KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The TVS Orbiter electric scooter is a budget offering in the EV scooter market
- Powered by a 3.1 kWh battery, giving a claimed range of 158 km
- Available in a single variant priced at Rs 99,900 (ex-showroom)
TVS Motor Company launched its affordable electric offering, the Orbiter electric scooter, a few weeks back. The Orbiter comes loaded with a good number of features, a decent range, and a quirky-looking design. TVS has made the scooter practical yet feature-loaded for the Gen Z and mass audience. In this article, we'll have a look at the Pros and Cons of the new TVS Orbiter electric scooter. Meanwhile, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Pros
Quirky Design For Gen Z & Young Customers
The TVS Orbiter features a quirky design language, made more attractive with its dual-tone colour options. The front infinity DRL with integrated turn signals adds to its appeal, while the visor enhances the scooters aesthetics. The dual-tone panels give it a vibrant character, the large side panels add a utilitarian touch, and the 14-inch front wheel makes it look bigger. Overall, the Orbiters design stands out from the typical commuter scooters we usually see in the market.
Big On Utility & Storage
A scooter buyer always looks for utility and underseat space, and the TVS Orbiter doesnt disappoint in this department. It comes with a 34-litre underseat storage that can easily accommodate two half-face helmets. In addition, it offers a small utility pocket at the front to hold a mobile phone while charging it via the available USB Type-A port, along with a luggage hook that can carry up to 3 kg. The underseat compartment can also fit a small backpack with ease, making it a practical option for daily grocery runs.
Loaded With Smart Tech
TVS has ensured that the Orbiter offers features designed to provide a comfortable and worry-free riding experience. It comes equipped with a 5.5-inch colour LCD instrument console, Cruise Control, Park Assist, Hill Hold, a Synchronized Braking System (SBS), Eco and City ride modes, turn-by-turn navigation, crash alert, and a host of connected features through the TVS SmartXonnect app.
Ergonomics, Ride & Handling
The Orbiter is built for daily rides, and TVS has tuned the scooter to suit everyday riding conditions. The 14-inch front wheel provides better stability, while the suspension is set up to handle rough patches of road with ease. The seat is long enough to comfortably accommodate two adults. Its handling will appeal to all kinds of riders; it's light and easily flickable in city traffic.
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Cons
No Disc Brake Variant
The TVS Orbiter comes with drum brakes only, aided by SBS. While the setup provides decent stopping power, it lacks the confidence that disc brakes usually offer. TVS should have launched a variant with the option of disc brakes. At present, most commuter electric scooters come with a disc brake option, but the Orbiter falls short in this aspect.
Limited Top Speed
The Orbiter is designed for daily commutes and new riders, and TVS has limited its top speed to 68 kmph. While this may be adequate for beginners, experienced riders might find it underwhelming, even for a city scooter. A higher-speed variant with a top speed of 8090 kmph would have been a welcome addition. Although the scooter's overall performance is good, its limited top speed could be a dealbreaker for some customers.
Long Charging Time
The TVS Orbiter is equipped with a 3.1 kWh battery pack and a 650W charger, which takes 4 hours and 10 minutes to charge from 080%. This is relatively long if you are using the scooter to its maximum range. A fast-charging option would have made it far more convenient. While TVS claims a range of 158 km, in real-world conditions, it is expected to be closer to 100120 km.
Verdict
The TVS Orbiter is a well-rounded product for new riders who plan to use it for short distances. It offers a decent set of features to keep the rider satisfied. Priced at 999,900 (ex-showroom), it gives tough competition to similarly priced rivals in the segment. However, it does miss out on powerful performance, but thats not its purpose, its designed for daily city commutes, aiming to make your rides easier.
