Top 5 Electric Scooters Under ₹1 Lakh in 2026: Budget vs Performance

The top 5 electric scooters under ₹1 lakh in India in 2026 are:

• Ola S1 X (4kWh)
• TVS iQube (2.2kWh)
• Bajaj Chetak 2901
• Ather 450S
• Hero Vida V1 Plus

These electric scooters dominate the budget EV segment, balancing PM E-DRIVE subsidy benefits, usable real-world range (60–150km), and daily practicality. In 2026, this segment directly competes with 110cc petrol scooters on both running cost and ownership value.

EV Landscape in India (2026)

India’s electric two-wheeler market in 2026 is shaped by the shift from FAME-II to the PM E-DRIVE (Progressive Mobility – Electric Driven Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme.

Key Policy Impact:

• Subsidy capped at ₹2,500 per kWh (FY 2025–26)
• Strong push for localized battery manufacturing
• Focus on battery efficiency over size

For scooters under ₹1 lakh, manufacturers must carefully balance battery capacity, range, and pricing, making this segment far more competitive than previous years.

Battery, Range & Performance Analysis

Battery Technology Trend

Most budget electric scooters in 2026 use LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries due to:

• Better thermal stability
• Longer life cycles
• Safer performance in Indian weather

1. Ola S1 X (4kWh)

• Battery: 4.0kWh LFP (IP67 rated)
• IDC Range: 190km
• Real-World Range:
  
  
  • Eco: ~150km
  • Normal: ~120km
• Motor: 6kW hub motor
• Top Speed: 90kmph

👉 Best-in-class range under ₹1 lakh.

2. TVS iQube (2.2kWh)

• Battery: 2.2kWh (NMC)
• IDC Range: 75km
• Real-World Range: ~60km
• Motor: 4.4kW
• Top Speed: 75kmph

👉 Ideal for short city commutes and elderly riders.

3. Bajaj Chetak 2901

• Battery: 2.88kWh
• IDC Range: 123km
• Real-World Range: ~95km
• Motor: 4kW
• Top Speed: 63kmph

👉 Built for durability and long-term ownership.

4. Ather 450S

• Battery: 2.9kWh
• IDC Range: 115km
• TrueRange: ~90km (SmartEco)
• Motor: 5.4kW mid-drive
• Top Speed: 90kmph

👉 Sportiest handling in the segment.

5. Hero Vida V1 Plus

• Battery: 3.44kWh (removable)
• IDC Range: 143km
• Real-World Range: ~100km
• Motor: 6kW
• Top Speed: 80kmph

👉 Best option for apartment charging.

Detailed Specifications Table

Note: Prices are ex-showroom (Delhi) including PM E-DRIVE subsidy.
On-road prices in Bangalore are typically 8–10% higher.

Features & Technology

• Ola S1 X: Focuses on range; physical key, 4.3-inch segmented display, 34-litre boot
• Ather 450S: DeepView display, navigation, OTA updates, emergency alerts
• Hero Vida V1 Plus: Removable batteries for indoor charging
• TVS iQube: Fastest charging (0–80% in 2 hours with 950W charger)
• Bajaj Chetak: Metal body enhances durability but limits boot space

Most scooters now offer:

• Reverse mode
• Regenerative braking
• Minimum 20-litre storage

Real-World Ownership Cost

• Electricity Cost: ₹9/unit (average)
• Charging Cost (3kWh): ~₹27
• Running Cost: ~₹0.30/km
• Maintenance:
  
  • Brake pads
  • Tyre replacement every ~10,000km

Ride Comfort Comparison:

• Best ride comfort: TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak
• Sporty but stiff: Ather 450S

Pros & Cons

Ola S1 X (4kWh)

Pros: Longest range, biggest boot
 Cons: Software issues, plastic body

TVS iQube (2.2kWh)

Pros: Solid build, fastest charging
 Cons: Limited range, basic display

Bajaj Chetak 2901

Pros: Metal body, high resale
 Cons: Slow top speed, fewer smart features

Ather 450S

Pros: Best handling, stable software
 Cons: Slow home charging, firm suspension

Hero Vida V1 Plus

Pros: Removable batteries, strong motor
Cons: Design may not appeal to all, smaller service network

Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose Ola S1 X (4kWh) if you need maximum range for delivery or long daily commutes
• Choose TVS iQube (2.2kWh) for short city rides, students, or senior citizens
• Choose Bajaj Chetak 2901 for rugged build and long-term durability
• Choose Ather 450S if you value performance, handling, and tech
• Choose Hero Vida V1 Plus if you live in an apartment without charging access