Ultraviolette F77 review, road test

Wherever it goes, I’ve noticed bystanders taking an interest in the F77 and asking me what it is. Those interesting ‘winglets’ you see on the sides serve two purposes – to redirect cool air towards the battery pack and motor, and serve as crash protectors. The edgy mirrors aren’t very functional and to adjust them you need to push the lenses themselves as the stalk stays in place.

Fixed mirrors look cool, but could stand to gain more practicality.

While quality levels are pleasing all over, the charging port’s flap is quite flimsy and could stand to be sturdier. The 5-inch TFT dash is well-laid-out and it almost feels like it’s out of a ‘90s arcade game. While the dash is ready to support Bluetooth connectivity, Ultraviolette’s app isn’t functional, which means we can’t say how well the system works, although we have been told it is in the final stages of development.

Dash is well-laid-out and has a very video-gamey feel about it.

There’s also a blank tell-tale light with the traction control symbol on the dash, with the company telling us that it will be incorporated into future models. The optional Rs 26,650 Boost charger we got can be strapped to the rear seat via an integrated mounting system, although this is only for charging, and Ultraviolette doesn’t want you to ride with the heavy charger strapped to the seat. The boost charger can top up the F77’s 10.3kWh battery at 75km per hour or around four hours from zero to full. The regular charger doubles that time, but the boost charger weighs around 7.5kg, which makes lugging it around a hassle.

Boost charger is heavy and pricey, but it halves the charging speed.