Is there a perfect premium eScooter in India where u can just say to any prospective owner pick this one? Here is a guide from me based on my test rides.
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My quest with EVs started back in 2019 from e-Bike after owning multiple e-Bikes, i got idea of what too eventually look out for in a e-Bike & what I required. Currently riding “Scott eRide 10” Bosch driven mid drive e-Bike, for all of my local travel. I rarely use my car (currently ICE) thus for urban faster commutes I eventually required a eScooter, hence back in 2019, Ather (whom was following from 2014) with its 450X launch, pre-booking, wait started, but Ather space never came up with in a 60-100 km of my city, Patiala.
Eventually, I landed up purchasing Ola eScooter, with its specs, feature list & price it was an obvious choice. Ola electric Scooter left lot desired in terms of software experience. I call it currently as “Unlocked Potential”. So,Me & my friend decided to just experience multiple eScooters for getting a clear unbiased picture ,for this we travelled to New Delhi 256km from our place (yes we did!). We test rode Ather 450X ,TVS iQube & Bajaj eChetak. |
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Ather 450X
Positives
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4/5
Stability : 5/5
Balancing : 5/5
Ride quality : 4/5
Software : 4/5
Build Quality : 4/5
Braking : 5/5
Turning Radius : 5/5
Design : 4/5
Touch screen : 4/5
Range : 4/5
Range As promised : 5/5
Seating Position : 4.5/5
Overall : 7.5/10
We took two rounds of testing, in the initial first round the 450X we drove we felt something missing (low tyre pressure) it ruined the experience, we asked for another 450X with sorted tyre pressure, oh yes the experience, now was ⚡️! 450X reminds you of the old TVS Scooty, the size of Ather makes it sporty, easy to maneuver, while riding. High stability, all disc Braking, software experience , ride, suspension, fit/finish, attention of detail is striking especially for an Indian brand, huge respects for Ather on this. All above are key to make Ather 450X near perfect eScooter you want.
7 inch ,open sourced android OS, touch screen is responsive, works with charm. Switches on the Ather 450X are well placed, quality is good, but not backlit. We experienced of riding in all modes E,R,S,Wrap mode makes you feel the difference among them. Ather has added one more mode “Smart Eco” it will be the default mode for many users, it’s like a automatic gear transmission type, software understands user pattern. Ather 450X lacks manual Regn braking, though there is little bit Regn.
Negatives :
- Well built & Well engineered
- Excellent experience centre
- BMS & Software (app) it’s Strength
- Delivers what’s promised on paper be it range, performance
- Boot Light adequate boot space
- Easy /sporty maneuverability
- Well Balanced & Sorted eScooter
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4/5
Stability : 5/5
Balancing : 5/5
Ride quality : 4/5
Software : 4/5
Build Quality : 4/5
Braking : 5/5
Turning Radius : 5/5
Design : 4/5
Touch screen : 4/5
Range : 4/5
Range As promised : 5/5
Seating Position : 4.5/5
Overall : 7.5/10
We took two rounds of testing, in the initial first round the 450X we drove we felt something missing (low tyre pressure) it ruined the experience, we asked for another 450X with sorted tyre pressure, oh yes the experience, now was ⚡️! 450X reminds you of the old TVS Scooty, the size of Ather makes it sporty, easy to maneuver, while riding. High stability, all disc Braking, software experience , ride, suspension, fit/finish, attention of detail is striking especially for an Indian brand, huge respects for Ather on this. All above are key to make Ather 450X near perfect eScooter you want.
7 inch ,open sourced android OS, touch screen is responsive, works with charm. Switches on the Ather 450X are well placed, quality is good, but not backlit. We experienced of riding in all modes E,R,S,Wrap mode makes you feel the difference among them. Ather has added one more mode “Smart Eco” it will be the default mode for many users, it’s like a automatic gear transmission type, software understands user pattern. Ather 450X lacks manual Regn braking, though there is little bit Regn.
Negatives :
- Considerable Belt Noise
- Most Expensive (justified May be)
- Not available across India
- Handle grips aren’t of great quality
TVS iQube
TVS iQube we test drove was highly abused vehicle, we drove it for 5-6km only, it was a decent experience.
Drive experience :
Suspension : 3.5/5
Stability : 3.5/5
Balancing : 3/5
Ride quality : 3/5
Software : 2/5
Build Quality : 3.5/5
Braking : 3/5
Turning Radius : 3/5
Design : 3/5
Touch screen : N/A TFT display 3/5
Range : 2.5/5
Range As promised : 3/5
Seating Position : 3/5
Overall : 5.5/10
iQube build quality was fine, however it was least fun to ride, software experience was incomplete. iQube you get two ride modes R & Sports, range is round 75-90 km at max, gets a reverse mode as well. To sum up,Overall it was a sober experience riding iQube ,extremely difficult to recommend ,there is news of an updated iQube launching in coming 2-3 months ,it badly requires one. iQube gets a TFT dashboard screen which gets a decent view, information SOC%, Range, Modes, Navigation Assist with Smart Xconnect app. With the Smart Xconnect app we can have Navigation Assit,Geo fencing,Call alerts etc. iQube is priced in premium segment eScooter, with the package it offers juts doesn’t justifies the tag at all. Hopefully with next iQube which is round the corner TVS improves the experience.
Drive experience :
Suspension : 3.5/5
Stability : 3.5/5
Balancing : 3/5
Ride quality : 3/5
Software : 2/5
Build Quality : 3.5/5
Braking : 3/5
Turning Radius : 3/5
Design : 3/5
Touch screen : N/A TFT display 3/5
Range : 2.5/5
Range As promised : 3/5
Seating Position : 3/5
Overall : 5.5/10
iQube build quality was fine, however it was least fun to ride, software experience was incomplete. iQube you get two ride modes R & Sports, range is round 75-90 km at max, gets a reverse mode as well. To sum up,Overall it was a sober experience riding iQube ,extremely difficult to recommend ,there is news of an updated iQube launching in coming 2-3 months ,it badly requires one. iQube gets a TFT dashboard screen which gets a decent view, information SOC%, Range, Modes, Navigation Assist with Smart Xconnect app. With the Smart Xconnect app we can have Navigation Assit,Geo fencing,Call alerts etc. iQube is priced in premium segment eScooter, with the package it offers juts doesn’t justifies the tag at all. Hopefully with next iQube which is round the corner TVS improves the experience.
Bajaj Chetak
Truth be told we didn’t had any expectation for eChetak, the sale rep was kind gave us complete demo of the eScooter. It gets a Keyless entry, we to need keep sensor key, near the eChetak tap twice on the power button, it gets on. Chetak reminds you of retro Vespa in first look, it’s metal body makes it most solid build quality among all, though plastics aren’t of great quality. Charging port is located under the boot, gets pillon boot rest, front storage space as well. eChetak gets a retro style horse-shoe shaped DRL & led Headlamps. eChetak lacks touchscreen, but gets a Digital display which gives EV related informative - SOC status, Range, Mode, Lights/DRL, Digital Speed etc.
It’s gets Bluetooth connectivity as well, telematics is via the Chetak app. eChetak has an embedded sim ,with app support you get Geofencing, Tamper alert. Lack of Navigation, Touchscreen, Only front disc, Lesser storage capacity, incomplete software experience. eChetak has two modes to ride (R & S) change the modes you feel the difference. Moment you hold the acceleration throttle you can feel strong regen happening.
Three things which make eChetak class apart :
Few of the striking feature of eChetak :
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4.5/5
Stability : 4.5/5
Balancing : 4.5/5
Ride quality : 4.5/5
Software : 3/5
Build Quality : 4/5
Braking : 4/5
Turning Radius : 4/5
Design : 3.5/5
Touch screen : N/A
Range : 3.5/5
Range As promised : 4/5
Seating Position : 4.5/5
Overall : 7/10
Lack of Touchscreen. No rear disc, No Navigation, Makes it not at par with the price it commands, if it was offered at ₹ 1.0-1.15 lakh we could have recommended it eyes closed. But at this price you get a OLA or an Ather 450X a better software experience overall.
It’s gets Bluetooth connectivity as well, telematics is via the Chetak app. eChetak has an embedded sim ,with app support you get Geofencing, Tamper alert. Lack of Navigation, Touchscreen, Only front disc, Lesser storage capacity, incomplete software experience. eChetak has two modes to ride (R & S) change the modes you feel the difference. Moment you hold the acceleration throttle you can feel strong regen happening.
Three things which make eChetak class apart :
- Ride Position is comfortable ,eScooter is well balanced, to ride as well.
- Suspension is top notch, we rode it on bad patch of roads it took it with ease,I mean we literally loved it.
- To sum up it’s the best in terms of Suspension, Ride quality, Seating position.
Few of the striking feature of eChetak :
- It’s the Silent of all (No noise at all) simply ? Ev isn’t it.
- The buttons on the handle bar are backlight.
- Auto-indicators is another cool feature.
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4.5/5
Stability : 4.5/5
Balancing : 4.5/5
Ride quality : 4.5/5
Software : 3/5
Build Quality : 4/5
Braking : 4/5
Turning Radius : 4/5
Design : 3.5/5
Touch screen : N/A
Range : 3.5/5
Range As promised : 4/5
Seating Position : 4.5/5
Overall : 7/10
Lack of Touchscreen. No rear disc, No Navigation, Makes it not at par with the price it commands, if it was offered at ₹ 1.0-1.15 lakh we could have recommended it eyes closed. But at this price you get a OLA or an Ather 450X a better software experience overall.
OLA S1 Pro
Have already put my review on this eScooter.
https://www.pluginindia.com/blogs/ola-electric-scooter-ownership-blog-dark-knight
Ola S1 pro ride greets you with a futuristic retro design, DRL's with led headlamps. S1 Pro gets a 7 inch touch screen, which is responsive charm to use, with minimal settings. S1 Pro gets Normal, Sports & Hypermode you can feel the difference among all. Speed limits in all modes as well.
Regenerative braking in S1 Pro is the highlight in my user experience the one touch single pedal riding makes it fun to ride, it’s the best among all. S1 pro has complete plastic fabric body which is prone to rattles of-course some panel gaps (esp speakers) is annoying. S1 pro has the most promising specs & features of any eScooter available in India currently.
Having said that it still has many features locked ,which Ola electric eventually with software OTA update will un-lock them. Features include Cruise control,Hill Hold,Navigation from Map-my india, Music on the move,Bluetooth connectivity & App Support. Ola electric has started its beta testing of the MoveOs2 for 100 customers in Bangalore and Mumbai. Will expand in other cities too.
In terms of ride experience the normal mode pick up is linear often there is a little lag, you feel, starting from halt. In Sports mode it’s not evident, hyper-mode is insane. It’s just for statement or occasional fun ride.
S1 pro Suspension is good, near close to the eChetak (it’s simply the best) ride is plush, seating position for pillion/rider is comfortable. Braking with All disc brakes has adequate punch. Ola S1 Pro with its proper software & unlock features I don’t see any eScooter coming closer to it.
New MoveOs2 has following unlocked features :
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4.5/5
Stability : 4.5/5
Balancing : 4.5/5
Ride quality : 4.5/5
Software : 3/5*
Build Quality : 3.5/5
Braking : 4/5
Turning Radius : 3.5/5
Design : 4/5
Touch screen : 4/5
Range : 4/5
Range As promised : 4/5
Seating Position : 4/5
Overall : 8/10
Positives
Negatives
https://www.pluginindia.com/blogs/ola-electric-scooter-ownership-blog-dark-knight
Ola S1 pro ride greets you with a futuristic retro design, DRL's with led headlamps. S1 Pro gets a 7 inch touch screen, which is responsive charm to use, with minimal settings. S1 Pro gets Normal, Sports & Hypermode you can feel the difference among all. Speed limits in all modes as well.
Regenerative braking in S1 Pro is the highlight in my user experience the one touch single pedal riding makes it fun to ride, it’s the best among all. S1 pro has complete plastic fabric body which is prone to rattles of-course some panel gaps (esp speakers) is annoying. S1 pro has the most promising specs & features of any eScooter available in India currently.
Having said that it still has many features locked ,which Ola electric eventually with software OTA update will un-lock them. Features include Cruise control,Hill Hold,Navigation from Map-my india, Music on the move,Bluetooth connectivity & App Support. Ola electric has started its beta testing of the MoveOs2 for 100 customers in Bangalore and Mumbai. Will expand in other cities too.
In terms of ride experience the normal mode pick up is linear often there is a little lag, you feel, starting from halt. In Sports mode it’s not evident, hyper-mode is insane. It’s just for statement or occasional fun ride.
S1 pro Suspension is good, near close to the eChetak (it’s simply the best) ride is plush, seating position for pillion/rider is comfortable. Braking with All disc brakes has adequate punch. Ola S1 Pro with its proper software & unlock features I don’t see any eScooter coming closer to it.
New MoveOs2 has following unlocked features :
- Navigation Map My India
- Music on the Move
- Bluetooth Telephony
- Cruise Control
- Add on Eco Mode (that’s a game changer)
- Better Normal mode
- Ola Electric App Support
Drive experience :
Suspension : 4.5/5
Stability : 4.5/5
Balancing : 4.5/5
Ride quality : 4.5/5
Software : 3/5*
Build Quality : 3.5/5
Braking : 4/5
Turning Radius : 3.5/5
Design : 4/5
Touch screen : 4/5
Range : 4/5
Range As promised : 4/5
Seating Position : 4/5
Overall : 8/10
Positives
- Ride quality /Suspension
- Stability at high speed
- Range in new Eco mode
- Price is S1 is competitive to Ice 2w
- Hyper-mode is insane fun
- Features & specs no competition with current on sale 2w Evs
- Boot space is class leading
- Regenerative braking is the best feature (for me)
Negatives
- Features still unlocked
- Hit-miss user experience (improving though)
- Plastic fibre build quality isn’t great for long ownership
- Below 15% Soc it’s erratic to core BMS needs update badly
- On slopes if u brake (due to motor cut off) it struggles to move badly needs (hill hold)
- Turing radius is wide
- Unnecessary Controversies hurts the OEM
Verdict!
Finally to sum up if you have to ask me which eScooter I should purchase, there isn’t a simple choice, but we can sum up which not to opt.
Ather 450X has the best build quality, software, Ather App, Ather community, decent 100 km range in smart-Eco mode, but it’s costly once u compare it with competition.
TVS iQube is the least recommended one due to lack of decent range, touchscreen, features, most importantly a new updated iQube is on verge of launch hopefully they improve it.
Bajaj eChetak is the dark horse among all it’s got completely silent ride, best suspension, sturdy metal body, superb handling ,ride quality, small add ons like keyless start, backlight switches, charging smart plug makes it class apart as well, however it lacks on touchscreen, navigation, poor boot space, poor plastics, no OTA updates, at par pricing with Ather makes it difficult to recommend.
Ola S1 pro gets the best software & best specs on paper. But currently it’s locked, it badly needs a software upgrade so that advertised /promised features are un-locked,we can still give Ola electric little space to do the needful by mid-22.
If Ola electric sorts it’s software, customer service support, it will be the eScooter to recommend eyes closed. Heating issues,Software issues,Service/back end issue really need to be sorted asap.
Currently if budget isn’t an issue Ather-450X still is the best bet among all, brand to look after in near future, it’s got a solid eScooter, sorted Software, back up with service centre network, but it’s still not available pan india. What Ather has achieved is really a start up success story along with guide to all OEM's who start 4w-2w in India,.
Ather 450X has the best build quality, software, Ather App, Ather community, decent 100 km range in smart-Eco mode, but it’s costly once u compare it with competition.
TVS iQube is the least recommended one due to lack of decent range, touchscreen, features, most importantly a new updated iQube is on verge of launch hopefully they improve it.
Bajaj eChetak is the dark horse among all it’s got completely silent ride, best suspension, sturdy metal body, superb handling ,ride quality, small add ons like keyless start, backlight switches, charging smart plug makes it class apart as well, however it lacks on touchscreen, navigation, poor boot space, poor plastics, no OTA updates, at par pricing with Ather makes it difficult to recommend.
Ola S1 pro gets the best software & best specs on paper. But currently it’s locked, it badly needs a software upgrade so that advertised /promised features are un-locked,we can still give Ola electric little space to do the needful by mid-22.
If Ola electric sorts it’s software, customer service support, it will be the eScooter to recommend eyes closed. Heating issues,Software issues,Service/back end issue really need to be sorted asap.
Currently if budget isn’t an issue Ather-450X still is the best bet among all, brand to look after in near future, it’s got a solid eScooter, sorted Software, back up with service centre network, but it’s still not available pan india. What Ather has achieved is really a start up success story along with guide to all OEM's who start 4w-2w in India,.
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