I’m looking for recommendations for a reliable and durable electric scooter for city commuting. My daily running is around 50 km, occasionally increasing to 70 km on busier days. I have rooftop solar installed at home and will charge the scooter exclusively there, so access to public fast-charging networks isn’t a priority. I’m also not particularly interested in touchscreen gimmicks or connected-tech features. My top priorities are solid build quality, long-term durability, hassle-free after-sales support, and a proven, reliable battery and BMS setup with minimal degradation over time. My budget is around Rs 1.5 lakh. I currently own an Activa and am planning to replace it. Which electric scooters would you recommend for my requirements?

autocar.india

•2h

Since you are going to keep your next purchase for a long time and are coming from a Shine, we'd advise you to consider with the Royal Enfield Classic 350. The Classic is a simple, fuss-free motorcycle which should be easy and inexpensive to maintain. This Royal Enfield bike will also offer you a step up in terms of comfort, features and road presence from your Shine although, expectedly, its fuel efficiency will be lower owing to its larger engine. If you want something sportier, then consider the KTM 250 Duke. The quarter-litre Duke has approachable yet exciting performance and will allow you to grow into it as time passes. This KTM bike has great handling, cool tech like a colour TFT display and bidirectional quickshifter and its zingy engine can also be rather fuel efficient with sensible riding. These are two starkly different machines and depending on your preferences, pick between them. A test ride of both should help you decide which one is right for you.

autocar.india

•3h

Since the person you are shopping for prefers a neo-retro styled scooter, consider options like the Yamaha Fascino and Suzuki Access. Both have appealing designs and are frugal, reliable, comfortable and lightweight machines which should serve you well. The Fascino is one of the lightest ICE scooters on sale and if ease of use is a top priority, then the Yamaha edges ahead. We'd recommend you go take a test ride of both before making your decision. Coming to the Ather 450 Apex, it will surely offer a step up in terms of performance and features but in terms of practicality and comfort, you might be losing some ground here. Also, its sharp brakes are prone to locking up, which isn't ideal. And no, a roadside mechanic cannot repair a cutting-edge electric scooter, you have to go to the authorised service centres for that. Moving on to the Vespa, Piaggio's scooters are good to ride but their purchase and ownership costs are significantly higher than the mainstream brands. If you are okay with this, then you may go ahead with your purchase.

autocar.india

•1h

The Hero Xpulse 210 makes more sense since your daily run is quite limited and long rides are few and far between. This Hero bikes has more than enough performance for both city riding and gentle highway cruising, and will keep you comfortable over the worst of our roads. However, we would advise you to wait for the Honda XR300 Rally because it promises similiar performance and capability with the backing of a Japanese giant. Once the XR is out, take a test ride and see if you gel with it or if the Xpulse makes more sense for you, before you go ahead with your purchase.