Honda Bikes QC1 Price, Images, Reviews and Specs

Honda Bikes QC1 Reviews

Published On Mar 24, 2025 02:00:00 PM

Honda QC1 review: affordable but compromised Japanese EV

The QC1 is a rather affordable Japanese EV, but it comes with some obvious compromises.

Overview
Specifications
Safety And Features

OVERVIEW

DIMENSIONS

ENGINE/MOTOR

TRANSMISSION

FUEL ECONOMY/RANGE

CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION

WHEELS AND TYRES

BRAKES

PERFORMANCE AS TESTED

SAFETY

FEATURES

INSTRUMENTATION

Honda Bikes QC1 variants and prices

Honda Bikes QC1 price starts at ₹ 1.07 lakh and goes up to ₹ 1.07 lakh . Honda Bikes QC1 comes in 1 variants. Honda Bikes QC1 top variant is Electric , .

Variants

Price

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Honda Bikes QC1 Standard

80 km,Electric

₹ 1.07 lakh *

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Compare Honda Bikes QC1 with Similar Bikes

Model	Honda Bikes QC1	Add to Compare Honda Bikes Activa 125	Add to Compare Revolt RV 400	Add to Compare TVS iQube	Add to Compare Bajaj Chetak	Add to Compare Ather 450X	Add to Compare Suzuki Katana	Add to Compare BMW Bikes M 1000 R	Add to Compare Ather Rizta	Add to Compare Honda Bikes Activa e
Price (EX-SHOWROOM)	₹ 90,000	₹ 78,920 - 88,903	₹ 1.17 - 1.54 lakh	₹ 99,130 - 1.58 lakh	₹ 1.00 - 1.15 lakh	₹ 1.38 - 1.39 lakh	₹ 13.61 lakh	₹ 33.00 lakh	₹ 1.15 - 1.50 lakh	₹ 1.17 - 1.51 lakh
Engine	NA	124 cc	NA	NA	NA	NA	998 cc	999 cc	NA	NA
Mileage	80 kpl	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA	NA
Fuel Type	Electric	Petrol	Electric	Electric	Electric	Electric	Petrol	Petrol	Electric	Electric
ABS	No	No	No	No	No	No	Dual channel	Dual channel	No	No
Transmission	Automatic	Automatic,CVT	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Manual	Single speed	Single speed

Honda Bikes QC1 Mileage

Honda Bikes QC1 mileage is 80 km.The electric mileage for Honda Bikes QC1 is 80 km.

Fuel Type	Mileage
Electric	80 km

Honda Bikes QC1 Expert Review

So far, below the Rs 1 lakh mark, you only had the base variants of the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak if you were shopping for an electric scooter....

So far, below the Rs 1 lakh mark, you only had the base variants of the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak if you were shopping for an electric scooter. Now, the Honda QC1 has joined the fray, and it is priced lower than both the aforementioned Indian EVs. However, its relatively more affordable price tag also comes with some compromises.

Honda QC1 design and features

Basic, budget-friendly EV with no frills

Before I tell you what the QC1 is like to ride, let’s address its design and features. From the front, the QC1 is visually very similar to the much more expensive Activa e:, and the main design differences come in the form of this unique tail-lamp setup, different alloy wheels and a few missing cosmetic touches.

The LCD is basic but well laid out and bright enough.

The QC1 uses a basic negative LCD screen without the now commonplace Bluetooth connectivity. The information shown to the rider includes the speed, battery SOC, odometer and two trip meters alongside the telltale lamps. The QC1 also has a side stand cutoff, and unlike other scooters where you manually need to switch the engine or motor on, once you pick it up off the side stand, the motor automatically turns back on. One thing that I find odd here is that the QC1 doesn’t come with a reverse mode, which pretty much every other electric scooter on sale today has.

Unlike the Activa e:, which has practically no storage space, the QC1 has a reasonably spacious 26-litre underseat compartment as well as a little cubby and a bag hook on the front apron. Overall, the QC1 does have a bit of a budget feel to it, but it never feels obtrusively cheap or poorly made.

The QC1’s 26-litre storage space is decently big but oddly shaped.

Honda QC1 ride and handling

QC1 is strictly an urban runabout; its range and charging time need improvement

With a 1.5kWh battery delivering a claimed IDC range of 80km and a claimed top speed of just 50kph, the QC1’s spec sheet is modest at best. This is no surprise because it is based on the Icon e: electric moped sold in international markets. That said, if you’re going to use it as an urban runabout for short distances in and around your home, you could make peace with its rather low performance and range ceilings.

In the 30km I rode the scooter, the battery SOC had fallen to 50 percent (we started with a fully charged one), and this was done almost exclusively in the Standard riding mode. Since we were in the heart of Bengaluru with fast-paced traffic surrounding us, Standard mode was my only option as Eco limits top speed to 30kph and is best reserved for situations where you just need to find a plug point before you run out of charge. And speaking of charging, the slow 330W charger supplied with the scooter takes a glacial 6 hours and 50 minutes to fully top up a flat battery.

It can get up to an indicated 53kph top speed without too much strain, although initial acceleration is rather sluggish. For the sort of performance it has, the braking power is acceptable, but as is the norm with drum brakes, they are rather dull and devoid of feel. You also get a parking brake clasp, which is a handy feature to have on a scooter.

Budget rear suspension feels soft over big bumps.

At 89.5kg, the QC1 is one of the lightest two-wheelers on sale, feeling delightfully flickable, and it will be very welcoming for smaller riders. The seat and ergos are reasonably spacious, and there’s enough room to carry a pillion, too.

What hampers the QC1’s comfort is the glaringly obvious budget suspension. It can just about deal with small bumps, but bigger ones unsettle it quite a lot (the low kerb weight is partly responsible for this, too), and over larger bumps, you can feel the suspension crashing through its stroke quite quickly.

Honda QC1 price and verdict

Affordable urban runabout, but there are better options at a similar price point

Summing up this vehicle is a little more difficult than it usually is because while it is quite an affordable EV, it is also obviously lacking in some crucial areas. If your daily running isn’t a lot and you’re on the lookout for an electric urban runabout with Honda brand value on a tight budget, you could consider this scooter. But there are two big reasons to look elsewhere.

It is affordable, but performance and range are a step down from rivals.

The first is that for just a little more money, you could get the base iQube or Chetak, which have a usable performance ceiling and real-world range. The second is that for a comparable or even lower price than the QC1, you can get a 110/125cc scooter from a reputed manufacturer (including Honda itself), and you’ll never have to worry about range anxiety or performance.

Ultimately, the QC1 is likely to find takers for its relative affordability, low running costs and the reputed badge it wears, but many will find that its compromises outweigh the cost savings.

Also see: Honda QC1 video review

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Honda Bikes QC1 Quick Review

So far, below the Rs 1 lakh mark, you only had the base variants of the TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak if you were shopping for an electric scooter. Now, ...

Design and Quality

The QC1 adopts a minimalist design, bearing resemblance to the more premium Activa e:, especially when you look at it from the front. However, distinctions arise with its unique tail-lamp setup, different alloy wheels, and the absence of certain cosmetic elements. The build quality, while leaning towards the budget side, doesn't feel overtly cheap. The scooter offers a 26-litre under-seat storage compartment, a front cubby, and a bag hook on the apron.

Riding Position and Comfort

Weighing just 89.5 kg, the QC1 is one of the lightest scooters in its segment, making it highly maneuverable and suitable for smaller riders. The seating position is upright, with just enough space for both rider and pillion. However, the budget rear suspension feels too soft over larger bumps, leading to a less comfortable ride on uneven surfaces.

Performance and Refinement

Powered by a 1.8 kW BLDC hub-mounted motor, the QC1 delivers decidedly modest performance, achieving a top speed of just 50kph. While adequate for short city commutes, the scooter struggles in fast-paced urban traffic. The absence of a reverse mode, a feature seen on almost all electric scooters, is a notable omission.

Ride Comfort and Handling

The QC1's lightweight nature contributes to its nimble handling, making it ideal for congested city streets. While the telescopic fork has decent suspension cushioning, the twin rear shocks are too soft and can bottom out over larger potholes, leading to a jarring experience. The drum brakes, while adequate for the QC1, lack the sharpness, power and feedback of disc setups.

Features and Safety

The scooter is equipped with a basic 5-inch negative LCD display, showing essential information like speed, battery status, and trip meters . It lacks Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse mode, features that are becoming standard in this segment. On the safety front, the QC1 includes a side stand inhibitor and a parking brake clasp, enhancing rider safety .

Price and Verdict

At Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom), the Honda QC1 positions itself as an affordable entry into electric mobility. Its lightweight design, decent storage, and the backing of Honda's reliability make it appealing for short-distance urban commuters. However, its limited top speed, range, and slow charging time might deter potential buyers seeking more versatility. For those with minimal daily travel needs and a preference for a trusted brand, the QC1 is a viable option. Yet, for a slightly higher investment, alternatives like the base variants of the TVS iQube or Bajaj Chetak offer much higher performance and range.