Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Family friendly electric scooters compared

On paper, the Ather Rizta’s design is fresh and looks lovely 

• Even in terms of practicality, the Ather Rizta stands out with its massive 34-litre boot
• Even in terms of top speed, the Rizta is able to beat the V1 Plus
• Where the V1 Plus really stands out is with its massive claimed range 

In the hunt for a family-friendly electric scooter, the Ather Rizta has emerged as a compelling contender, drawing considerable attention. However, don't overlook the Vida V1 Plus, which presents a strong alternative. To help you decide between the two, our comprehensive review provides insightful analysis.

Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Design & Features

The Vida V1 presents a captivating design merging classic elements with futuristic flair. Its sleek grille and LED headlight system resemble a robot's face, adding a distinct charm.

Equipped with a fully digital TFT touchscreen instrument console, the Vida V1 offers customisable riding modes, including Eco, Riding, and Sport modes. 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.

The Ather Rizta takes a fresh approach to design, stepping away from the bold looks of its predecessors in the 450 series. Its front apron showcases a horizontally positioned headlight cluster with integrated DRLs and turn indicators, embodying a more refined yet classy style. The inclusion of side and tail panels emphasises Ather's dedication to blending functionality with aesthetics, resulting in a design that appeals to a wide range of age groups.

What sets the Rizta apart is its tail-light, which mirrors the bar-style shape of the headlight, contributing to a cohesive design philosophy. This design approach strikes a balance between sophistication and practicality, ensuring widespread appeal among riders. While the 450S caters mostly to younger riders, the Rizta offers something that even mature riders will find appealing.

Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Motors

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

The Ather Rizta lineup introduces two variants equipped with advanced features. The Rizta S features a 7-inch LCD instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation, while the Rizta Z enhances the experience with a 7-inch TFT console and Google Maps navigation. 

Both variants come with innovative features like AutoHold and MagicTwist for regenerative braking, enhancing the overall riding experience. Notably, the Rizta introduces industry-first features such as integrated WhatsApp and Alexa capabilities for added convenience.

Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Suspension, Tyres & Brakes

Though our experience was limited to smooth test tracks, the suspension system appears to offer commendable compliance. On the road, the V1 is expected to provide a comfortable ride with its well-tuned setup. Its handling capabilities are excellent, demonstrating predictable and stable performance. Equipped with 12-inch wheels and MRF tyres, it delivers adequate traction, especially in dry conditions. The main stand scrapes at extreme lean angles but is hardly a concern in real-world scenarios.

Catering to diverse commuting needs, the Ather Rizta offers versatile battery options. The Rizta S and one variant of the Rizta Z come with a 2.9kWh battery pack offering a claimed IDC range of 123km, along with a 350W portable charger. Alternatively, the other variant of the Rizta Z features a larger 3.7kWh battery pack, providing an extended IDC range of 160km and a faster charging time of 4 hours and 30 minutes with the 700W Ather Duo charger.

Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Dimensions

The Vida V1 presents itself as a substantial scooter, offering a comfortable seating position. Weighing 125kg, it falls within the heavier end of the market but feels manageable. The floorboard height, seat comfort, and handlebar positioning are optimal. Additionally, it features a reverse function, common among EV scooters, and sufficient braking performance for its level of performance.

The Ather Rizta ensures an exceptional riding experience with its well-engineered suspension system, comprising a telescopic fork at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Combined with reliable braking components, including a 200mm front disc and a 130mm rear drum with CBS, the Rizta delivers optimal stopping power and control.

Vida V1 Plus vs Ather Rizta: Price

Offered in two variants, the Vida V1 Plus is priced at Rs 1,15,000, and the V1 Pro at Rs 1,45,900 (ex-showroom, including FAME 2 subsidy). Despite the subsidy, the V1 remains relatively pricey, especially compared to competitors like the Ather 450S, positioned significantly below Rs 1 lakh ex-showroom.

Ather offers the Ather Rizta in two appealing variants: the Rizta S and the Rizta Z, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Priced competitively at Rs 1,09,999 and Rs 1,24,999 for the introductory models (ex-showroom Bengaluru), the Rizta provides an attractive blend of affordability and performance. With benefits available under the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024, these prices enhance the value proposition for consumers in Bengaluru and beyond.

Verdict 

The Vida V1 offers a plethora of features but faces criticism for its pricing. At Rs 1.15 lakh ex-showroom for the V1 Plus after the FAME 2 subsidy, it stands at the top of the EV scooter market. Hero's departure from its reputation for competitive pricing may pose a challenge, considering the V1's price is nearly double that of some petrol-powered counterparts. So while there are some nice things about the Vida, we don’t think we can really recommend it to anyone, as of now. That said, the brand has actually invested in Ather itself so we hope it can learn a thing from two from Ather as well. 

The Rizta is attractively priced and targets individuals who prioritises family-oriented commuting, accommodating multiple riders daily. If you seek a similar experience, the Rizta could meet your expectations. What we are impressed about the most is just how Ather has nailed the family-friendly electric scooter segment, despite the Rizta being their first attempt at it. Even in terms of fit and finish levels, the Rizta feels extremely premium and not like the Vida, which in some places feels like some bootstrapped startup made it. So be it in terms of looks or the way it rides, our choice is the Rizta.