Hero Electric has officially launched its much-anticipated Hero Vida VX2 electric scooter in India at an aggressive ex-showroom price of Rs. 59,490, making it one of the most affordable EVs in its segment. Positioned as an urban commuter solution, the VX2 boasts an IDC-certified 95km range on a single charge, powered by a 2.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This launch marks Hero’s strategic push to dominate the budget EV space, undercutting rivals like Ola S1 Air and Ather 450S by 30-50% while offering comparable real-world performance.
Key Specifications & Features:
-
-
Motor: 1.2kW (1.6kW peak) hub motor with 55kmph top speed
-
Battery: Removable 2.5kWh Li-ion with IP67 rating (3-year warranty)
-
Charging: 0-100% in 5 hours (standard charger); optional fast charger reduces to 3 hours
-
Design: 110kg kerb weight, 18L storage, and 780mm seat height for easy handling
-
Smart Features: Bluetooth connectivity (Pro variant), LCD dashboard, and regenerative braking
-
Hero Vida VX2 & Variants: Affordable Electric Mobility
The Hero Vida VX2 enters India’s EV market at an attractive ex-showroom price of ₹59,490, positioning itself as one of the most affordable electric scooters with a 95km range. Hero Electric offers the VX2 in two variants – Standard and Pro – with the latter featuring additional smart connectivity features and premium finishes. Government subsidies under FAME II and state-level incentives can further reduce the on-road price by ₹10,000-15,000, making it a compelling alternative to petrol scooters like the Activa. Compared to rivals, the VX2 undercuts the Ola S1 Air (₹1.10 lakh) and Ather 450S (₹1.30 lakh) by 30-50%, though with fewer premium features. Hero’s extensive 6,500+ dealership network ensures easy test rides and after-sales support across Tier 2/3 cities, addressing a key pain point for EV adoption.
95km Range: Real-World Performance & Battery Tech
Powered by a 2.5kWh lithium-ion battery, the VX2 delivers an IDC-certified 95km range – though real-world usage typically yields 70-80km depending on load, terrain, and riding style. The battery supports 1,000+ charge cycles (approx. 8 years of daily charging) and features IP67 waterproofing. Unlike fixed-battery competitors, the VX2 offers a removable battery option (additional cost), enabling apartment dwellers to charge indoors. A full charge takes 4-5 hours using the standard 650W charger, with an 80% boost achievable in 2.5 hours. Hero provides a 3-year battery warranty, alleviating longevity concerns. For context, this range suffices for 3-4 days of average urban commutes (25km/day).
Design & Build: Premium Features on a Budget
The VX2 sports a retro-modern design with a steel chassis, 12-inch alloy wheels, and a LED lighting package (headlight, DRLs, taillight). The 110kg kerb weight makes it 15% lighter than the Ola S1, aiding maneuverability. Hero offers 5 vibrant colors (including signature Vida Blue and Mint Green) with matte/gloss finish options. The 780mm seat height accommodates shorter riders, while the 18L under-seat storage fits a half-face helmet. The LCD instrument cluster shows speed, battery %, and trip data – though lacks navigation compared to premium rivals. Weatherproof switches and a 3.5kg removable battery enhance practicality.
Motor & Performance: City Commuting Made Easy
A 1.2kW (1.6kW peak) hub motor propels the VX2 to a 55kmph top speed, ideal for congested city roads. The motor generates 68Nm torque, enabling 10% gradient climbing – sufficient for flyovers and mild inclines. Three riding modes (Eco, Power, Sport) adjust speed and acceleration; Eco mode extends range by capping speed at 35kmph. The scooter accelerates 0-40kmph in 8.5 seconds, slower than the Ola S1 (5 seconds) but adequate for stop-go traffic. Hero’s Regenerative Braking recovers 5-8% energy during deceleration. The tubular suspension and 130mm ground clearance handle Indian potholes effectively.
Charging Solutions: Home & Portable Options
The VX2 supports standard 5A household charging (0-100% in 5 hours) via a portable charger included in the price. Hero sells an optional fast charger (₹3,500) that reduces charging time to 3 hours. The removable battery variant (₹5,000 extra) allows users to charge indoors – a critical feature for parking-challenged urban areas. Hero is expanding its Vida Charge network with 1,500+ stations targeting 10-minute battery swaps. For emergencies, a 5km reserve range activates at 5% battery. Comparatively, the charging infrastructure still lags behind Ather’s 1,000+ Grid points but surpasses Okinawa’s network.
Smart Features: Digital Console & Connectivity
While not as advanced as Ather/Ola, the VX2 Pro variant includes Bluetooth connectivity via the Vida app for battery tracking, ride analytics, and theft alerts. The basic LCD dash shows real-time range, trip meter, and service reminders. Missing are turn-by-turn navigation and voice controls found in pricier rivals. Over-the-air (OTA) updates are not supported, requiring dealership visits for software upgrades. Hero compensates with a physical USB charging port (2.1A) and a find-my-scooter feature via app.
Safety & Comfort: Braking & Suspension Setup
The VX2 employs a 130mm drum brake (front) and 110mm drum (rear) with CBS – adequate for its speed class but less precise than Ather’s disc brakes. The tubular double-shock suspension absorbs bumps better than single-spring setups in competitors. Hero adds anti-theft motor locking and side-stand sensors as standard. The 3.5-inch wide tubeless tires improve grip, while the 1,340mm wheelbase enhances stability. Test riders note the ergonomic footboard reduces fatigue during 30+ minute rides.
Competition Check: How It Compares to Rivals
Against the Ola S1 Air (₹1.10 lakh), the VX2 sacrifices speed (75kmph vs 55kmph) and features (no cruise control) but wins on price and service reach. The Ather 450S offers superior build and 115km range but costs 2.2x more. Among budget options, the Okinawa Okhi90 (₹1.05 lakh) and Ampere Magnus EX (₹95,000) match the VX2’s range but lack its brand trust. Hero’s trump card is low ownership cost – ₹0.25/km vs ₹1.5/km for petrol scooters – and a 5-year battery warranty (vs 3 years standard in the segment).