The Indian two-wheeler market has been undergoing a major transformation over the past few years. With rising fuel prices, growing environmental concerns, and the push from the government toward electric mobility, more and more riders are considering electric scooters as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to petrol-powered two-wheelers. Among the brands leading this shift, Okinawa Autotech has carved a strong position for itself with its innovative electric scooters.
One of its most advanced offerings is the Okinawa i-Praise, a smart and connected electric scooter designed to combine performance, technology, and sustainability. This e-scooter is a perfect blend of modern styling, practical features, and eco-friendly engineering, making it a strong competitor in India’s growing EV segment.
Table of Contents
1. Okinawa Autotech: A Brand Focused on Electric Mobility
Before diving into the scooter itself, let’s understand the brand. Okinawa Autotech is an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer founded in 2015 with the mission to deliver sustainable and affordable mobility solutions.
Unlike some players that import models and rebadge them, Okinawa focuses on local manufacturing and aims to make EVs accessible to the masses. The company’s lineup includes models like the PraisePro, Ridge+, R30, and OKHI-90, covering both low-speed and high-speed segments.
The Okinawa i-Praise sits in the premium high-speed electric scooter category, catering to urban riders who want performance and smart features along with green mobility.
2. Stylish & Aerodynamic Design
The first thing you notice about the Okinawa i-Praise is its bold and modern styling. Unlike entry-level e-scooters that look basic, the i-Praise feels futuristic.
- Front Design: The sharp headlamp cluster with LED DRLs gives it a sporty presence.
- Body Panels: Aerodynamic, sculpted design for reduced drag and better performance.
- Wheels: Alloy wheels with tubeless tires for stability and grip.
- Tail Section: Sleek LED tail-lamps and grab rails add a premium touch.
- Colors: Available in multiple attractive color combinations, catering to young buyers.
This makes the i-Praise a scooter that not only helps the environment but also turns heads on the road.
3. Powertrain and Performance
The Okinawa i-Praise is designed to offer a smooth yet powerful riding experience.
- Motor: Equipped with a BLDC motor delivering 1000W power (peak power up to 2500W).
- Top Speed: Around 58–65 km/h, making it suitable for city rides.
- Acceleration: Instant torque ensures quick pick-up, ideal for traffic conditions.
- Ride Quality: Hydraulic suspension at the front and dual tube shocks at the rear ensure comfort on Indian roads.
While not a performance scooter like an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) 125cc model, it offers enough power for daily commutes and city traffic.
4. Battery and Range
One of the most important aspects of any EV is its battery and range, and the Okinawa i-Praise delivers impressively.
- Battery Type: Detachable Lithium-ion battery (72V, 40Ah).
- Range: Up to 160 km on a single charge (under ideal conditions).
- Charging Time: 3–4 hours with a fast charger.
- Convenience: Detachable battery allows charging at home, office, or anywhere with a standard plug point.
This long range makes it one of the most practical EV scooters in India, perfect for daily commuters who travel 30–50 km per day.
5. Smart Features: The “i” in i-Praise
The Okinawa i-Praise is not just about green mobility; it’s also about smart mobility.
- Geo-Fencing: Owners can set virtual boundaries for the scooter. If it moves beyond this range, alerts are sent.
- Find My Scooter: Track the scooter’s live location through the app.
- Battery Info: Monitor battery health, charging status, and range in real-time.
- Trips & Alerts: Ride data, trip history, and notifications for safety.
- Anti-Theft: Immobilization and alerts in case of unauthorized movement.
This makes the i-Praise stand out from traditional scooters, offering tech integration for peace of mind.
6. Comfort and Practicality
Apart from style and performance, the Okinawa i-Praise is designed to be practical for daily riders.
- Seating: Wide, comfortable seat suitable for both rider and pillion.
- Boot Space: Adequate space under the seat for essentials.
- Suspension: Telescopic front fork and dual shock absorbers for smooth rides.
- Braking: Disc brakes at both ends with E-ABS (Electronic Assisted Braking System).
- Load Capacity: Can carry up to 150–160 kg.
It’s clearly built keeping Indian road conditions and rider needs in mind.
7. Safety Features
Okinawa has equipped the i-Praise with several safety features:
- E-ABS with Regenerative Braking: Ensures better control and recovers some energy.
- Side Stand Sensor: Prevents the scooter from starting if the stand is engaged.
- Geo-Fencing & Immobilizer: Reduces theft risk.
- LED Lighting: Improves visibility during night rides.
With such features, the i-Praise prioritizes both rider safety and vehicle security.
8. Variants and Price in India
The Okinawa i-Praise is offered in different variants, with the i-Praise+ being the flagship.
- Price Range: ₹1.20 lakh – ₹1.40 lakh (ex-showroom, before subsidies).
- Subsidies: With FAME-II and state EV subsidies, the effective price may drop significantly, making it more affordable.
This pricing makes it competitive against rivals like Ather 450X, Ola S1, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak EV.
9. Competitors in the Market
The i-Praise faces stiff competition from popular electric scooters:
- Ather 450X – Known for performance and premium features.
- Ola S1 Pro – Strong range and brand popularity.
- TVS iQube – Practical and reliable.
- Bajaj Chetak EV – Retro-modern styling with EV practicality.
- Hero Vida V1 – Hero MotoCorp’s premium EV scooter.
Despite the competition, Okinawa i-Praise stands out with its range, detachable battery, and smart features.
10. Pros and Cons of Okinawa i-Praise
Pros:
- Long 160 km range
- Smart features with app connectivity
- Detachable lithium-ion battery
- Comfortable and practical design
- Competitive pricing after subsidies
Cons:
- Top speed lower than some rivals
- Build quality not as premium as Ather or Bajaj
- Limited fast-charging infrastructure in many areas
11. Is Okinawa i-Praise Worth Buying?
The Okinawa i-Praise is a solid choice for urban commuters who:
- Want a long-range electric scooter
- Need a detachable battery for flexible charging
- Prefer tech-savvy features like GPS, geo-fencing, and app-based alerts
- Seek an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to petrol scooters
For riders expecting very high performance or premium brand value, scooters like the Ather 450X or Ola S1 Pro may be better. But for value-conscious buyers, the i-Praise is definitely worth considering.
12. Final Thoughts
The Okinawa i-Praise is more than just an electric scooter — it is a step toward the future of sustainable, smart, and affordable mobility in India. With its stylish design, smart connectivity, long riding range, detachable battery, and competitive pricing, it offers a practical solution for everyday riders.
As India accelerates toward an EV future, scooters like the i-Praise will play a crucial role in reducing emissions and making mobility cleaner and greener.
For anyone looking for a balance of performance, technology, and eco-friendliness, the Okinawa i-Praise stands out as one of the best options in the market today.
