Vlektra Velocity 180

Motor and battery

The Vlektra Velocity 180 is built around range. Both versions use a 72 V 36 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and Vlektra quotes up to 180 km per charge, the longest in its line-up. The standard Velocity 180 has a 1,500 W BLDC motor with 80 Nm of torque and a top speed of 70 km/h. The Velocity 180 SE (Special Edition) steps up to a 2,000 W motor with 120 Nm and a top speed of 85 km/h. Charging uses the included 10 A, 220 V charger at a normal wall socket; Vlektra lists about 3 hours for the standard bike (its FAQ says about 3.5 hours) and 3.5 hours for the SE. The battery is rated for 3,000 cycles and, according to Vlektra, up to 15 years.

Size and practicality

Both versions measure 1,897 x 751 x 1,014 mm (1,334 mm tall including mirrors) and use telescopic front forks with dual spring-loaded rear shock absorbers. Front tyres are 2.75-18 on both; the rear is 90/90-17 on the Velocity 180 and a wider 100/90-17 on the SE. Vlektra says the standard bike carries around 185 kg without hurting speed or range, and recommends against fast chargers to protect battery life. To secure the bike after parking, Vlektra advises locking the steering head and removing the ignition key.

Equipment by variant

Both have LED headlight with daytime running light, LED indicators, an LED tail light, a digital meter and three riding modes. The standard Velocity 180 uses a front drum brake and a rear dual-piston disc brake with a combined braking system (CBS). The SE upgrades to dual-piston disc brakes at both ends, adds reverse assist and is described as having tubeless tyres. Vlektra describes its motorcycles as IP67 water-resistant, and says a battery management system immobilises the bike if it detects a battery fault.

Warranty

Both versions carry a 3-year replacement warranty on the battery and a 2-year replacement warranty on the motor.

Which variant to buy?

The Velocity 180 is listed at Rs 339,000 (previously Rs 369,000) and the Velocity 180 SE at Rs 399,000 (previously Rs 419,000). In our opinion, the SE is worth the extra Rs 60,000 for most riders: the front disc brake, stronger motor, higher top speed and reverse assist make it noticeably more capable, especially for riders who use faster roads. The standard Velocity 180 remains a sensible choice for slower city commuting where its 70 km/h limit is not a problem and the lowest purchase price matters most.