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Best Long-Range EV Scooters Under ₹1.5 Lakh — Which One Should You Buy?

Switching to an electric scooter is no longer just a “trend” in India – with petrol prices high and cities getting more congested, a long-range EV scooter under ₹1.5 lakh has become a very smart money decision.

But with so many models and confusing range/price claims, it’s tough to know which one is actually worth buying.

This guide breaks everything down in simple language, focusing on:

  • Scooters with real long range
  • Price under ~₹1.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
  • Low running cost, good warranty & features
  • Best choice for office commute, family use, and occasional long rides

1. Why “Range” Matters So Much (Especially in Indian Cities)

For daily Indian use (office commute + errands), range is more important than top speed.

Think about your week:

  • 20–40 km daily city commute
  • Weekend family trips, shopping runs
  • Occasional longer ride to outskirts or nearby town

If your scooter gives 120–150+ km certified range, you can:

  • Charge only 2–3 times a week
  • Stop worrying about range anxiety
  • Save heavily on fuel (often less than 30–40 paise per km, sometimes less)

That’s what makes long-range EV scooters under ₹1.5 lakh such a powerful value-for-money option.


2. Quick Comparison: Best Long-Range EV Scooters Under ₹1.5 Lakh

Prices are approximate ex-showroom, may vary by city and subsidy. Always check latest offers locally.

Scooter (Variant)Approx Price (Ex-Showroom)Certified / IDC Range*BatteryUse Case
Ola S1 X 4kWh~₹1.15–1.20 lakh (BikeDekho)Up to 242 km IDC (Ola Electric)4 kWhBest overall range & value
TVS iQube 3.5 kWh / ST 3.5~₹1.32–1.4 lakh (BikeWale)145 km IDC (TVS Motor Company)3.5 kWhSuper reliable family scooter
Ather Rizta Z (long-range)~₹1.30–1.5 lakh (Ather Energy)Up to 159 km IDC (Ather Energy)3–3.7 kWh (approx, model-wise)Practical family + tech features
Vida V1 Pro~₹1.35–1.45 lakh (BikeWale)165 km IDC (BikeDekho)3.94 kWhStrong real-world range
Bajaj Chetak 3502~₹1.25–1.35 lakh (BikeWale)Up to ~153 km range (Bajaj Auto)3.5 kWhSolid build, brand trust
River Indie~₹1.43–1.46 lakh (BikeWale)161–163 km IDC (rideriver.com)4 kWhHuge storage, “SUV of scooters”
Ampere Nexus~₹1.2–1.3 lakh (BikeWale)136 km certified / 100 km real-world (BikeWale)3 kWhGood value urban commuter

*IDC = Indian Driving Cycle test range. Real-world range is usually 70–80% of this, depending on speed, mode, load, and riding style.


3. Detailed Breakdown: Who Should Buy Which Scooter?

3.1 Ola S1 X 4kWh – Best Overall Long-Range Pick

If your priority is maximum range under ₹1.5 lakh, Ola S1 X 4kWh is hard to beat.

  • Range: Claimed 242 km IDC on the 4 kWh variant (Ola Electric)
  • Real-world expectation: 150–170 km in mixed riding if you use Eco/Normal modes smartly
  • Price: Around ₹1.15–1.2 lakh ex-showroom for 4 kWh depending on offers and city (BikeDekho)

Why it’s strong:

  • Huge battery = longest range in this list
  • Good performance (top speed around 90–100 km/h, strong mid-range punch)
  • Loaded with connected features, app support, riding modes
  • Single-channel ABS and disc brake in higher spec variants

Where you should be careful:

  • Ola’s service and reliability reviews are a bit mixed compared to TVS/Bajaj
  • Software updates can sometimes change behaviour or bug-out temporarily
  • Build quality and panel fit may not feel as solid as Chetak or TVS to some buyers

Best for you if:

  • You want maximum range + features for the money
  • You ride long distances regularly (50–80 km/day or frequent weekend trips)
  • You are okay with a software-heavy scooter and prefer app features, OTA updates, digital key, etc.

3.2 TVS iQube (3.5 kWh / iQube S / ST 3.5) – Most Trusted Family EV

TVS has quietly become one of the top-selling EV scooter brands in India, and iQube is known for reliability and balanced performance. Updated 2025 models offer:

  • Battery options up to 3.5 kWh and 5.3 kWh, with the 3.5 kWh version giving 145 km IDC range (TVS Motor Company)
  • Price for 3.5 kWh variants roughly ₹1.32–1.4 lakh ex-showroom in many cities (BikeWale)

The ST 5.3 kWh variant gives 212 km IDC range but usually costs above ₹1.5 lakh in many states, so it’s more of a “stretch budget” option. (TVS Motor Company)

Why it’s strong:

  • Great balance of range (120+ km real world on 3.5 kWh), comfort and features
  • TVS network & reliability – big advantage for Tier-2/3 cities
  • 7-inch TFT cluster on higher variants with navigation, Bluetooth, connected features
  • Strong battery warranty (typically around 3 years / 50,000 km, with extended options) (TVS Motor Company)

Best for you if:

  • You want a no-nonsense daily scooter for family use
  • Long-term reliability and widespread service support is more important than flashy features
  • Your daily running is 30–70 km and you want at least 2–3 days between charges

3.3 Ather Rizta – Practical Family EV With Strong Range

The Ather Rizta is Ather’s family-oriented scooter – more comfortable and practical than the sporty 450 series.

  • Price starts around ₹1.05 lakh and goes up to ~₹1.5 lakh depending on variant and city (BikeWale)
  • IDC range up to 159 km on higher-end variants (Ather Energy)

Why it’s strong:

  • Designed for family comfort: wide seat, good suspension, practical storage
  • Ather’s software & app experience is mature and reliable
  • Good connected features, navigation, riding modes
  • Strong performance with good mid-range pull and regenerative braking feel

Watch-outs:

  • Ather’s physical network is growing, but still not as wide as TVS/Bajaj in some smaller towns (Reuters)
  • Some variants with top features may push close to the ₹1.5 lakh mark

Best for you if:

  • You want a comfortable family EV with modern tech
  • You ride 40–70 km a day and want around 120 km real-world range
  • You prefer a more premium, refined experience without going over budget

3.4 Hero Vida V1 Pro – Long-Range + Removable Batteries

Hero MotoCorp’s Vida V1 Pro is a powerful long-range contender:

  • Price: Around ₹1.3–1.45 lakh ex-showroom depending on city (BikeWale)
  • Range:
    • 165 km IDC for the Pro variant
    • Real-world around 110–120 km, as per multiple reports (BikeDekho)

Unique advantages:

  • 3.94 kWh battery – big pack and good thermal management (BikeDekho)
  • Strong acceleration (0–40 km/h in ~3.2 s claimed) (BikeDekho)
  • Feature list: fast charging, multiple ride modes, cruise control on some variants, connected tech

Best for you if:

  • You trust Hero’s service network
  • You want a blend of long range + proven ICE brand backing
  • You ride mixed city conditions and occasionally need longer weekend trips

3.5 Bajaj Chetak (3502 / new models) – Retro Design, Modern EV

The new-gen Bajaj Chetak combines classic styling with a solid EV platform:

  • Price for main variants: around ₹1.02–1.34 lakh ex-showroom (BikeWale)
  • New 2025 models like Chetak 3502 deliver around 153 km range with a 3.5 kWh battery (Bajaj Auto)

Why it’s strong:

  • Bajaj brand trust + strong metal body feel
  • Good real-world efficiency and weather protection for battery
  • Adequate boot space and comfortable seating
  • Suitable even for people upgrading from old Chetak/Activa-type scooters

Watch-outs:

  • Feature list is more conservative vs Ola/Ather (less flashy UI, fewer smart tricks)
  • Network is expanding, but EV-only showrooms are still limited in some regions

Best for you if:

  • You value build quality, brand and long-term durability over cutting-edge smart features
  • You want a simple, solid EV with good range for daily commutes

3.6 River Indie – “SUV of Scooters” With Big Battery & Huge Storage

The River Indie is a bit different from the rest – it’s positioned almost like an SUV on two wheels:

  • Price: around ₹1.43–1.46 lakh ex-showroom (BikeWale)
  • Range:

Highlights:

  • Massive under-seat storage (~43 L) plus pannier mounts etc. (rideriver.com)
  • Strong mid-drive PMSM motor with 26 Nm torque, good for hilly areas (rideriver.com)
  • Quirky, boxy design that actually helps practicality (wide floorboard, strong rack)

Watch-outs:

  • Brand and service network still limited but expanding; currently focusing on select cities (Samayam Tamil)
  • Pricing is close to the upper limit of ₹1.5 lakh

Best for you if:

  • You want maximum practicality and storage – e.g., delivery work, camera gear, luggage, big grocery runs
  • You regularly ride with pillion + luggage and need strong torque + range

3.7 Ampere Nexus – Value Long-Range City Commuter

The Ampere Nexus focuses on value + decent range:

Why it’s worth a look:

  • Decent combination of range, price, and features
  • 3 kWh LFP battery — thermally stable, good for hot Indian conditions (BikeWale)
  • Real-world 80–100 km is plenty for most office commuters

Best for you if:

  • Your budget is tighter, but you still want 100 km usable range
  • You mainly ride in the city and rarely go beyond 40–50 km per day

4. How to Choose the Right Scooter For You (Step-By-Step)

Instead of getting confused by specs, follow this simple framework:

Step 1: Calculate Your Real Daily & Weekly Usage

  • Daily home–office–errands distance?
  • Typical weekend usage?
  • How many times a week do you want to charge?

If your weekly total is around 200–250 km:

  • Long-range scooters like Ola S1 X 4kWh, River Indie, Vida V1 Pro, Ather Rizta Z let you charge only 1–2 times a week.

If your weekly usage is 120–180 km:

  • TVS iQube 3.5 kWh, Ampere Nexus, Chetak 3502 are easily enough – charge maybe twice a week.

Step 2: Decide Your Priority: Range vs Reliability vs Features

  1. Maximum range & features, within budget
    • Ola S1 X 4kWh, Vida V1 Pro, River Indie
  2. Maximum reliability & service reach
    • TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Vida
  3. Premium tech + family comfort
    • Ather Rizta, TVS iQube higher variants
  4. Value for money long-range
    • Ampere Nexus, some lower variants of Ola S1 X / S1 Z (BikeWale)

Step 3: Check TCO – Total Cost of Ownership (High CPC Angle)

When you’re thinking long-term money, don’t just look at ex-showroom price. Consider:

  1. Running cost per km
    • Most EV scooters cost ₹0.20–0.40 per km in electricity vs ₹2–3 per km for petrol.
  2. Battery warranty & replacement
    • Look for 3–5 years or 50,000–75,000 km battery warranty and clear replacement cost.
    • For example, brands like TVS and Ampere highlight extended warranties and high life cycles. (Ampere EV by Greaves)
  3. Insurance & loan EMI
    • EV insurance premiums can be similar to petrol scooters, but IDV (insured declared value) is usually higher.
    • Many OEMs now offer special EV loans, low-interest EMIs and exchange bonuses.

This is exactly where Google AdSense high-CPC keywords come in for your blog article:

“EV scooter loan eligibility”, “electric scooter insurance cost”, “battery warranty coverage”, “EV extended warranty plans”, “home EV charger installation”, etc.

Use these naturally inside sections on financing, insurance, and maintenance to attract high-intent readers.


Step 4: Don’t Ignore Charging Convenience

Ask yourself:

  • Do you have a dedicated parking spot with a 15A plug?
  • Is your society okay with EV charging in basement or ground floor?
  • Is there an EV public charging point near your home/office?

If home charging is easy, long-range scooters become even more attractive – you plug in overnight once every 2–3 days and forget the rest.

If charging is tricky:

  • Prefer scooters with fast-charging support (e.g., Vida, Ather, some Ola variants)
  • Or models with smaller but efficient batteries that charge faster (TVS iQube 3.5 kWh, Ampere Nexus)

5. Which One Should You Buy? (Simple Recommendations)

To make it super clear, here are short, practical picks:

If you want the best range under ₹1.5 lakh

Buy: Ola S1 X 4kWh

  • 242 km IDC range, strong performance, lots of features
  • Ideal if your daily usage is heavy or you travel between cities occasionally

If you want a solid, tension-free family scooter

Buy: TVS iQube 3.5 kWh (or iQube S)

  • Great mix of range (145 km IDC), reliability and comfort
  • TVS network + proven track record in sales and service

If you want a premium, tech-loaded family EV

Buy: Ather Rizta Z or top variant within budget

  • Excellent software & app, good ride quality and range
  • Feels more “future-ready” with polished UI and connectivity

If you trust Hero/Bajaj and want long-term peace of mind

Options:

  • Hero Vida V1 Pro – for higher range and strong tech
  • Bajaj Chetak 3502 – for metal body feel and classic looks

Both are great if service availability and brand familiarity matter most.


If you want practicality, luggage space and urban ruggedness

Buy: River Indie

  • 4 kWh battery with 161+ km IDC range and huge storage
  • Great for riders who carry a lot of stuff or ride with pillion + luggage often

If your budget is tight but you still need decent range

Buy: Ampere Nexus

  • Certified 136 km range, real-world ~100 km
  • Balanced price, range and practicality

6. Final Tips Before You Book

  1. Always take a test ride of at least two scooters
    • Check seat comfort, throttle response, suspension, and braking.
  2. Ask the dealer clearly about:
    • Battery warranty (years & km)
    • Availability and cost of extended warranty
    • Approximate battery replacement cost after warranty
  3. Check latest subsidies & offers
    • Central schemes change, and many states offer EV incentives, road-tax waivers, free registration, etc.
  4. Confirm on-road price
    • Some scooters under ₹1.5 lakh ex-showroom may cross ₹1.6–1.7 lakh on-road with insurance and accessories – plan your EMI accordingly.
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