I need advice on choosing between an EV scooter and a petrol scooter. I live in Chennai, and my usage is quite low, less than 15 km per day, with only occasional long rides. Could you please suggest which option would be better for my needs?

Autocar India

•1d

Both the TVS iQube and Ather Rizta are accomplished electric scooters with very few factors to pick between them in terms of the product proposition they present. The iQube is as straightforward and fuss-free as an electric scooter can get in comparison to a petrol option, and if this is your first EV, it would make for a smooth transition. There are five variants available within the iQube lineup, and we'd recommend choosing between the 3.1 / 3.5 models for your daily 45km commute.Where the iQube is the straightforward choice in the EV arena, the Rizta doesn't lag too far behind. Ather's first family e-scooter is comfortable, practical and has more tech than machines three times the price (if you're into that sort of thing). The small 2.9 battery variants can return close to or just above 100km real-world range, which should be more than enough for your use case. Do bear in mind that the S 2.9 variant has a simpler LCD display and doesn't have Ather's Magic Twist regenerative braking system and traction control. This model also comes with a very slow charger, meaning you'll need to plug it in overnight for a full charge.A test ride of both will help you decide which is the better option for you. Whichever option you decide to go for, make sure you have a service centre nearby, that's a key factor in EV ownership because a roadside mechanic can't really fix much when it breaks down, as most functions are electronically controlled.

Autocar India

•1h

Since you travel long distances every day, comfort should be near the top of your wishlist and under Rs 4 lakh, the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the king of comfort. With your purchase, you can also bundle in the cross-spoke rims (priced at Rs 16,000, which is quite fair for what you're getting), which will give you the peace of mind of running tubeless tyres as well. The Himalayan's only major drawback is its large size and heavy weight, which can get bothersome for shorter riders.If you're looking for something more manageable, then bikes like the TVS Apache RTX 300 and 350cc KTM 390 Adventure are good options to consider. Both are comfortable, have gutsy performance and should return decent fuel economy too, while being easier to manage due to their low kerb weights. If you don't resonate with an adventure bike, then the 350cc Triumph Scrambler 400 models offer a good compromise with the plush suspension comfort you need, with more appealing style and less bulky bodywork.In case you decide you don't want to be at the upper limit of your budget, then neo-retro roadsters like the Harley-Davidson X440 T, 350cc Triumph Speed 400 / Speed T4 and Honda CB350 models are worth considering. These bikes have great comfort levels and will also return better fuel economy. Considering the very different nature of these bikes, take a test ride of all to be sure which one would be the right fit for you.

Autocar India

•1d

Our recommendation to you would be to pick something from either KYT or MT, both brands which have ECE (and ISI) certified safe full-face helmets which should also be budget friendly. There should be multiple options from both under the Rs. 10,000 mark which should be comfortable enough for daily use. Ensure the helmet fits snugly - but isn't too tight - and if you wear spectacles, make sure you can slide them in and out safely and smoothly before you make your purchase. These helmets should be around the 1500-1700gm mark which, while not positively light, is also not prohibitively heavy. Depending on your height and what windscreen you have on your Himalayan wind noise could be a problem but using earplugs will be an easy and inexpensive fix.