TVS Orbiter vs TVS iQube: Picking The Best Electric Scooter For You

TVS had recently launched the Orbiter in India, as an affordable EV for those customers who are looking to get their first electric scooter. While the New TVS Orbiter is positioned below the TVS iQube, the choice between the two can be a bit confusing. Do not worry though. We will help you pick the best electric scooter for yourself. 

In our previous articles, we had done a detailed comparison between the iQube base variant and the Orbiter, and in our opinion, the Orbiter is a better value-for-money proposition of the two. So here we are going to see if the Orbiter can stand out compared to the midspec and top-end variants of the iQube.

Performance

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the performance offered by the three e-scooters. 

In terms of performance, the iQube S and iQube ST variants have a slight edge compared to the Orbiter, which only offers a claimed top speed of 68kmph.

Rider Aids

In terms of rider aids, all 3 are evenly matched, but the Orbiter and iQube ST offer cruise control. This is something which will come in handy for those riders whose commutes involve highway runs.

That said, the utility of this feature is something which we cannot say for certain, as uninterrupted stretches of road are rare even in highways these days.

Battery and Range

From the table, it is clear that the TVS Orbiter offers a slightly more range compared to the iQube S, but lower than the iQube ST’s top variant. The additional range offered really makes the Orbiter a lot more commuter-friendly compared to the iQube variants. For riders who are more range-conscious on a budget, the Orbiter is a good option.

Features & Utility

Overall, in terms of features, the top-of-the-line TVS iQube ST wins. But when it comes to value for money, the Orbiter is able to offer almost the same features in a more affordable package.

That said, there will be many who might prefer the premium feel that the iQube S will be able to offer with the TFT console despite the higher price.

Which One Is For Whom?

We can see that all 3 models have something unique to offer. The Orbiter stands out as a simple, no-nonsense electric scooter which offers good range and can easily handle your commuting needs. It might not feel as premium as the others, with the rather simple colour LCD console but it manages to get the job done. 

The TVS Orbiter is priced at Rs 99,990 (ex-showroom Bengaluru, including PM E-Drive subsidy), and is suited for budget-conscious buyers who want an affordable e-scooter, with most of the bells and whistles.

The TVS iQube S variant feels a bit more premium compared to the Orbiter. However, it just doesn’t manage to offer a significant enough bump in terms of performance or features to justify the premium. For perspective, the iQube S comes at a price of Rs 1,29,990 (ex-showroom Bengaluru, including PM E-Drive subsidy) which means it is Rs 30,000 more expensive than the Orbiter. The iQube S only makes sense if you’re someone who really wants a more premium feel and slightly more performance.

The TVS iQube ST variant feels a lot more premium, with more features and better performance. The addition of voice assist really does elevate the experience as compared to the Orbiter and the iQube S. The iQube ST 3.5kWh variant starts at Rs 1.44 lakh, and the 5.3kWh is priced at Rs 1.76 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom Bengaluru, including PM E-Drive subsidy. The iQube ST is for those who want the most premium experience and the best performance.