Electric scooter to buy in India this year 2026

If you're buying an electric scooter in India in **2026**, I'd prioritize **reliability, after-sales service, battery quality, and resale value** over just the highest claimed range. Here are the best options by category: ### Best overall: TVS iQube - Comfortable ride - Excellent service network - Reliable battery and electronics - Real-world range: around 100–140 km (depending on variant) - Price: around ₹1.1–1.5 lakh (on-road varies by city) ### Best premium: Ather 450X - Fast acceleration - Excellent software and navigation - Premium build quality - Strong charging network in many cities - Best for daily city commuters who enjoy performance. ### Best family scooter: Ather Rizta - Large, comfortable seat - Big under-seat storage - Smooth ride - Great for families and office commuting. ### Best value: Bajaj Chetak - Metal body - Excellent build quality - Very refined ride - Good resale value - One of the most dependable choices in India. ### Best for long range: Ola S1 Pro - One of the longest claimed ranges - Very quick performance - Feature-rich dashboard - Service experience has improved in many areas but still varies by location, so check your local service center before buying. ### If you want Honda reliability The **Honda Activa e:** is now available and is worth considering if you prefer Honda's brand reputation and familiar riding experience. ### My recommendations by budget - **Under ₹1 lakh:** Vida VX2 - **₹1–1.2 lakh:** TVS iQube or Bajaj Chetak - **₹1.2–1.5 lakh:** Ather Rizta - **₹1.5 lakh+:** Ather 450X or Ola S1 Pro Since you're in **India**, if you tell me: 1. your **budget** (e.g. ₹1 lakh, ₹1.5 lakh), 2. your **city**, and 3. how many **kilometers you ride each day**, I can narrow it down to the 2–3 best scooters for your specific needs.

The Indian electric scooter market in 2026 is no longer just a race for maximum range; it has matured into distinct categories based on build quality, family practicality, and software reliability. The standout options available this year are categorized below to match your specific riding style. --- ## 1. The Reliable All-Rounders (Best for Everyday Families) If you want something spacious, comfortable, and backed by a rock-solid dealer and service network, these are your best bets. ### Ather Rizta * **Price:** ~₹1.20 Lakh – ₹1.28 Lakh (Ex-showroom) * **Real-World Range:** ~120–160 km (variant dependent) * **Why Buy It:** Purpose-built for families. It features one of the largest and most comfortable seats in the segment, massive under-seat storage, and Ather's highly stable tech platform without the aggressive "sporty" posture of the 450 series. ### TVS iQube / iQube ST * **Price:** ~₹1.13 Lakh – ₹1.70 Lakh (Ex-showroom) * **Real-World Range:** ~100–150+ km * **Why Buy It:** The safest, most "conventional-feeling" transition from a petrol scooter. TVS’s expansive service network makes it a worry-free choice, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. It handles beautifully and has a very predictable power delivery. --- ## 2. The Premium Retro-Metal Choice For those who value build quality over touchscreens and high-tech gimmicks. ### Bajaj Chetak (Premium / C25) * **Price:** ~₹1.11 Lakh – ₹1.15 Lakh (Ex-showroom) * **Real-World Range:** ~113–153 km * **Why Buy It:** Unlike its plastic-clad rivals, the Chetak boasts **solid metal body panels**, giving it a premium, classic vibe and better durability. The top speed (~80 kmph) is modest, but the ride is incredibly refined and planted. --- ## 3. The Tech & Range Heavyweights If you love features, high top speeds, and want the absolute maximum range for your budget. ### Ola S1 Pro / S1 X * **Price:** ~₹89,000 (S1 X) to ~₹1.29 Lakh+ (S1 Pro) (Ex-showroom) * **Real-World Range:** ~120–150 km (Claimed range up to 320 km IDC on high-tier battery variants) * **Why Buy It:** Ola remains the market leader for raw performance and features (cruise control, proximity unlock, speakers). The S1 X brings great value for tight budgets, while the S1 Pro Gen 2 caters to tech enthusiasts. *Note: Keep in mind that their service network is still expanding to match demand.* --- ## 4. Notable New Entrants to Watch The market has seen some exciting fresh arrivals and upcoming releases later this year: * **Honda Activa e (~₹1.19 Lakh):** Honda's highly anticipated entry features dual swappable batteries, appealing to anyone who doesn't have a dedicated home charging setup. * **Ather EL01 (Expected Late 2026):** Spotted testing, this will be Ather’s most affordable, budget-friendly mass-market scooter, expected to sit around the ₹1 Lakh mark. --- ### Which one should you pick? * Choose the **Ather Rizta** or **TVS iQube** for maximum peace of mind and family utility. * Choose the **Bajaj Chetak** if you want elegant retro styling and tough metal build quality. * Choose the **Ola S1 Pro** if you want swift acceleration and high-tech features. What is your primary use case, and what kind of daily running range are you looking for?

The **best electric scooters to buy in India this year (2026)** depend heavily on whether you prioritize family utility, high tech performance, or proven brand reliability. The Indian electric two-wheeler market has seen major shifts, with legacy auto giants like and experiencing explosive, record-breaking sales growth alongside premium startup offerings. Best for Practicality and Families (Top Sellers) According to real-world registration and market trends tracked by automotive platforms like, family-centric models with massive boot spaces and reliable service networks are currently dominating the market. - **Ather Rizta**: Specifically engineered as a comfortable family alternative to traditional petrol scooters, it boasts one of the largest single-piece seats and substantial under-seat storage. - *Range*: 123 km to 159 km depending on the battery size (2.9 kWh or 3.7 kWh). - *Top Speed*: 80 km/h. - **TVS iQube ST**: Emerging as one of India's absolute top-selling EV options due to its highly trusted conventional build quality, predictable handling, and robust dealer network. - *Range*: Up to 212 km for the flagship 5.3 kWh variant. - *Top Speed*: 82 km/h. - **Bajaj Chetak**: Known for its premium all-metal body and classic styling, it has posted near-doubling year-on-year sales spikes. - *Range*: 113 km to 153 km based on the variant. - *Top Speed*: 73 km/h. Best for Tech Enthusiasts and Performance - **Ola S1 Pro**: Continues to capture heavy market share for buyers demanding maximum outright speed, aggressive acceleration, and gadget-heavy software. - *Range*: Real-world range up to 176–242 km. - *Top Speed*: Exceeds 120 km/h with Hyper mode enabled. - **Ather 450X**: Celebrated by reviewers for its superior, sharp handling, structural rigidness, and aggressive wrap-around dashboard navigation maps. - *Range*: Certified up to 161 km. - *Top Speed*: 90 km/h. Best Utility and Unique Heavy-Loaders! **River Indie**: Coined as the "SUV of scooters," it offers massive utility with unique front pannier mounts, integrated crash guards, and a wide-set, ultra-stable footboard. - *Range*: Real-world true range around 161 km from a 4 kWh pack. - *Top Speed*: 90 km/h. New Market Entrants and Major Releases If you prefer waiting a couple of months to catch the absolute latest generational shifts, keep an eye out for these massive structural launches scheduled across the remainder of the year: - **Honda Activa e**: Expected to launch in late 2026, combining India's most trusted nameplate with Honda's proprietary swappable battery ecosystem to eliminate charging wait times entirely. - **Ather EL01**: A highly anticipated, ultra-budget entry-level model built by Ather to drop premium EV tech down into sub-₹1 Lakh pricing brackets. What are your primary requirements in terms of **daily running distance (kms)**, **budget**, and whether you have a **dedicated charging plug** at home? This can help narrow down the ideal model for you.