Vida V1 Review: The Hero We Needed?

The Vida V1 is priced at a point where you could get better 200cc ICE bikes instead. 

• The scooter’s suspended on an inverted fork along with a monoshock. 
• In terms of design, it does remind us of the TVS NTorq 125. 
• Range begins at a claimed 143km. 

Hero MotoCorp is the latest of India's mass-market two-wheeler manufacturers to introduce an electric vehicle, and like Bajaj, they've chosen to do it under a distinct, premium EV sub-brand. Vida is the name of the new EV brand, while the V1 is the name of the scooter. The Vida V1 comes in two versions: V1 Plus and V1 Pro. The Pro is here, and the biggest difference between the two is battery capacity. As a result, the majority of what you read here will apply to both models. 

Hero Vida V1: Design & Features

The Vida V1 receives an appealing design language that combines classic and futuristic aesthetics. It has a sharp-looking grille with an LED headlight system that resembles a robot's face.

The Vida V1 comes equipped with a completely digital TFT touchscreen instrument console, customizable riding modes including Eco, riding, and Sport modes, two-way throttle, cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, parking assist, emergency alarm, and a key fob for keyless entry. 

Trip analytics, scooter diagnostics, regen, follow-me-home lighting, anti-theft alarm, and document storage are also included.

Hero Vida V1: Motor

The air-cooled swingarm mounted motor produces a max of 6kW and the projected performance is comparable to that of the Ather 450X. The acceleration between 20-50kph seems extremely robust in Sport mode, however the urgency fades beyond that. The scooter has an indicated top speed of slightly more than 80kph and showed no signs of thermal distress during our time with it.

Hero Vida V1: Chassis

The suspension appears to have a respectable level of compliance. On the road, this scooter will have a well-absorbent suspension setup. 

Something one could determine for certain is that it is an excellent handler. On Hero's handling track, the scooter functioned predictably and steadily, without feeling overly agile or quick to manoeuvre, as some scooters may. The V1 rides on 12-inch wheels with MRF tyres that provided enough traction in the dry. The main stand, which begins to scrape at extreme lean degrees, was ultimately the track's limiting element. That is scarcely a real-world issue, and you can expect a well-balanced scooter that is enjoyable to ride.

Hero Vida V1: Dimensions

In person, the Vida V1 appears to be a rather large scooter, which transfers to how you sit on it. The floorboard feels natural in height, the seat is comfortable, and the handlebar positioning is good. The Vida V1 Pro weighs 125kg, which puts it on par with the Ola at the heavier end of the scooter market, but it doesn't feel heavy, and it has a reverse function, as with most EV scooters. The braking performance is also adequate for this level of performance. 

Hero Vida V1: Variants & Price

The Hero Vida V1 comes in two variants: the Vida V1 Plus, which costs Rs 1,45,000, and the V1 Pro, which costs Rs 1,59,000 (both on-road Karnataka).

Verdict

The Vida V1 is clearly a well-equipped scooter, but that doesn't change the fact that this machine is priced a little too costly. The Vida V1 is priced at Rs 1.45 lakh ex-showroom, and the Vida V1 Pro is priced at Rs 1.59 lakh ex-showroom, both after the FAME 2 subsidy. These pricing place this scooter at the very top of the EV scooter market right now. Hero appears to have taken inspiration from the Ather 450X and the Bajaj Chetak, both of which are performing fairly well at the moment despite being priced at roughly the same level.

The problem is that Heros have always been positioned in the market as cost-effective, value-for-money solutions, and they virtually always cost less than the competition. The Vida V1 is not only the most expensive Hero on the market today, but it also costs roughly double what the business charges for some of its petrol scooters, which can be a struggle for the firm. 

Nonetheless, we'll wait our final judgement until we've thoroughly tested the Vida on public roads and against its competitors.