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

•2d

With your monthly budget for fuel, you can definitely purchase a petrol scooter, and with gentle riding, you may even be able to come under that mark. If you want the typical strengths of a family scooter combined with peppy performance, then the Suzuki Access is to be considered over the 110cc TVS Jupiter and Honda Activa, otherwise the 110s will perform just fine. If you really want the lowest running cost and have home charging, an electric scooter like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta, and Vida VX2 will cut your monthly running costs quite significantly, and maintenance, too, is minimal. Given your low usage, the fuel savings over a petrol-powered scooter will take some time to recoup. And in case of a spontaneous situation presenting itself, fuelling up a petrol-powered scooter is a much faster process than juicing up an e-scooter's battery. Take a call between the two based on your usage pattern and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•21h

Since your daily running is quite low, we'd recommend the TVS iQube 2.2 for your usage. The base iQube is anything but base in the way it rides, and it has zippy performance, reliable range, a spacious underseat boot and even a pretty quick 650W charger. All of this means that while you are essentially buying the entry-level model in the iQube range, you aren't getting an entry-level end-user experience. In our tests, we found that the iQube returned pretty much the exact range that was shown on the display in both its modes (Power and Eco). And unlike other EVs, which feel painfully hamstrung in big-city traffic in Eco mode, the iQube can comfortably do 40-45kph in its lower mode, meaning you don't have to really compromise on the performance front for more range. This variant of the iQube will also fit in under the Rs 1.20 lakh mark on-road in your city. Take a test ride of the iQube 2.2 to be sure that you and your spouse are comfortable with it, and then make your decision.

autocar.india

•4d

Since your budget is extremely tight but you want a reliable electric scooter, your only option would be to buy models like the Vida VX2 Go or TVS iQube or Ather Rizta via the BaaS (Battery as a Subscription) model. Going for an electric scooter from reputed brands like Hero, TVS and Ather gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you have one of the largest sales and service networks in the country and should you encounter an issue, help will likely not be too far.Take test rides of these scooters, figure out which one fits into your budget (including the BaaS monthly payment) and then decide for yourself, which is the best option.