Autocar India
6d

Hi, please suggest an EV two-wheeler, should I purchase non brand non RTO electric two-wheeler like Strikeco in on road price of 51k with a lead-acid battery, or with a lithium battery of 71000 or go for a Bajaj Chetak or TVS I Cube scooter or orbiter on road pricing around 1.20 lacs, as running is 1000 kms per month.

Verified
8m

It is not worth going for these electric scooters from unproven brands, which are likely of Chinese origin, sold here under dubious names and in a slapdash fashion, especially since your usage is on the higher side. If something goes wrong, then going to a reputed brand for a fix will be easier than these upstarts, which have no guarantee of being there tomorrow.

Given your Rs 1.20 lakh budget, we'd recommend going for the TVS iQube 3.1 or Chetak 3503, which will give you over 100km of real-world range on a single charge, and both come from reputed brands. These scooters have also made a name for themselves by having the fewest reported widespread issues. Whichever one you choose, you can't go wrong with either of them, and we'd recommend a test ride of both before you make a decision.

More questions on similar cars

1d

I currently own an Alto that is now 15 years old, and I am looking to replace it. My usage is primarily within the city, with occasional highway trips during summer and winter vacations. I need a family car that can comfortably accommodate my three growing children, although they are still a few years away from their teenage years. I do not want to spend too much on the new car. I am considering the Nissan Gravite, Renault Triber, and Tata Tiago. I am also thinking about choosing a Maruti Suzuki car instead. Considering my family size, usage pattern, and budget-conscious approach, which car would you recommend?

Verified
3h

Go for the Renault Triber. Your three kids will fit far more comfortably than in a Tiago, and its flexible seats mean you can use it as a five seater now, and a more comfortable six or seven seater when they are older.In the city, it is easy to drive and park as it is a small car, but you get rear AC vents and a wide second row, so school runs and weekend outings are comfier. For road trips, pop out the third row and you get huge boot space. It will cruise fine, but if fully loaded, you will need a heavier right foot for hills and overtakes - its 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is the only real compromise.The Tiago is a sweet, tough little hatch and nicer to drive, but with three growing kids you will outgrow its rear seat and boot fast, then feel the need for another upgrade. The Gravite has all the strengths of the Triber, just in a Nissan-badged and styled package, so pick based on your preference and which brand has a dealer and service centre close to you.

VehicleRenault Triber
VehicleTata Tiago
VehicleNissan Gravite

Popular discussions right now

2d

My annual running is below 7,000 km, and I plan to keep my next car for 12-15 years. I am confused between Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Elevate, Creta, Seltos and Victoris. My priorities are reliability, a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, family comfort, low maintenance and long-term ownership. I am also concerned about India's future ethanol-blending policy (E20 and higher blends). Which of these would be the best long-term choice and why?

Verified
1d

With an annual running of less than 7,000km, fuel efficiency should not be the deciding factor. Instead, you should focus on comfort, reliability, ownership experience and how well the car will age over the next 12-15 years. That's why we wouldn't prioritise the Grand Vitara, Hyryder or Victoris Hybrid. Their hybrid systems command a price premium that you'll struggle to recover with such low annual usage.Between the remaining options, the Kia Seltos strikes the best balance. It offers a refined and proven naturally aspirated petrol engine, a smooth IVT automatic, a spacious and premium cabin, excellent comfort and a strong ownership experience. It also feels newer and more upmarket than the Elevate, while the Creta is due for a generational update sooner.The Honda Elevate deserves a mention for its simplicity and reliability. If absolute mechanical simplicity is your priority, it is arguably the safest long-term bet. However, it doesn't feel as premium as the Seltos. The engine and CVT combination isn't quite as refined, and Honda's dealer network is smaller.As for ethanol blending, we wouldn't let it influence your purchase decision. While there is plenty of discussion around E25, E27 and E30 fuels, there is currently no confirmed roadmap for such a transition. More importantly, all of these cars are E20-compliant, and manufacturers have engineered a degree of tolerance beyond that. The most likely effect of higher ethanol blends would be a small reduction in fuel efficiency and slightly accelerated wear of certain fuel-system components over a very long period, not a major reliability issue.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleHonda Elevate
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Victoris
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Posted on: 26 Jun 2026