AMO Electric Jaunty

The AMO Jaunty is powered by a Brushless DC (BLDC) hub motor with a rated power output that places it firmly in the urban commuter category. The Jaunty Plus variant, which is the focus here, features a motor capable of propelling the scooter to a claimed top speed of around 50-55 km/h. This performance is adequate for navigating dense city traffic, where speeds rarely exceed 60 km/h. The throttle response is calibrated for smoothness rather than aggressive acceleration, a deliberate choice to maximize range and appeal to mature riders. Initial pickup from a standstill is linear and manageable, lacking the sudden surge found in some performance-oriented electric scooters. Paired with a 60V/40Ah advanced lithium-ion battery, AMO claims a range of over 100 km per charge under ideal test conditions.

 In real-world urban usage, with mixed traffic and moderate throttle inputs, a more realistic range would be in the vicinity of 80-90 km, which is sufficient for a week's worth of short commutes for the average user. The charging time is approximately 3 to 5 hours using a standard 15A home socket, which aligns with the industry standard for this battery capacity and allows for convenient overnight charging.

Ergonomically, the AMO Jaunty is designed to cater to a wide range of riders. The flat and wide floorboard provides ample legroom, allowing riders to position their feet comfortably. The handlebar is set at a neutral height, resulting in an upright and relaxed riding posture that minimizes strain on the back and wrists during city commutes. The seat is long, wide, and well-cushioned, offering good support for both the rider and the pillion. At a accessible seat height, it allows most riders to place their feet firmly on the ground, adding confidence when stationary or in stop-go traffic. The grab rail for the pillion is a sturdy, single-piece unit that is easy to hold. 

The primary area where the Jaunty’s practicality is constrained is underseat storage. Due to the placement of the battery pack, the storage space is limited and may not accommodate a full-face helmet, a common compromise in this segment. It is better suited for carrying small items like a charger, a rain jacket, or groceries. A small, open glovebox in the front apron adds a bit of utility for storing a phone or wallet, but lacks a secure, lockable lid.

The Jaunty is built on a conventional underbone frame, employing a telescopic fork at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorber at the rear. This suspension setup is tuned predominantly for comfort. On well-paved city roads, the ride quality is compliant, effectively absorbing minor undulations and road imperfections. However, when encountering sharp-edged potholes or broken tarmac, the rear suspension can feel rudimentary, transmitting some of the impact to the rider. In terms of handling, the scooter's lightweight construction and compact wheelbase make it exceptionally agile for city use. It is easy to filter through traffic and execute quick directional changes. High-speed stability, approaching its top speed of 50-55 km/h, is acceptable but not confidence-inspiring on uneven surfaces. 

The braking hardware consists of a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear. This combination is equipped with an Electronic-Assisted Braking System (E-ABS), which is essentially a Combi-Braking System (CBS) with a regenerative function. Braking force is adequate for its performance envelope, bringing the scooter to a halt predictably in dry conditions. The feel at the lever is progressive, though it lacks the sharp bite of higher-end systems.

The AMO Jaunty adopts a safe and universally appealing design language that borrows cues from contemporary petrol-powered scooters. Its body panels feature smooth, flowing lines, and the overall silhouette is familiar, which may appeal to buyers transitioning from internal combustion engines. The front apron houses a large, clear-lens headlamp, while the indicators are neatly integrated into the handlebar cowl. In terms of equipment, the Jaunty is functionally equipped for its price point. It features an all-LED lighting setup, which offers better visibility and lower energy consumption compared to halogen units. The instrument cluster is a fully digital LCD unit that provides essential information such as speed, battery level, odometer, and trip meter, though it lacks the advanced graphics and connectivity features of premium rivals. 

Practical features include a USB charging port located conveniently in the front apron, an anti-theft alarm system for security, and multiple riding modes to balance performance and range. A side-stand sensor, a critical safety feature, is also included, preventing the motor from engaging when the stand is down. While it forgoes advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or turn-by-turn navigation, its feature set is pragmatic and focused on core usability.

In the context of its segment, the AMO Jaunty's safety provisions are standard but not exceptional. The primary active safety feature is its braking system. The front disc and rear drum setup is augmented by E-ABS, which functions as a Combi-Braking System (CBS). When the rear brake lever is applied, it partially actuates the front brake, distributing the braking force between both wheels. This helps in reducing stopping distances and preventing wheel lock-up under panic braking, especially for novice riders. The inclusion of a side-stand sensor is a commendable and now-standard safety feature that prevents accidental acceleration. 

The all-LED lighting system significantly enhances the scooter’s visibility to other road users, both day and night, which is a crucial passive safety element. However, the scooter does not offer more advanced safety technologies like a dedicated Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) or traction control, which are not yet mandated or common in this performance and price category. The build quality, while adequate for daily use, relies heavily on plastic body panels, and their resilience in the event of an impact is comparable to other scooters in its class. Overall, its safety is functional and meets the required norms.

The AMO Jaunty operates in a fiercely contested market segment with numerous alternatives.

Hero Electric Optima CX:

As one of India’s most established electric two-wheeler brands, Hero Electric’s Optima offers immense brand trust and a wide service network. Its primary differentiator is this established ecosystem. The Optima CX (dual-battery variant) offers a similar range and a more conservative design, appealing to a family-oriented buyer base who prioritizes reliability and service accessibility over outright features.

Ampere Magnus EX:

The Magnus EX from Greaves Electric Mobility presents a strong value-for-money proposition. Its key differentiator is a powerful 1.2 kW motor that delivers brisk acceleration, making it feel peppier in city traffic compared to the Jaunty. It also boasts a slightly larger underseat storage capacity and a well-cushioned ride, making it a highly practical alternative.

Okinawa PraisePro:

The Okinawa PraisePro targets a younger demographic with its sharper styling and more feature-rich package. Its main differentiator is performance, with a higher top speed of around 58 km/h and features like a Turbo mode for quick overtakes. While its real-world range is comparable, it offers a more engaging and spirited riding experience than the more sedate Jaunty.

Who should buy it?

The AMO Jaunty is an ideal choice for first-time EV buyers, senior citizens, or city commuters seeking a simple, reliable, and easy-to-ride electric scooter for short-distance travel. Its predictable performance and conventional ergonomics make the transition from petrol scooters seamless and unintimidating.

Who should skip it?

Tech-savvy riders seeking smart features like app connectivity and navigation, or those requiring high-speed performance for highway use, should look elsewhere. Buyers prioritizing brand recognition and a vast, proven service network may find offerings from Hero Electric or TVS more reassuring.