Words: Mrinmoy Choudhury | Photography: Saidatta Naik
The Kinetic DX brings back a name most people remember, but this time it is taking a step into the electric world. And to be fair, it’s not just bringing in nostalgia. It actually tries to be a sensible, everyday scooter with enough tech and usability. On paper, you get a claimed range of 116km, a 4.8kW hub motor, and a pretty loaded feature list. So it is clearly aiming to be more of a practical city companion than something exciting or sporty.
The design is probably the first thing that will get your attention. It is quite close to the old Kinetic Honda DX shape with that boxy stance and upright proportions. You do get modern touches like LED lighting and those DRLs, but the overall look is still very retro. Some people will like that old-school look, others might find it a bit too dated compared to the sharper, more futuristic scooters out there. That said, it works well from a usability standpoint. The floorboard is wide, the seating looks comfortable, and the 37-litre underseat storage is genuinely useful in day to day life.
Where the DX+ really tries to stand out is with its features. It gets a big 8.8-inch touchscreen that handles Bluetooth, navigation, and even has built-in speakers. The connected tech is quite elaborate too, with features like geo-fencing, tracking, ride statistics, and anti-theft alerts. Then there are the practical features like cruise control, reverse mode, hill hold, and keyless start. One feature that actually makes a difference is the onboard charging cable. You don’t have to carry a charger around, which just makes life easier when you need to plug in somewhere.
Underneath, it’s a simple setup. The 2.6kWh LFP battery is said to be more stable and durable, especially in Indian conditions. The 4.8kW hub motor pushes it to a claimed 90kmph, which is more than enough for city use and the occasional longer stretch. Suspension is handled by telescopic forks at the front and adjustable units at the rear, and braking is a front disc with a rear drum. Nothing fancy, but seems to be reliable and easy to live with.
You get multiple ride modes like Range, Power, and Turbo, so you can switch things around depending on whether you want efficiency or a bit more performance. It’s not going to feel as sharp or engaging as scooters with mid-mounted motors, but that’s not really the point here. It’s meant to be simple, comfortable, and stress-free. Features like hill hold and reverse mode just add to that convenience in tight city situations.
In the end, the Kinetic DX+ feels like a scooter that knows exactly what it wants to be. It’s not chasing performance numbers or trying to look ultra futuristic. Instead, it focuses on practicality, ease of use, and a bit of character through its design. Yes, the competition is strong and the brand still has to prove itself again in this space, but as a no-nonsense daily electric scooter with a slightly different personality, the DX+ actually makes a solid case for itself.
