Five years ago, nobody could have predicted that electric scooters would become as popular in India as they are now. Today, teenagers ride them for fun in residential areas while food delivery partners use them for quick deliveries. We can confidently say that these scooters are not just a passing trend; they will likely remain popular for a long time. If we consider the current trend, in June 2024, e2w sales increased to 79,530 units from 77,160 (May 2024).
So, what makes these electric scooters so trendy? Well! There are several factors, such as stylish designs, easy to ride, and elimination of visiting petrol stations. However, one of the main benefits customers get is the cost. Today, electric scooters are affordable, and the government even offers subsidies to buyers.
As electric scooters become more popular and auto manufacturers focus on making them, choosing the right one can be confusing, especially if you have a tight budget. In this discussion, we will cover the top electric scooters around Rs 1 lakh, EV brands, the distance they can travel on a single charge, and other important details.
Ola S1 X+
Ola has been leading the way in electric mobility with its S1 range of scooters. In June 2024, Ola Electric registered 36,716 scooters and captured a 46% market share in the electric two-wheeler segment. The Ola S1 range has four versions: S1 Pro, S1 Air, S1X+, and S1X. The company ensures there is a scooter for everyone.
However, if you have around 1 lakh rupees to spend, the S1 X+ could be the ideal choice. Firstly, you can maximize the scooter’s range by selecting from different driving modes like Eco, Normal, and Sports. Furthermore, the battery scooty includes a 5-inch LCD-based instrument cluster that allows access to Ola’s proprietary software, MoveOS.
| Price | Rs. 89,000 |
| Riding Range | 151 km |
| Top Speed | 90km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 116kg |
| Battery Capacity | 3 kWh |
| Charging Time (0-100%) | 7.4 hours |
Bajaj Chetak 2901
After being a popular choice in many Indian middle-class households, the Bajaj Chetak returned in 2020 as an electric scooter. In May 2024, Bajaj Chetak EV sold 13,042 units, showing a Y-o-Y growth of 41% compared to May 2023. Moreover, it showed a month-on-month growth of 17.27% compared to April 2024.
The scooter’s design blends its traditional heritage with modern aesthetics, giving it a stunning appearance.
| Price | Rs. 95,998 |
| Riding Range | 123 km |
| Top Speed | 63km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 134 kg |
| Battery Capacity | 2.88 kWh |
| Charging Time | 4 hours |
TVS iQube ST
In May 2024, the TVS iQube emerged as the top seller, surpassing its closest competitor, the Bajaj Chetak, by selling 18,674 units.
The TVS iQube ST boasts one of the largest storage spaces, capable of holding two full-sized helmets. Additionally, it features a 7-inch touchscreen that integrates Amazon Alexa for voice commands, supports Bluetooth music playback, and displays social media notifications.
| Price | Rs. 1,09,256 |
| Riding Range | 120-140 km |
| Top Speed | 78 km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 118.6 kg |
| Battery Capacity | 5.01 kWh |
| Charging Time | 5.2 hours |
Bounce Infinity E1
The Bounce Infinity E1 is notable for being one of the few Indian e-scooters that use a swappable battery pack. Since it started deliveries in April 2022, the company has registered 8,570 units.
The Bounce Infinity E1 is available in 4 different variants in India, with prices ranging from Rs. 59,000 to Rs. 1,25,615.
| Price | Rs. 59,000 |
| Riding Range | 75 km |
| Top Speed | 65 km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 94 kg |
| Battery Capacity | 1.90 kWh |
| Charging Time | 4 hours |
Okinawa Praise Pro
Okinawa Praise Pro has a fiber-based body and features alloy wheels, a front disk brake, a spacious footboard, a USB-A port for phone charging, and a digital dashboard.
On the right side, there is a switch to change between Eco mode, which conserves energy, and Sport mode, which increases speed. In addition, there is a Turbo mode available if you want more speed.
| Price | Rs. 84,443 |
| Riding Range | 81 km |
| Top Speed | 56 km/h |
| Kerb Weight | 150 kg |
| Battery Capacity | 2.08 kWh |
| Charging Time | 2.3 hours |
Wrapping Up
When selecting the best electric scooter in a tight budget of around 1 lakh, you need to consider numerous factors. Make sure the battery scooty you choose has a sufficiently large battery that offers a good range (mileage).
Also, look at the extra features provided with the scooter, such as app connectivity, reverse mode, fast charging support, and navigation assistance.
