Orcal E1: electric scooter 2.0 on the test

The Orcal E1, available this spring and distributed by DIP, attracts with its connectivity and good performance. The car that we were able to test in Marseille.

Slowly but surely, electric vehicles are gaining momentum in the scooter segment. Niu, Unu, Gogoro ... In addition to these new electricity brands, historic players are entering the market. This is the case with DIPs. Founded over 50 years ago and established in the two-wheeler market, the company has decided to accelerate its plans in the electric sector through its Orcal brand and a partnership with the Chinese manufacturer Ecomoter. The latter provided him with his first two models: E1 and E1-R, two cars with identical appearance, respectively homologated in the equivalent of 50 and 125 cubic centimeters. In Marseille, we had the opportunity to pick up exactly the 50th version.

Futuristic features

While its lines resemble those of the Taiwanese Gogoro, the Orcal E1 has a unique design. Characterized by rounded lines, LED lighting, all of this gives a rather futuristic result that really contrasts with the look of too dull electric scooters that we used to see a few years ago.

In terms of space, adults will be comfortable standing on their feet, while toddlers will enjoy the low saddle height, which allows them to comfortably raise their legs during stopping phases.

The Orcal E1 approved as a two-seater can carry a second passenger. Be careful though, because the saddle is not very large. If two small baits can hold, then it will be more difficult for the larger one.

3 kW motor and 1,92 kWh battery

Unlike many of its competitors, the Orcal E1 does not use an in-wheel motor. By displacing and propelling the rear wheel with a belt, it develops up to 3 kW of power and 130 Nm of torque. A technical choice that, in addition to optimizing the mass distribution, gives the machine better cross-country ability.

The removable 60 V / 32 Ah battery stores 1,92 kWh capacity. Placed under the saddle, however, it takes up most of the cargo space. So if you can fit an external scooter charger there, don't expect to put a helmet in there.

Charging can be done in two ways. Either directly on the scooter through a special socket, or at home by removing the battery. Weighing 9 kg, they are equipped with a handle for easy transport. Wait 2 hours 30 minutes for 80% charge in fast mode.

Fully digital instrumentation

When it comes to controls and instruments, the Orcal E1's presentation is clean and concise. The digital meter offers battery percentage display, which is much more user-friendly. Other information displayed includes outside temperature, speed, as well as a counter system that allows you to track the distance traveled. The only regret: the partial trip, which is automatically reset when the ignition is turned off. However, the history can be viewed through a mobile application connected to the scooter.

When driving and depending on the lighting conditions, the indicator turns white to ensure good readability regardless of the level of sunlight. Clever!

Flashing lights, horns, lights… besides the traditional controls, there are some cool features like a dedicated reverse button and cruise control.

Connectivity: impressive possibilities

A true scooter for computer fans, the Orcal E1 is equipped with a GPS chip and can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth via an app. Available for iOS and Android, it offers a range of impressive features.

In addition to being able to locate and start the car remotely, the user can activate an “anti-theft” function that sends a warning when the vehicle is in motion and allows it to be locked remotely. Like Tesla with its electric vehicles, updates can be triggered remotely. One way to always keep your software up-to-date without contacting a reseller.

There are also many options for customization. The user can choose the sound when starting the car or when the turn signals are triggered, as well as the color of the on-board computer. Cherry on the cake: You can even compare it to other users' performance using ratings compiled on a daily and weekly scale.

The app is also useful for fleets as it allows you to track multiple e-scooters in real time.

Driving 

Approved in the 50cc category, the Orcal E1 remains an urban model. An environment in which he is especially comfortable. The lightweight and comfortable electric scooter from Orcal offers a pretty good combination of acceleration. They turn out to be effective, progressive and fluid at the same time. In the hills, the results are good, even from the start, despite the almost 40 ° C in our test in the midst of the heat. At top speed, we accelerated to 57 km / h on the odometer.

Unlike its big brother Orcal E1-R, Orcal E1 has only one driving mode. If that seemed like enough for most of our journey, know that you can change the torque intensity to make the car more nervous when starting. For this, a simple manipulation at the level of the throttle is sufficient.

Some forums even mention the ability to untie the car by removing the dashboard cover and plugging in a wire to increase top speed. A manipulation that is clearly not recommended. Because in addition to influencing autonomy, approval is no longer respected above all else. Also, if you want to go faster, your best bet is to spend a few hundred euros and buy an Orcal E1-R. An approved 125 equivalent model, it also offers better engine power and a longer battery capacity.

Range: 50 kilometers in real use

In addition to the driving experience, the Orcal E1 test also made it possible to measure its autonomy. Leaving with a fully charged battery, we were left surrounded by the DIP headquarters, the starting point of our test, without necessarily trying to save our mount. At the meter level, the display as a percentage of the battery level is really convenient and provides a much more accurate representation than a traditional gauge. Oddly enough, the latter falls faster than the percentage. At least initially ...

When we return the scooter, the on-board computer shows 51 kilometers covered with a 20% charged battery. The manufacturer claims 70 kilometers at 40 km / h, the result is not bad.

Less than 3000 euros excluding bonus

A handsome face, a pleasant ride, impressive connectivity, and rather flattering specs for a 50-equivalent, the Orcal E1 has many qualities, even if we regret that saddle space is too small. The Orcal E2995, which sells for €1 including the battery, has an environmental bonus of around €480.