Hi, I am 46 years old and own a Royal Enfield Electra 5S (2006 model). I am planning to buy a new scooter as my primary vehicle and keep my Enfield as a secondary one. My daily commute is about 40 km. Should I choose an IC (internal combustion) scooter or an electric one? I want a scooter with good suspension, because I’ve been riding an Enfield for almost 20 years and bumps and potholes have never been an issue thanks to its big tyres. I also want decent mileage and good performance. Awaiting your advice. Thank you.

autocar.india

•9h

Since you stay in a coastal city like Chennai, its not uncommon to hear about rust causing structural integrity issues in the scooter's chassis. Given that your daily run is quite low, opting for an EV would be our recommendation only if you plan to keep it for a long time because that's the only way you'll be able to recoup the additional initial acquisition cost over an ICE scooter. In the EV space, our top picks are the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Konarc / Rizta, Vida VX2 and River Indie. Whereas in the ICE scooter segment, choose between the Honda Activa 110/125, Suzuki Access, Yamaha Fascino / RayZR and TVS Jupiter 110 /125. Ensure you take a test ride of all the models in whichever segment you are shopping in before you make your decision.

autocar.india

•8h

We'd advise you to choose between the TVS iQube and River Indie because both are trustworthy, practical and comfortable EVs. While both will feel quite adept at tackling city roads, on the highway, the Indie will offer better stability owing to its larger 14-in wheels and fatter tyres. There's not much wrong with the Yamaha EC-06 (unsurprisingly, since it is effectively a dressed-up and pricier River Indie) but it costs quite a bit more than the River. You also have a substantially smaller boot and a very slow 450W charger on the Yamaha, both of which will make their presence felt in day-to-day scenarios. Take a test ride of the iQube and Indie and depending on which one you like more, make your decision.

autocar.india

•5h

While the Royal Enfield Meteor 350's low seat height is surely welcoming, owing to its feet-forward riding position, you will feel more of the road imperfections you encounter. We'd recommend you instead look at the Bullet / Classic from RE's stable, as these bikes have more upright, natural riding triangles which will be useful over the long daily commute your father faces. The Honda CB350s offer a similar riding experience but are lighter and easier to manage. Given that your daily commute is quite long and likely to involve bad patches too, a motorcycle would be the more comfortable alternative to a scooter. However, if you must have an electric scooter, choose from proven options like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta / Konarc and Vida VX2.