Five lightweight scooters under a modest budget for Diwali buyers

As Diwali nears, families begin shopping for new things. For those thinking of gifting a stylish, lightweight and easy-to-ride scooter to their wife, there are several options in the market. Some outlets may also offer scooters on a low down payment. Buyers should therefore check the price, mileage, engine capacity and features before choosing. Here are five popular scooters that may suit women riders.

The first is the TVS Jupiter, counted among the popular scooters in the Indian market. Many customers like it for its comfortable ride, useful features and daily commuting. According to the information provided, its starting ex-showroom price is Rs 72,400, though this may vary by model and variant. It has features such as a USB charging port. The Jupiter 125 variant has a 125cc single-cylinder engine producing 8 bhp of power and 10.5 Nm of torque. With iGO Assist technology, the output rises in some conditions to 8.44 bhp and 11.1 Nm. It comes with a CVT automatic transmission. The Jupiter 125 has 12-inch alloy wheels, a telescopic front fork and, depending on the variant, disc or drum brakes.

The second is the Honda Activa 6G. The Activa is one of the most recognised scooter series in the country. Many customers choose it for its dependable engine, easy handling and build suited to daily use. According to the information provided, the Activa 6G starts at Rs 74,369. It has a 109.51cc 4-stroke BS6 engine producing 7.99 PS at 8,000 rpm and 9.05 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Company-claimed mileage can differ from real-world use; the information provided puts it at about 59.5 kmpl. It has a 5.3-litre fuel tank, telescopic front suspension, 3-step adjustable rear suspension, a combined braking system (CBS) and tubeless tyres. It can be considered for household errands, small market trips and commuting to work.

The third is the TVS Scooty Zest 110, an option for those who want a light, easy-to-handle scooter. It weighs about 103 kg and has a seat height of 760 mm, so it may be comfortable even for shorter riders. Its ex-showroom price starts at Rs 67,650. It has a 109.7cc single-cylinder engine producing 7.81 PS and 8.8 Nm of torque. Mileage may vary with usage and road conditions; the information provided puts it at about 48 to 55 kmpl. Features include 19-litre under-seat storage, an LED tail lamp, a 3D logo, a USB charger and a dual-tone seat. It also has synchronised braking technology (SBT), tubeless tyres and a parking brake. Its low weight and compact design may help on crowded city roads.

The fourth is the Hero Pleasure+ XTEC, which can be considered by those looking for a scooter with trendy design and modern features. It has retro-modern styling, chrome finish and a comfortable seat with a backrest. It weighs about 106 kg, so it may be relatively easy to handle in the city. The ex-showroom price starts at Rs 69,766. It has a 110.9cc BS6 air-cooled engine producing 8.15 PS and 8.7 Nm of torque. Mileage may be about 50 to 52 kmpl. Features include Bluetooth connectivity, call and SMS alerts, a digital-analogue console, an LED projector headlight and a USB charging port.

The fifth is the Yamaha Fascino 125 FI Hybrid, an option for those who want a distinct design, light weight and hybrid technology together. It weighs about 98 kg, the lightest of the five. The ex-showroom price starts at Rs 77,980. It has a 125cc air-cooled, fuel-injected mild-hybrid engine producing 8.2 PS and 10.3 Nm of torque. Smart Motor Generator technology can provide electric assist while accelerating. It has Y-Connect Bluetooth connectivity, a digital console and 21-litre under-seat storage. Mileage may vary with usage; the information provided puts it at about 50 to 55 kmpl.

When buying a scooter at Diwali, buyers should not decide on the starting price alone. They should also consider weight, seat height, braking system, mileage, servicing cost and daily travel needs. If possible, take a test ride and let your wife ride the scooter herself.

Down payment and finance offers may differ by dealer, city, variant and loan terms. Before booking, confirm the on-road price, interest rate, processing fee and any Diwali offer that applies. The prices and features above are as per the information provided; before buying, check the latest details with the company's official website or the nearest dealer.