I have memories of a neighbour long ago who used to own a Luna. He started his day by religiously polishing the moped, starting it up with gusto, and puttering off to work on the little thing. Even though it was taken off the market more than two decades ago, the original Kinetic Luna was a cheap and practical workhorse that has since become somewhat of a collector’s item among a select group of vintage aficionados. When Kinetic Green launched the E-Luna, it was probably a well-meaning attempt at resurrecting a brand that was dear to many.
At first glance, one thing is glaringly obvious. The new E-Luna cannot really be deemed a moped, considering that it has no pedal assist feature (it would have been cool to have it, though). Secondly, while the overall silhouette follows similar lines as the old Luna, the dimensions are more or less along the lines of the TVS XL100. I noticed that the majority of the attention it received was from auto drivers and last-mile delivery personnel, considering the presumed utilitarian nature of the E-Luna, which is expected. What did take me by surprise was the fact that a lot of elderly passersby approached me and quizzed me about the EV. A recurring question was as to why it didn’t come with pedals, to which I didn’t have an answer.
Now, to get a proper feel of how different the two are, the most sensible thing to do was to put them side by side and pinpoint the contrasts. I got the chance to experience what it felt like to start (technically bump-start) the Luna: put it on the centre stand, pull in the decompression lever, pedal till it feels right, and release the lever with a gentle twist of the throttle.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DESTINI REWRITTEN
With a pretty major design overhaul, has the Hero Destini 125 found a new footing altogether?
OLDIE'S GOLD?
History makes yet another comeback with the BSA Gold Star 650. Is it what you were hoping for?
THE HIGH OF THE TIGER
Triumph's big cat is in its most ferocious avatar yet
LAUGHTER HOURS
This! This is the greatest single of all time!
BULL'S EYE?
Audi's new flagship SUV — or a budget Lamborghini Urus?
DARK HORSE
The Alcazar is now available in a new avatar, and the multi-faceted SUV deserves more attention than it got in the past
CURVV-BALL!
Tata's new mass-market SUV coupe may have more than a few tricks up its sleeve
GIVEN A RAISE
The EQS SUV looks like an EQS sedan on stilts but it offers a lot more than that
FOR MUCK'S SAKE!
No scooters, commuters or old bikes... this year's Pune Off-road Expedition was serious work
ALL THE WAY UP!
Exploring the vast landscape of Ladakh with Renault India's lineup - why would we say no?!