Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K e-scooter review: Quirky features for the win?

Electric scooters are becoming the go-to choice for city dwellers, and the Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K is one of the latest contenders vying for attention. With its promise of good city performance and range, it’s designed to make daily commutes smoother and more economical. But does it truly deliver the goods, or is it just another face in the crowd? Let’s dive into the details and find out.

Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K design and features

At first glance, the JMT 1000 HS 3K presents a conventional scooter design, which, while familiar, might come off as uninspiring to potential buyers seeking something more stylish. The build quality leaves much to be desired, with the noticeable use of cheap plastics, particularly in areas around the cluster and switches, which feel fragile to the touch. The presence of uneven panel gaps further detracts from the overall build integrity, making the scooter look less refined than it should be for its price point. And speaking of annoyances, the digital cluster, while functional, isn’t very readable under sunlight, and the charge indication has a mind of its own, fluctuating more than I’d like.

But it’s not all bad news. The scooter does have a few tricks up its sleeve. It comes with practical features like tubeless tyres, alloy wheels, and a USB charging port – small but thoughtful additions that make daily life a tad easier. The side stand sensor and kill switch are handy features, while central remote locking with an anti-theft alarm adds a layer of safety.

One feature I found genuinely useful is the foldable pillion seat that doubles as a backrest for the rider. This not only makes the ride more comfortable but also frees up space for luggage – something delivery riders will likely appreciate. In fact, this might be my favourite feature on any scooter I’ve tested. However, don’t expect to store much under the seat; once the portable charger is in, there’s barely room for anything else, maybe a few papers if you’re lucky.

Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K chassis and handling

Riding the JMT 1000 HS 3K, you immediately notice its comfortable stance, thanks to its long wheelbase of 1412mm and a low seat height. The suspension setup, telescopic forks in the front and hydraulic shocks at the rear work well enough to keep things comfortable. It offers a stable ride, soaking up most of the bumps and potholes that city roads love to surprise us with. Not to say that things are buttery-smooth, but they are certainly better than the competition.

The 175mm ground clearance becomes an issue on bumpy roads. Taller riders might also find their knees brushing against the handlebar during turns. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re on the taller side.

On the plus side, the scooter handles corners with confidence, thanks to the grip provided by its tubeless tyres. The longer wheelbase helps keep things stable. Braking performance is adequate, with a disc up front and a drum at the rear. They won’t win any awards for stopping ability, but they do the job for the scooter’s power and speed. The steering is responsive, making it easy to navigate through city traffic. Overall, the ride and handling setup is pleasing while feeling durable enough to handle the daily grind.

Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K powertrain and battery

Powering the JMT 1000 HS 3K is a 1000-watt BLDC hub motor paired with a 3kWh lithium-ion NCM battery. The scooter offers a claimed range of up to 126km on a full charge, but in real-world usage, you can expect around 90km in the base riding mode, which is still impressive for city commuting. This gives you enough juice to run errands and commute without constantly worrying about recharging.

The JMT 1000 HS 3K offers three riding modes, designed to cater to different riding needs and maximise battery efficiency. In practice, though, I found myself mostly sticking to the upper two modes. The first mode is great for extending range but performance in this mode feels sluggish, making it more suitable for leisurely rides rather than quick commutes. The second and third modes provide more usable power for city traffic, offering a balance of speed and battery life. While it’s nice to have the option to switch modes, the scooter shines when you’re not holding back.

However, the joyride hits a speed bump when it comes to battery management. The scooter has two batteries, but here’s the catch: you need to manually switch an MCB to use or charge the second battery. This means if you deplete both batteries, an overnight charge will only recharge one unless you wake up in the middle of the night to switch over. It’s an inconvenient workaround for what should be a straightforward charging process.

Charging itself takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, which is reasonable. But again, the battery switch issue overshadows this. It feels like one of those minor things that turn into a major hassle over time.

Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K verdict

The Jitendra JMT 1000 HS 3K offers usable performance with enough real-world range for a daily commuter. It rides well, handles nicely, and the foldable rear seat is a neat touch in my books. But the scooter’s sub-par build quality, reliance on cheaper materials, and awkward battery management system can’t be ignored.

These shortcomings are especially more apparent when you factor in the really high asking price of ₹1.48 lakh. More so when you consider the competition that offers better quality and more features for less. It’s like buying a ticket to a promising movie only to find out the screenplay needed another rewrite. If Jitendra can iron out these issues in future models, I might even recommend it to some people. But for now, the JMT 1000 HS 3K feels like a story of potential that’s still waiting to be fully realised.