First Impressions: The Dhoni Effect
Let’s not pretend: the buzz around this bike isn’t just about its specs. It’s the MS Dhoni Electric Cycle ad that made people sit up and Google Dhoni cycle price. That campaign did its job. Even folks who never cared about e-bikes suddenly wanted to know what Dhoni was riding.
But once you get past the celebrity face, the EMotorad X1 is actually an interesting product. It doesn’t scream premium luxury, nor does it feel like a half-baked gimmick. It sits in that middle ground — functional enough for everyday use, but also aspirational enough to spark conversations.
Price vs Practicality
So, what’s the damage to your wallet? The MS Dhoni electric cycle price hovers around ₹35,000–₹40,000 depending on where you buy it. To be fair, that’s the kind of money some people would rather put into a second-hand scooter. But if you compare it to other branded e-cycles like the Doodle electric cycle (which goes higher in pricing), the EMotorad X1 seems more accessible.
Of course, you’ll still hear the classic Indian reaction: “₹35,000 for a cycle? Bhai, pura Activa aa jaayega!”
And yes, they’re not wrong. But this isn’t meant to replace your scooter. It’s targeting a very specific lifestyle use case.
Features That Stand Out
Here’s where it gets interesting. The EMotorad X1 isn’t just a fancy bicycle with a battery slapped on. It packs:
- 250W hub motor (legal for Indian roads without a license).
- Removable battery with around 4–5 hours charging time.
- Pedal-assist system that blends your own energy with motor support.
- Cruise mode that feels almost like riding a scooter at a steady 15–20 km/h.
- 7-speed gear system for those who still want the feel of traditional cycling.
The claimed range is 50–70 km on a single charge. In real-world riding, expect closer to 40–50 km, especially if you’re mixing pedal-assist with full motor usage.
Everyday Riding Experience
This is where I found the EMotorad X1 surprisingly fun. On straight stretches, it cruises comfortably at 25 km/h — the legal top speed for e-bikes in India. The pedal-assist makes inclines less of a leg-burning nightmare, and the removable battery is handy if you live in an apartment (carry it upstairs, charge, pop it back in).
That said, it’s not perfect. The seat could’ve been more comfortable, and honestly, at this price point, the brand should have included mudguards instead of making them an extra purchase. Small details, but they matter when you’re spending north of ₹35k.
Who Is This Cycle Really For?
Here’s the big question: who actually buys a ₹35,000 electric cycle?
- Urban professionals living in gated societies, using it for short commutes or leisure rides.
- Students who want an eco-friendly and stylish way to move around campus.
- Seniors looking for a light workout without exhausting themselves.
- And of course, Dhoni fans, who’ll probably buy it just to say, “Same cycle as Mahi.”
What it’s not for? The average middle-class commuter who needs to haul groceries, kids, or ride 15 km daily through Indian traffic chaos. For them, a scooter is still the obvious choice.
The MS Dhoni Factor
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Would this cycle have gained so much attention without Dhoni’s face on it? Probably not. But that’s also what makes it exciting. The MS Dhoni bike collection already has superbikes worth crores. Him putting his name (and voice) behind something as humble as an e-cycle changes perceptions. It tells people, hey, maybe this is cool after all.
And that’s how trends begin.
Final Thoughts
The EMotorad X1 isn’t perfect. It’s not cheap, it’s not mainstream, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But it does something important: it makes us rethink what a cycle can be.
Instead of being just a nostalgic throwback to our school days, cycling — thanks to brands like EMotorad and ambassadors like MS Dhoni — is being positioned as the future of short-distance, eco-friendly commuting in India.
Will everyone rush out to buy one? No. But the seeds are being planted, and that’s how revolutions start.
FAQs
Q. What is the price of MS Dhoni’s electric cycle?
The EMotorad X1 linked with Dhoni’s ad is priced around ₹35,000–₹40,000 in India.
Q. How far can the EMotorad X1 go on one charge?
Real-world range is about 40–50 km, though the brand claims up to 70 km.
Q. Does it require a license to ride?
No. With a 250W motor and 25 km/h top speed, it falls under the license-free category.
Q. Is the MS Dhoni cycle good for daily commuting?
It depends. For short city rides or within a gated community, yes. For long traffic-heavy commutes, probably not.
Q. How does it compare to Doodle electric cycle price-wise?
The Doodle often comes at a higher price point, making the EMotorad X1 relatively more affordable.