Ola S1, Ather Konark and TVS iQube compete for budget e-scooter buyers

Electric scooter sections in India's two-wheeler showrooms are crowded these days. In the budget segment, the Ather Konark, Ola S1 and TVS iQube are in a close contest. For first-time e-scooter buyers, not just price but also range, service and battery warranty matter a great deal.

On price, the Ola S1 is considered the cheapest entry-level option. Ola's S1 X variant series is available at around Rs 70,000, so buyers on a budget look at it first. The Ather Konark starts at Rs 99,999. Ather, known as a premium brand, has launched this family scooter on its new "EL platform", offering the company's build quality and software at that price. The TVS iQube starts slightly higher than both rivals, but TVS gives buyers plenty of choice in variants.

On range, the top variant of the TVS iQube (ST) offers the highest on paper, at 212 km, while the top variant of the Ather Konark offers 200 km. Ola's different variants also offer good range. Buyers should remember that, given Indian roads, traffic and load, the real-world range of all the scooters turns out to be 15 to 30 per cent lower than the claim.

In design and features, the Ather Konark stands out for its sturdy build and family-oriented design. It has a metal body, a steel unibody chassis and a 14-inch front wheel, along with suspension that gives comfort on bad roads. This makes it well suited to family use. The base model has the DeepView digital display, while the high-end model gets features such as a TFT touchscreen, AutoHold and MagicKey.

The Ola S1 is known for its high-tech features and smart experience. With a large touchscreen, cruise control, reverse mode and over-the-air (OTA) software updates, it appeals strongly to tech-minded young buyers. However, some technical problems with the app and software may call for servicing from time to time.

The TVS iQube has been on the market since 2020 and gives a ride as comfortable as a conventional petrol scooter. Its biggest strength is its service network. In smaller cities (Tier-2 and Tier-3), TVS has thousands of dealerships and service centres, which Ola and Ather do not yet fully match.

So which scooter suits whom? The Ola S1 is a good option for those who want high-tech features on a low budget. Those who want premium build quality, safety and better software should consider the Ather Konark. And for those who plan long rides, will use it with family and want no worry about service, the TVS iQube proves the safest and most dependable choice.