Vida V1 Plus Electric Scooter Review

The Vida V1 Plus’ design actually looks a lot similar to the Hero Xoom

• In terms of features, the V1 Plus boasts of a big TFT console, a first for a Hero product
• The direct ICE rival for the V1 Plus includes the TVS NTorq 125
• At Rs 1,15,000, the Vida V1 Plus is priced a lot better than before

Hero MotoCorp is the most recent addition to India's mass-market two-wheeler manufacturers venturing into electric vehicles, following in the footsteps of Bajaj by establishing a separate, premium EV sub-brand. Vida is the designated name for this new EV brand, with the V1 scooter being its inaugural offering. The Vida V1 is available in two variants: V1 Plus and V1 Pro. The Plus variant is the focus here, with the primary distinction between the two being battery capacity.

Vida V1 Plus: Design

The Vida V1 boasts an attractive design language that blends classic elements with futuristic aesthetics. It features a sleek grille and an LED headlight system reminiscent of a robot's face.

Equipped with a fully digital TFT touchscreen instrument console, the Vida V1 offers customizable riding modes, including Eco, Riding, and Sport modes. Other notable features include a two-way throttle, cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, parking assist, emergency alarm, and keyless entry via a key fob. Additionally, the scooter provides trip analytics, scooter diagnostics, regenerative braking, follow-me-home lighting, anti-theft alarm, and document storage functionality.

Vida V1 Plus: Motor

The air-cooled swingarm-mounted motor delivers a maximum output of 6kW, offering performance on par with the Ather 450X. Particularly in Sport mode, acceleration between 20-50kph feels impressively robust, although it tends to taper off beyond that range. The scooter boasts an indicated top speed slightly exceeding 80kph and exhibited no signs of thermal distress during our testing period.

Vida V1 Plus: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

While our experience with the V1 was limited to the smooth test tracks at Hero's expansive Centre for Innovation and Technology in Jaipur, the suspension system appears to offer a commendable level of compliance. Once on the road, this scooter is expected to provide a comfortable ride with its well-tuned suspension setup.

What we can confirm is its excellent handling capabilities. During our time on Hero's handling track, the scooter demonstrated predictable and stable performance, without exhibiting excessive agility or overly quick manoeuvring, which can be characteristic of some scooters. Equipped with 12-inch wheels and MRF tyres, the V1 delivers adequate traction, particularly in dry conditions. The main stand, which begins to scrape at extreme lean angles, was the only limiting factor on the track. However, this is hardly a concern in real-world scenarios, ensuring a well-balanced scooter that offers an enjoyable riding experience.

Vida V1 Plus: Dimensions

In person, the Vida V1 presents itself as a substantial scooter, which translates to a comfortable seating position. The floorboard sits at a natural height, the seat provides comfort, and the handlebar positioning is optimal. Weighing 125kg, the Vida V1 Plus falls within the heavier end of the scooter market, comparable to the Ola scooter. However, it doesn't feel cumbersome, and it features a reverse function, a common feature among EV scooters. Moreover, the braking performance is sufficient for its level of performance.

Vida V1 Plus: Price

The Hero Vida V1 is offered in two variants: the Vida V1 Plus, priced at Rs 1,15,000, and the V1 Pro, priced at Rs 1,45,900 (ex-showroom, including FAME 2 subsidy). But that still means the electric scooter is a bit more expensive than what we would have wanted. Especially given the fact that Hero scooters are always incredibly priced. And now when you consider the fact that the Ather 450S is priced a fair bit under Rs 1 lakh, ex-showroom, this makes the V1 Plus seem pricey and the V1 Pro seem even pricier. 

Verdict 

The Vida V1 undoubtedly boasts a plethora of features, yet its pricing remains a point of contention. Priced at Rs 1.15 lakh ex-showroom for the Vida V1 Plus ex-showroom, after the FAME 2 subsidy, these figures position the scooter at the pinnacle of the EV scooter market. Hero seems to have drawn inspiration from the success of the Ather 450X and the Bajaj Chetak, which perform well despite commanding similar price points.

However, the issue arises from Hero's historical positioning in the market as providers of cost-effective, value-for-money solutions, typically priced lower than the competition. The Vida V1 not only stands as the most expensive Hero offering to date but also commands a price nearly double that of some of its petrol-powered counterparts, which may pose a challenge for the company.

That said, our final verdict awaits thorough testing of the Vida on public roads and against its competitors.