Which is the best electric scooter in India at the moment?

This is a question that people ask me a lot. With increasing prices and changing subsidies, it’s a complex decision. As an automobile enthusiast and owner of ecowheelsindia.com, I aim to provide an informed perspective. Let’s dive into the details and help you choose the best electric scooter in 2024.

Impact of Subsidies on Electric Scooter Prices

After March 31st, the Fame 2 subsidy was terminated. The government introduced a new subsidy called EMPS. The subsidy that used to be up to Rs 15,000 is now up to Rs 10,000. There’s also a hint of a possible Fame 3 subsidy in July or August. This has caused price increments in scooters. Let’s see what the best options are in the market.

OLA Electric Scooters

As an electric scooter enthusiast, I’ve kept a close eye on OLA. Surprisingly, while other companies have increased their prices, OLA has managed to keep its prices low. The base model starts at Rs 79,999, and the top-end S1 Pro is priced at Rs 1,29,999.

What impressed me the most is the range and features. The OLA S1 Pro offers the highest range and most features in the market. In March alone, OLA sold 50,000 electric scooters. The affordable OLA S1 Air, costing Rs 1,05,000, also stands out with smart features and good performance.

However, OLA uses a hub motor in the S1 Air, which is acceptable for scooters under Rs 1,00,000. For higher-end models, a mid-drive motor and disc brakes would be better. OLA’s charging network is growing, but their service needs improvement. Despite some drawbacks, OLA remains a top choice for its features and pricing.

Ather Electric Scooters

Next on my list is Ather. The Ather 450 lineup, including the 450S and 450X, is known for performance and reliability. The 450S is priced at Rs 1,25,999, offering a range of 90 km. The 450X, with a range of 105 km, costs a bit more.

Recently, Ather launched the Rista scooter, starting at Rs 1,10,000. The top model costs Rs 1,44,000 and offers a range of 125 km. The Rista focuses on comfort, with a large seat and good boot space. The mid-drive motor ensures smooth performance.

Ather’s pricing might be on the higher side, especially with their pro pack features on a subscription basis. However, the base model offers good value. The Ather Rista is a simple, no-nonsense scooter for those who value comfort and performance.

TVS Electric Scooters

TVS iQube has been a popular choice for many. The iQube offers a range of 90 to 100 km. However, its design is becoming a bit outdated. The base model costs Rs 1,36,000, and the iQube S costs Rs 1,46,000.

The iQube uses a hub motor, which can be less efficient over time. The comfort and large seat make it a good family scooter, but it needs updates to stay competitive. With competitors like Ather’s Rista offering similar features at lower prices, TVS needs to innovate to keep up.

Hero Vida Electric Scooters

Hero MotoCorp’s Vida V1 Pro, priced at Rs 1,39,900, is another strong contender. It doesn’t use a hub motor, making it more reliable. The removable battery of 3.9 kWh provides a range of 100 to 110 km. It uses Ather’s charging points, offering a large network for charging.

The Vida V1 Pro is ideal for apartment residents due to its hybrid charging. It offers comfort with a large seat and a top speed of 80 km/h. Despite being underrated, it is a strong competitor in the market. Hero has ensured its availability pan-India, making it a convenient option.

Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooters

Lastly, let’s talk about Bajaj Chetak. Bajaj has expanded its reach, offering a metallic build unlike other scooters using plastic. The Chetak Urban Standard starts at Rs 1,41,440, and the Premium Tech Pack costs Rs 1,50,700. It provides a range of 90-100 km and a top speed of 63 km/h.

Chetak focuses on comfort and build quality. It is slightly heavy, and its performance is slower. However, it provides a safe and comfortable riding experience. Bajaj’s brand reputation and the scooter’s build quality make it a good choice for those seeking reliability.

Conclusion

Choosing the best electric scooter depends on your priorities. OLA offers great value with high range and features at a lower price. Ather provides performance and reliability with good range. TVS iQube offers comfort but needs updates. Hero Vida is reliable and convenient for apartment residents. Bajaj Chetak stands out for its build quality and comfort.

Each of these scooters has its strengths. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the best option for you. Stay updated with new releases and potential subsidies to make an informed decision. For more detailed reviews and updates, visit ecowheelsindia.com.