TVS iQube review, road test

A full road test reveals what is perhaps the most tempting EV offering out there.

Published on Jul 29, 2021 08:00:00 AM

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The iQube can be ridden in standing water up to a depth of half a foot. Components are IP67 rated.

Storage not big enough for a full-face helmet. Gets a USB charge slot.

Something that doesn’t really need much revisiting is the iQube’s no-frills design. That said, there are a few things that stand out. Firstly, the fit and finish is up to the mark. You will notice no rough edges on both, inner and outer plastics. There are also no large or uneven panel gaps and the company has gone through the effort to neatly cover exposed hardware near the instrument display. TVS has also made the switch to a plastic cover for its charging socket, as opposed to the weak-feeling rubber one that was seen on the prototype. What we wish they’d also done is add a multifunction key slot, which would also open the underseat storage compartment, and provide a slightly longer side stand – the scooter leans quite a bit when parked.

Speaking of which, the underseat compartment isn’t the most spacious and this is surprising because the company has an advantage when it comes to packaging. EVs with hub-mounted motors have most of the mechanical bits on the rear wheel, and all that’s inside the bodywork are batteries and some electrical components. Nonetheless, the space can house the portable charger, a small open face helmet and a few other things easily.

Other smaller elements that stood out were the premium pillion footrests and the swanky diamond-cut front alloy wheel that’s borrowed from the Jupiter. Remember when scooters used to come with floor mats? The iQube has brought that back and it’s a neat touch because it’s easily replaceable and will keep the floorboard protected from scuffs.

While we are on the subject of the floorboard, it’s crucial to point out that even though it houses battery packs, it’s not positioned too high. Thanks to this, the rider sits in a conventional riding position, instead of the awkward knee-up position one is forced to be in on many Chinese electric scooters. That’s not all, the handlebar and seat are also exactly where one would want it to be on a scooter like this. Someone of average height will have no trouble with the ergonomics of this machine.

One of the widest seats in the segment, but could have been longer.

The iQube may not have the best presence in the segment, but it does look and feel the widest. As a result, its seat is roomy and comfortable for the rider. However, things do get a little cramped with a pillion on board.

Overall, TVS has got a lot of things right when it comes to the iQube’s design and even though it might look a little bland, let me tell you that it might just be a well thought out decision. The highest selling scooters in India are ones with simple, family friendly designs and it looks like that was the aim.