Honda QC1 Electric Scooter Review – Is It Worth the Price?

The Honda QC1 electric scooter is the latest addition to Honda's EV lineup in India. Unlike the Honda Activa Electric, the QC1 is designed as a city commuter with a focus on urban mobility. But does it justify its ₹90,000 price tag? Let's dive into the details.

Design & Aesthetics

The QC1 features looks inspired by the Activa e, retaining Honda's signature scooter styling. It comes with LED headlamp and taillight with a futuristic design, though the taillight appears borrowed from the CB 300F. The build quality is premium with no visible panel gaps and high-quality plastics. The scooter rides on 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheels, offering traditional proportions for easy handling.

Motor, Battery & Charging

The QC1 is powered by a 1.8kW BLDC hub motor that provides silent and efficient performance. It features a 1.5kWh IP67-rated fixed battery that's reliable in all weather conditions. The included 330W home charger takes 4 hours and 30 minutes to charge from 0-80%. With an IDC range of 80km, it offers sufficient capacity for short daily commutes.

Performance & Riding Modes

The scooter comes with two riding modes:

• Econ Mode: Limited to a 30kmph top speed, which is not particularly practical for Indian roads
• Standard Mode: Provides a 52kmph top speed, which is better but still underwhelming

The throttle response feels abrupt, similar to an on-off switch rather than offering smooth acceleration. For stopping power, the QC1 relies on front and rear drum brakes, which are adequate for city riding conditions.

Features & Technology

The Honda QC1 is equipped with a 5-inch LCD display, though it lacks a Distance to Empty (DTE) indicator, providing only State of Charge (SOC) information. It includes a convenient USB-C charging port for charging devices on the go. The 26L underseat storage offers decent space for a helmet or small bags. The LED lighting setup enhances visibility at night.

Ride Quality & Comfort

In terms of seating and ergonomics, the QC1 offers a comfortable wide seat with ample floorboard space. The suspension setup consists of a telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers that handle bumps well. The scooter feels stable in city traffic but struggles at higher speeds.

Drawbacks of the Honda QC1

The QC1 has several limitations:

• Limited top speed of 52kmph, which causes it to struggle on open roads and highways
• High price point of ₹90,000, which seems overpriced for the features offered
• Lack of versatility, as it's strictly designed for city use and not practical for long rides
• No fast charging support, resulting in potentially inconvenient long charging times

Honda QC1 vs Competitors

Should You Buy the Honda QC1?

Buy it if:

• You want a compact city electric scooter
• You ride only in low-speed urban traffic
• You prefer Honda's reliability and service network

Skip it if:

• You need higher top speed (60kmph+ for highways)
• You want fast charging or better range
• You seek a more value-for-money electric scooter

Final Verdict

The Honda QC1 electric scooter is a stylish, practical, and comfortable ride for short city commutes. However, the high price, slow speed, and limited range make it less appealing when compared to rivals like Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube. Honda should either reduce the price or improve performance (70kmph top speed) to make the QC1 a better buy.

Would you buy the Honda QC1 or choose another electric scooter? Let us know in the comments!