Hero Electric has officially launched its much-anticipated Hero Vida VX2 electric scooterin India at an aggressiveex-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 anIDC-certified 95km rangeon a single charge, powered by a2.5kWh 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 by30-50%while offering comparable real-world performance.
Key Specifications & Features:
Motor:1.2kW (1.6kW peak) hub motor with55kmph top speed
Battery:Removable2.5kWh Li-ionwith IP67 rating (3-year warranty)
Charging:0-100% in5 hours(standard charger); optional fast charger reduces to3 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 attractiveex-showroom price of ₹59,490, positioning itself as one of the most affordable electric scooters with a 95km range. Hero Electric offers the VX2 intwo 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) by30-50%, though with fewer premium features. Hero’s extensive6,500+ dealership networkensures 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 a2.5kWh lithium-ion battery, the VX2 delivers anIDC-certified 95km range– though real-world usage typically yields70-80kmdepending on load, terrain, and riding style. The battery supports1,000+ charge cycles(approx. 8 years of daily charging) and featuresIP67 waterproofing. Unlike fixed-battery competitors, the VX2 offers aremovable battery option(additional cost), enabling apartment dwellers to charge indoors. A full charge takes4-5 hoursusing the standard 650W charger, with an 80% boost achievable in2.5 hours. Hero provides a3-year battery warranty, alleviating longevity concerns. For context, this range suffices for3-4 daysof average urban commutes (25km/day).
Design & Build: Premium Features on a Budget
The VX2 sports aretro-modern designwith a steel chassis, 12-inch alloy wheels, and aLED lightingpackage (headlight, DRLs, taillight). The110kg kerb weightmakes it 15% lighter than the Ola S1, aiding maneuverability. Hero offers5 vibrant colors(including signature Vida Blue and Mint Green) with matte/gloss finish options. The780mm seat heightaccommodates shorter riders, while the18L under-seat storagefits a half-face helmet. TheLCD instrument clustershows speed, battery %, and trip data – though lacks navigation compared to premium rivals. Weatherproof switches and a3.5kg removable batteryenhance practicality.
Motor & Performance: City Commuting Made Easy
A1.2kW (1.6kW peak) hub motorpropels the VX2 to a55kmph top speed, ideal for congested city roads. The motor generates68Nm torque, enabling10% 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 at35kmph. The scooter accelerates0-40kmph in 8.5 seconds, slower than the Ola S1 (5 seconds) but adequate for stop-go traffic. Hero’sRegenerative Brakingrecovers 5-8% energy during deceleration. The tubular suspension and130mm ground clearancehandle Indian potholes effectively.
Charging Solutions: Home & Portable Options
The VX2 supportsstandard 5A household charging(0-100% in 5 hours) via a portable charger included in the price. Hero sells an optionalfast charger(₹3,500) that reduces charging time to3 hours. Theremovable battery variant(₹5,000 extra) allows users to charge indoors – a critical feature for parking-challenged urban areas. Hero is expanding itsVida Charge networkwith 1,500+ stations targeting 10-minute battery swaps. For emergencies, a5km reserve rangeactivates 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 includesBluetooth connectivityvia the Vida app for battery tracking, ride analytics, and theft alerts. The basicLCD dashshows real-time range, trip meter, and service reminders. Missing areturn-by-turn navigationand voice controls found in pricier rivals. Over-the-air (OTA) updates arenot supported, requiring dealership visits for software upgrades. Hero compensates with a physical USB charging port(2.1A) and afind-my-scooterfeature via app.
Safety & Comfort: Braking & Suspension Setup
The VX2 employs a130mm drum brake(front) and110mm drum(rear) with CBS – adequate for its speed class but less precise than Ather’s disc brakes. Thetubular double-shock suspensionabsorbs bumps better than single-spring setups in competitors. Hero addsanti-theft motor lockingand side-stand sensors as standard. The3.5-inch wide tubeless tiresimprove grip, while the1,340mm wheelbaseenhances stability. Test riders note theergonomic footboardreduces fatigue during 30+ minute rides.
Competition Check: How It Compares to Rivals
Against theOla S1 Air (₹1.10 lakh), the VX2 sacrifices speed (75kmph vs 55kmph) and features (no cruise control) but wins onprice and service reach. TheAther 450Soffers superior build and 115km range but costs2.2x more. Among budget options, theOkinawa Okhi90(₹1.05 lakh) andAmpere Magnus EX(₹95,000) match the VX2’s range but lack its brand trust. Hero’s trump card islow ownership cost – ₹0.25/km vs ₹1.5/km for petrol scooters – and a5-year battery warranty (vs 3 years standard in the segment).