of three wheels. The Premium Plus is a much larger three-wheeler with the same powertrain for Rs 40,000 more, so compare the two in a showroom before deciding. If you are comfortable on two wheels, the M6 Empower Portable LFP offers similar battery chemistry, a higher top speed and a longer 36-month warranty for less money at its current offer price. For short, slow trips around a housing society or market, though, the Premium’s stability and reverse mode will be reassuring for nervous riders.