Exciting Upcoming Electric Scooters In India

The Ather Rizta will be Ather’s first attempt at the family scooter segment

• Vespa could soon give us its first electric scooter, named the Elettrica
• Honda might even bring out its first electric scooter, the Activa electric and the PCX electric
• As for Gogoro, it will be bringing out the 2 Series real soon

Among the array of electric vehicles available in India, electric scooters have notably gained the most traction. With their accessible packages, India has witnessed the emergence of several competitively priced and well-crafted electric scooters, including models such as the TVS iQube, the Ather 450X, and the Bajaj Chetak. For enthusiasts of electric scooters, here's a rundown of upcoming models worth waiting for:

1. Ather Rizta

• Anticipated as a family-oriented scooter from Ather, the Rizta is expected to inherit key features from the 450S model, including a 2.9kWh capacity battery pack, a 5.4kW peak power output motor, and an LCD instrument console.
• It's speculated that Ather might introduce an LR (Low Range) variant followed by an HR (High Range) variant, similar to their existing lineup strategy. Priced at approximately Rs 1.3 lakh (ex-showroom, inclusive of FAME 2 subsidy), it's positioned to compete with models like the Honda Activa 6G and the TVS Jupiter.

2. Hero Electric AE-29

• Set to grab attention in 2024, the Hero Electric AE-29 boasts features such as a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth support, a mobile charging port, an anti-theft alarm, and a reverse option. With an expected price starting at Rs 85,000 and a riding range of 80 km per charge, it promises to offer a compelling option in the market.

3. Okinawa Cruiser 

• The Okinawa Cruiser, showcased at the Auto Expo 2020, is equipped with a 3 kW motor and a 4 kWh battery unit. Notable features include a semi-digital instrument cluster, mobile charging facility, USB port, keyless operation, and anti-theft alarm, making it a noteworthy contender in the segment.

4. Hero Leap Hybrid SES

• The Hero Leap Hybrid, first unveiled at the 2012 Auto Expo, features an 8 kW Permanent Magnet AC motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. It incorporates a petrol engine connected to a generator for additional power. With an expected price starting at Rs 74,000 and a riding range of 90 km per charge, it offers a blend of performance and efficiency.

5. Vespa Elettrica (Expected Launch Date: June 2024)

• The Vespa Elettrica, set for launch in 2024, maintains Vespa's traditional style with modern features. Highlights include LED headlights, full-colour TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, and a riding range of 100 km per charge.

6. Honda Activa Electric

• Expected to follow the footsteps of its ICE counterpart in terms of affordability, the Honda Activa Electric is anticipated to launch within the price range of Rs. 1.10-1.20 lakh, offering a blend of practicality and efficiency by helping you save petrol costs. 
• The Activa has been India’s favourite and most reliable scooter and hence bringing out an electric avatar of the same does make a lot of sense. That said, we expect it to be quite a conservative scooter overall and hence do not expect it to be overly sporty or fancy like the likes of the Ather 450X or even the Ather 450S. 

7. Honda PCX Electric

• The Honda PCX Electric boasts features such as an LCD instrument cluster, twin bold headlight setup, passive keyless unlocking facility, and a top speed of 60 kmph, making it a noteworthy addition to Honda's electric lineup.
• If the Activa Electric isn’t your thing and is too subtle for you, the PCX Electric might suit your tastes a bit more. The PCX Electric is not conservative and shy to express itself. It is bold and aggressive, something on the likes of the lovely Honda ADV 160. That said, its looks and powerful powertrain will obviously be complemented by a fat price tag, as has been with premium Honda two-wheelers as of late. 

8. Hero Maestro 

• Hero Maestro, slated for launch in August 2025, emerges as a prominent contender among the upcoming electric two-wheelers in India. Powered by a Permanent Magnet motor and lithium-ion battery, it boasts modern features such as a semi-digital instrument console, keyless ignition, cloud connectivity, and reverse mode.
• We think the 10/12-inch alloy wheels on offer should make for a decently good ride quality. As for the range, it could be around the 150-200km range per charge. That said, this could be the claimed numbers, meaning the real-world numbers should be around the 140km mark. The top speed, meanwhile, could be around 85kmph. That said, knowing Hero, we think the braking would be handled by only drum brakes at both ends, in order to keep costs in check. 

Consider these specifications while evaluating your options for upcoming electric scooters in India to find one that aligns with your preferences and requirements.