The scooter segment has evolved beyond basic commuting, with manufacturers now offering performance-focused models that pack serious power. Here are the five most powerful petrol scooters currently on sale in India.
5. Aprilia SR 175 hp-e – 13.3hp
The Aprilia SR 175 hp-e is sold with GP Replica livery
The Aprilia SR 175 hp-e is powered by a 174.7cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 13.3hp and 14Nm. The scooter rides on 14-inch wheels and comes with single-channel ABS. It’s also a fairly well-equipped scooter, featuring the same colour TFT display found on the RS 457 and Tuono 457, with Bluetooth connectivity for call alerts, notifications, and music control.
In our tests, the SR 175 was quite close to the Yamaha Aerox 155 in the sprint to 60kph, after which the more powerful Aerox begins to pull away. Despite its more performance-focused intent, the SR 175 returned an impressive fuel economy of 41.7kpl on the highway and 35.2kpl in the city.
4. Hero Xoom 160 – 14.8hp
The Hero Xoom 160 is priced at Rs 1.37 lakh
Hero's first maxi-scooter is powered by a 156cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 14.8hp and 14Nm. The motor uses a 4-valve SOHC design and comes equipped with Hero's i3S stop-start technology. While it’s nearly on par with the Aerox in terms of peak output figures, at 142kg it is significantly heavier.
The Xoom’s engine is smooth and tuned for gradual yet strong acceleration, with an indicated top speed of around 110–120kph.
3. Yamaha Aerox 155 – 15hp
The Yamaha Aerox 155 is priced at Rs 1.40 lakh
The Yamaha Aerox 155 is powered by a 155cc liquid-cooled engine borrowed from the R15, featuring Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology. It produces 15hp and 13.9Nm. At 126kg, it’s also one of the lightest scooters in its class, giving it an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
The engine is also impressively fuel efficient, delivering a real-world fuel economy in excess of 40-45kpl if ridden cautiously.
2. BMW C 400 GT – 34hp
The BMW C 400 GT is priced at Rs 10.99 lakh
The BMW C 400 GT is powered by a 350cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 34hp and 35Nm. BMW claims it can accelerate from 0-100kph in under 10 seconds, which is impressively quick for a production scooter, and it has a top speed of 139kph. This is a true maxi-scooter that accelerates strongly and feels planted even at triple-digit speeds.
The party piece is the BMW Flex Case system under the seat, which expands when parked to store a full-face helmet. Total underseat storage stands at 37.6 litres. It also comes loaded with IMU-assisted cornering ABS, traction control, engine braking control, a 10.25-inch TFT display, and ride modes. It’s priced at Rs 11.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
1. Honda X-ADV – 58.6hp
The Honda X-ADV is priced at Rs 13.5 lakh
The Honda X-ADV is the most powerful scooter on sale in India. It’s powered by a 745cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine producing 58.6hp and 69Nm, borrowed from the NC750X. The engine is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission with no clutch lever or gear shifter, similar to the setup used on the Africa Twin and Gold Wing.
This unique machine is a crossover between a maxi-scooter and an adventure bike and runs on 17-inch front and 15-inch rear cross-spoke wheels with block-pattern tyres. At 237kg, it’s heavier than most motorcycles, but it also offers middleweight motorcycle levels of performance.
Honorable mention
Keeway Sixties 300i / Vieste 300 – 19hp
Both the Keeway Sixties 300i and Vieste 300 are powered by the same 278.2cc liquid-cooled engine producing 19hp and 22Nm. The Vieste features a modern maxi-scooter design, while the Sixties, as its name suggests, takes a more retro approach in its styling. However, they didn’t make our main list because Keeway’s dealer network and product availability in India remain quite limited.
Ved Janve
Stephen Raj Antony
