Oben Rorr vs Revolt RV400
India’s electric motorcycle revolution is heating up, and two compelling contenders are leading the charge in the affordable segment. The Oben Rorr from Bengaluru-based Oben Electric and the Revolt RV400 from Revolt Motors represent the new wave of sustainable mobility, offering riders an eco-friendly alternative without compromising on performance or style. But which electric warrior deserves your attention and investment in 2025? Let’s dive deep into this electrifying comparison.
Table of Contents
The Contenders: Brief Overview
The Oben Rorr burst onto the scene as a fresh challenger with neo-retro styling and ambitious specifications. It’s a bike that aims to combine everyday practicality with spirited performance, all wrapped in an attractive package that appeals to young urban riders.
The Revolt RV400 holds the distinction of being India’s first AI-enabled electric motorcycle and has been winning hearts since its launch. With its futuristic design and innovative features, the RV400 has already established a strong foothold in the electric motorcycle segment and continues to evolve with regular updates.
Price Comparison: The Numbers Game
Pricing is often the deciding factor for Indian buyers, and here’s where things get interesting. The Oben Rorr starts at Rs. 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning itself as a premium offering in the electric motorcycle space. The Revolt RV400 is priced between Rs. 1.40 lakh to Rs. 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and location.
The price difference is minimal, making the choice more about features and performance than pure affordability. Both manufacturers offer attractive EMI schemes starting from around Rs. 2,100-2,750 per month, making these electric motorcycles accessible to a wider audience.
For budget-conscious buyers, it’s worth noting that Oben also offers the Rorr EZ variant starting at just Rs. 99,999, providing an entry point into electric mobility at an incredibly competitive price.
Design Philosophy: Modern Meets Futuristic
Oben Rorr: Neo-Retro Appeal
The Oben Rorr showcases a distinctive neo-retro design that stands out in traffic. The bike features a round LED headlight, sharp body extensions that add a sporty touch, and a single-piece seat with a sporty tail section. The design is clean, purposeful, and unlike many other electric bikes that have opted for overtly modern styling.
Available in striking colors like Electric Red and Voltaic Yellow, the Rorr makes a bold statement. The bike’s design successfully bridges the gap between classic motorcycle aesthetics and contemporary electric vehicle engineering.
Revolt RV400: Street Fighter Stance
The Revolt RV400 takes a more aggressive approach with its street naked motorcycle design language. The bike features a faux jet fighter-like air intake, muscular tank-like structure, and all-LED illumination that gives it a futuristic appeal. The sleek and modern design makes the RV400 look unlike typical commuter motorcycles.
With six color options including Cosmic Black, Lightning Yellow, Eclipse Red, Mist Grey, India Blue, and Stealth Black, the RV400 offers more variety for personalization. The build quality is impressive, featuring well-finished panels and clean weld marks on the frame.
Battery and Range: Going the Distance
Oben Rorr: Long-Distance Champion
The Oben Rorr comes equipped with a 4.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers an impressive ARAI-claimed range of 187 kilometers on a single charge. This makes it one of the longest-range electric motorcycles in its price segment. In real-world conditions, users report achieving around 150 kilometers in mixed riding, which is still excellent for daily commuting and weekend rides.
The Rorr’s battery is fixed and takes approximately 7 hours for a full charge using a standard home charger. However, with fast charging capability, you can achieve 0-80% charge in just 2 hours, making it practical for daily use.
Revolt RV400: Swappable Convenience
The Revolt RV400 features a 3.24 kWh battery that provides a claimed range of 150 kilometers in Eco mode. The actual range varies depending on riding mode: approximately 140 km in Eco, 100 km in Normal, and around 80-125 km in Sport mode at constant speeds.
While the battery capacity is smaller than the Rorr, the RV400’s unique advantage is its swappable battery system. Revolt plans to set up battery swapping stations called “Switch Stations,” allowing riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones. The bike takes 4.5 hours for a full charge, with 0-80% achievable in approximately 3 hours using fast charging.
Performance and Power: The Thrill Factor
Oben Rorr: Speed Demon
Powering the Oben Rorr is an 8 kW (10.77 PS) IPMSM motor that delivers an impressive 52 Nm of torque. The bike boasts a top speed of 100 kmph, making it suitable for both city riding and occasional highway jaunts. The acceleration is brisk, with the Rorr capable of sprinting from 0-40 kmph in just 3 seconds, providing instant gratification at traffic lights.
The power delivery is smooth and progressive, with the belt-drive system ensuring maintenance-free operation. The bike weighs 147 kg, which some riders might find slightly on the heavier side, but it contributes to stability at higher speeds.
Revolt RV400: Balanced Performer
The Revolt RV400 uses a 3 kW mid-drive motor with a peak power output of 5 kW (approximately 6.7 PS), producing 170 Nm of torque. While the continuous power is lower than the Rorr, the peak power and massive torque figure ensure peppy performance. The bike’s top speed is 85 kmph in Sport mode, which is adequate for most Indian riding conditions.
The RV400 weighs just 108 kg (kerb weight), making it significantly lighter than the Rorr. This translates to better maneuverability in traffic and easier handling, especially for newer riders. The instant torque rush combined with sharp throttle response in Sports mode makes the bike quite fun to ride, offering performance comparable to 110cc petrol bikes.
Features and Technology: The Smart Factor
Oben Rorr: Essential and Functional
The Oben Rorr focuses on core functionality with features including all-LED lighting, a digital instrument console, multiple riding modes (Eco, City, and Havoc), and app connectivity through the Oben Electric App. Riders can track, analyze, and optimize their bike’s performance through the smartphone application.
Safety features include side stand alarm, disc brakes at both ends with Combined Braking System (CBS), and battery theft protection. The bike comes with a comprehensive 3-year/100,000 km warranty, with Oben also offering a 5-year/75,000 km warranty on the battery, motor, and chassis on certain variants.
One area where the Rorr falls short is the absence of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which could be a concern for safety-conscious riders.
Revolt RV400: Tech-Forward Innovation
The Revolt RV400 truly shines in the technology department. It’s India’s first AI-enabled electric motorcycle, featuring 4G SIM connectivity and a comprehensive connected app that offers geo-fencing, remote key operation, battery monitoring, and service updates.
One of the RV400’s most unique features is its artificial exhaust sound system. Using built-in speakers, the bike can produce four different engine sounds that mimic petrol motorcycles, which can be changed through the app. While some purists might find this gimmicky, it addresses the silent nature of electric vehicles that some riders find disconcerting.
Additional features include keyless operation, LED projector headlamp and tail lamp, fully digital instrument cluster, hazard warning indicators, and pass light. The recent 2024 update added a reverse mode, center stand, leg guard, and increased the range to 160 km with a fast charger that fully charges the battery in 90 minutes.
Riding Experience: On the Road
Oben Rorr: Confidence Inspiring
The Oben Rorr delivers a fun commuting experience with good handling characteristics and well-tuned brakes. The telescopic fork at the front and 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear provide adequate suspension travel for Indian road conditions. The bike’s 200mm ground clearance ensures it can tackle speed breakers and potholes without scraping.
The 810mm seat height makes it accessible for most riders, though the bike’s weight might require some initial effort to maneuver in tight spaces. Once moving, the Rorr tips over nicely and inspires confidence. However, some users have reported inconsistent build quality, with exposed screws and wires being visible in certain areas.
Revolt RV400: Smooth and Nimble
The RV400 offers a comfortable and vibration-free riding experience that’s perfect for daily commutes. The bike seats you like a motorcycle but rides like a scooter with its twist-and-go operation, making it incredibly easy to use. The upside-down front forks and adjustable rear mono-shock provide excellent suspension performance.
With a seat height of 815mm and lighter overall weight, the RV400 is more maneuverable in city traffic. The ergonomics are spot-on, with well-placed controls and good visibility. The 215mm ground clearance is slightly higher than the Rorr, providing added confidence over rough roads.
Users consistently praise the RV400’s smooth power delivery and comfortable seating for long rides, though some note that the seat comfort could be improved for extended touring.
Charging Infrastructure and Practicality
The Oben Rorr comes with both onboard and portable charging options, allowing you to charge the bike anywhere there’s a standard 15A power socket. The fixed battery means you’ll need to park near a charging point, but the faster charging time compensates for this limitation.
The Revolt RV400’s swappable battery system offers unique flexibility, though the battery swapping infrastructure is still being developed. The bike comes with an onboard charger and portable battery charger, and Revolt offers “delivery on demand” service where they deliver a fully charged battery to your location in select cities.
Ownership Experience: The Long Game
Maintenance and Service
Both electric motorcycles benefit from significantly lower maintenance requirements compared to petrol bikes. With fewer moving parts, no engine oil changes, and no complex transmission systems, ownership costs are minimal.
The Oben Rorr comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty and offers doorstep service through Oben Care. The company is rapidly expanding its service network across India, with plans to open 150+ showrooms and service centers by March 2026.
Revolt Motors has been in the market longer and has a more established service network. The RV400 comes with standard warranty coverage, with extended insurance and servicing available on premium variants. Service experience is generally positive, though some users report challenges with spare parts availability in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Real-World Running Costs
Operating costs for both bikes are exceptionally low. Charging at home costs approximately Rs. 15-25 for a full charge (depending on electricity rates), translating to around 10-15 paise per kilometer. Compare this to petrol bikes that cost Rs. 3-4 per kilometer, and the savings are substantial.
Both bikes are exempt from road tax in many states and benefit from lower insurance premiums compared to petrol motorcycles, further reducing the total cost of ownership by 25-35%.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Oben Rorr if:
- You prioritize maximum range and want a bike that can cover longer distances
- You prefer faster acceleration and higher top speed
- Neo-retro styling appeals to your aesthetic sensibilities
- You’re willing to accept a heavier bike for more stability
- You want a newer product with potentially more modern engineering
Choose the Revolt RV400 if:
- You value proven reliability and an established brand
- The swappable battery system and AI features excite you
- You want a lighter, more nimble bike for city riding
- The artificial sound feature appeals to you
- You prefer more color options and variant choices
- You’re looking for better service network coverage
The Verdict: An Electric Draw
In the battle between the Oben Rorr and Revolt RV400, there’s no clear winner—both bikes excel in different areas. The Oben Rorr emerges as the range champion with superior performance figures, making it ideal for riders who need maximum distance per charge and spirited performance. Its neo-retro design and modern engineering make it an exciting new option in the electric motorcycle space.
The Revolt RV400 stands tall with its proven track record, innovative swappable battery system, and comprehensive feature set. Its lighter weight, established service network, and AI-enabled technology make it a practical choice for urban commuters who value convenience and connectivity.
Both motorcycles represent excellent value in the growing electric vehicle segment, offering comparable pricing with distinct personalities. Your decision should be based on your specific needs: choose the Rorr for range and performance, or opt for the RV400 for proven reliability and tech features.
Whichever you choose, you’re making a responsible choice for the environment while enjoying the benefits of modern electric mobility. The future of two-wheelers is electric, and both the Oben Rorr and Revolt RV400 are leading this exciting transformation in India. As charging infrastructure improves and battery technology advances, these electric motorcycles will only become more attractive, making now an excellent time to join the electric revolution.
