Bangalore-based EV-startup Numeros Motors, which launched its first product, the Diplos Pro in March 2024, had been offering only B2B products up until now. Targeting the masses, it has now introduced the Diplos Max, a commuter version of the Diplos Pro, which is essentially the same scooter with a pillion seat, alloy wheels and new colours. But is its commercial origin a drawback? I spent a few hours in its saddle to find out.
First look at the Diplos Max and I couldn’t help but notice the hint of similarity its front shares with the MV Agusta Superveloce, followed by the dashboard cowl on the handlebar that looks like the head of an imperial droid from Star Wars. Its utilitarian design shows with its large footboard and foldable rider footpegs. The rear seat comes off to reveal a built-in mount for accessories. Body panels feel sturdy enough and the company says they are meant to survive not only day-to-day usage but also rough commercial haulage.
The scooter is spacious and the rider triangle is relaxed. You sit straight with decent space on the footboard for your legs and feet. Also, the option of foldable rider footpegs adds to utility. The seats are among the broadest and most comfortable ones I’ve ever come across on a scooter! The front seat opens to give access to storage, which at best, can hold a cap-style helmet given the under-seat battery placement. In fact, that is the only storage space on the scooter as the front apron lacks any, which puts a big question mark upon the practicality aspect. The speedometer is an LCD unit with basic information on display. The switchgear is not very intuitive and can confuse users.
Starting the Diplos Max requires pressing the brake and ON button at the same time, but before that, you have to confirm that the battery kill switch under the seat is turned on, as it automatically turns off if the ignition is left on for more than 10 minutes. This kill switch, as per the company, has been provided to reduce unnecessary battery drain, which, could be confusing for first time users.
The twin battery setup puts out 3.7kWh and the drive motor is good for 2.7PS and 138Nm. The claimed IDC range of 140km should be good for a real world range of around 100km and the batteries take three to four hours to charge fully we’re told. And to charge the batteries you have to connect the two plugs of the 1.2kW charger that’s provided along with the scooter, after removing the two output cables connected to the batteries. The batteries can also be taken off the scooter and charged anywhere, but the whole process can be tedious. A simple connector-style solution should have been implemented here.
Let’s be honest, with a claimed top speed of just 63kmph, the Diplos Max is not built for speed. Its strength lies in load-carrying capabilities. It effortlessly climbed uphill sections, even the gravel-strewn quarry tracks where we tested the scooter, with a combined rider and pillion weight of nearly 190kg! In order to provide a more ICE-like feeling the full burst of power is only available when more than 75% of the throttle is opened, which is interesting.
Another front where I was impressed was the ride quality, as the Diplos is one of the most comfortable scooters I have ridden. The front telescopic forks and preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers paired with the 12-inch tyres offer a plush ride. Some of the lighter journalists found the suspension too firm, but given my 105kg weight, I found the scooter very comfortable. Bad patches and bumps on the nearly non-existent quarry road were soaked up with ease too. With a 1,430mm wheelbase, this is a long scooter and it shows in its handling. The Diplos is not the most flickable scooter and not engineered to cut through traffic. Braking is impressive though, given the 220mm front and 180mm rear disc brakes and combi brake system.
At ₹1.14 lakh Diplos Max might not be the best-looking, fastest or most equipped scooter, but it is a friendly one that can not only take care of your day-to-day commute but can also double up as a vehicle to carry loads on easily.
