LAP TIMES AROUND A GO-KART TRACK
Yes, these bantam weight scooters are always going to essentially make commuting tools, but we believe there’s no reason why they can’t also be fun. So, to see which is the best in this regard, we had a go around our favourite go-kart track in Pune with each EV scooter. Our objective was simply to find out which put out the fastest lap time. One would assume the Ola S1 Pro would win this particular test outright and hands down, courtesy of its performance advantage. Yet, the results proved otherwise!
The Ather 450X Gen 3 proved a proverbial handling gem. We’ve said it before and this time we’ve been vindicated, because the Ather has cemented itself as the benchmark for an enthusiast’s EV scooter. With scalpelsharp, precise handling and snappy performance, the 450X Gen 3 was the fastest scooter around the track, clocking an impressive 53.17 seconds. The Ola, definitely capable of faster speeds when hammering down the straights, came second with 53.84s. Notably though, the S1 Pro by virtue of lacking the excellent handling dynamics of the Ather, didn’t feel near as nimble, confidence inspiring, or at home on track.
The TVS iQube S picked up bronze on the podium, and clocked 55.75s. In a testament to TVS’ racing background, the iQube S felt the most balanced and stable of the lot. You can immediately tell this is a scooter designed, engineered and manufactured by TVS. It turns in well, holds any line with poise and feels outright fun to ride. The Bajaj Chetak 2413 came fourth, with a time of 57.62s, still impressive considering it has the lowest top-speed and acceleration figures, with Bajaj making it clear performance isn’t their aim on this commuter-friendly steed. The 2413 does feel quite easy to flick around, although, you’d do well to be wary of big lean angles, that have you scraping its centre stand.
Overall, it proved extremely fun to thrash these EV scooters around a track and find, surprisingly, that the Ather trounced the Ola to win this test. The next time someone tells you an electric scooter can’t be fun, tell them they must try taking one round the nearest go-kart track!
THE TVS IQUBE S PICKED UP BRONZE ON THE PODIUM, AND CLOCKED 55.75S