COOPER’S CORNER
EVs are the future, and it’s only a matter of time before even staunch petrolheads are won over by their smoothness and low maintenance. Electrics are perfectly poised to catch on like fire in the Indian twowheeler markets. It’s just a matter of time before teething questions such as range, support infrastructure, etc. are history. For it doesn’t take a crystal ball to see EV tech is evolving so fast, that charging an EV will soon be as easy as juicing up a phone.
These four scooters are a mixed bag. The Ather 450X and Bajaj Chetak 2413 lead by a fair margin, the TVS iQube is a solid performer following close behind on their heels, while the Ola S1 Pro trails quite some distance behind.
The third-generation Ather, while offering the bonus of added power, range and improved ride quality, sticks with its earlier styling and compact dimensions, making it impractical for larger riders. The Chetak 2413 shines as an outstanding package overall, encased with a metal body. It’s also a comfortable option for riders of any size. The stately Bajaj comes across as a no compromise, superbly styled scooter, with attention-todetail and fit-finish unmatched by any other light Indian scooter.
Yes, the TVS iQube also makes a well rounded package, that strikes a fair balance between range, performance, comfort and good handling, but the TVS lacks the appeal of the Ather and Bajaj and the styling is bland, even boxy. Given that TVS makes amongst India’s best scooters, the Jupiter and Ntorq, we’re confident there’s a lot to come from here.
The Ola S1 Pro is a scooter we don’t recommend, for although it promises the most performance, on paper, in the real world the S1 Pro has a long way to go, the package also sorely lacking in overall quality and finesse. During our real world tests, the S1 Pro repeatedly faltered, with range and performance often disappointingly dropping off, apart from which there’s reader feedback of regular reliability issues, including towing requirements.
The Ather 450X it is then, a solid pick if you’re not overly tall or largely built and looking for a quick, sporty scooter, while the Bajaj Chetak 2413 makes the most high quality, reliable and flamboyantly styled option for riders of all sizes.