India’s streets are buzzing with an electric revolution, and Hero MotoCorp’s Hero Vida VX2 has stormed in as a serious contender. Launched at a disruptive starting price of ₹59,490 (after FAME II subsidy), this scooter promises practicality without breaking the bank. But does it deliver? Buckle up as we dissect every feature, performance metric, and hidden detail of the most talked-about budget EV of 2024.
Why the Vida VX2 Matters Now
With cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai pushing EV adoption (and bike-taxi services like Rapido expanding electric fleets), the Hero Vida VX2 enters a market hungry for affordable, daily-use EVs. Hero’s timing is strategic—amid rising fuel costs and pollution mandates, this scooter targets India’s massive middle-class commuter segment.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | VX2 | VX2+ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹64,990 | ₹69,990 |
| Post-Subsidy | ₹59,490 | ₹64,490 |
| Battery | 2.0 kWh Fixed | 2.0 kWh Removable |
| Range | 65 km* | 63 km* |
| Top Speed | 40 km/h | 40 km/h |
| Charging Time | 5 hrs (0-100%) | 4.5 hrs (portable) |
| Boot Space | 14 L | 14 L |
*IDC-certified range. Real-world: ~55 km with city traffic.
5 Reasons the Vida VX2 Stands Out
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Aggressive Pricing
Starting 19% cheaper than the Ola S1 Air (₹1.05 lakh), Hero leverages economies of scale to target first-time EV buyers. The ₹59,490 price tag (after FAME II) undercuts rivals dramatically. -
Removable Battery (VX2+)
Unlike fixed-battery competitors, the Hero Vida VX2+ lets you carry its 2kWh battery indoors—a game-changer for apartment dwellers. Charge it like a power bank! -
“My Wish, My Way” Customization
Hero offers 75+ color combos, accessory packs (priced ₹2,000-₹5,000), and themed graphics—making each Hero Vida VX2 unique. -
Hero’s Service Network
With 6,500+ service centers nationwide (compared to Ola’s 600), maintenance anxiety drops significantly. -
Regenerative Braking
Recaptures energy during deceleration, boosting real-world range by 8-10% in stop-and-go traffic.
The Not-So-Good: 3 Drawbacks
⚠️ Speed Cap: Limited to 40 km/h (Ola S1 Air hits 85 km/h). Not ideal for highway use.
⚠️ Basic Display: Analog-digital combo (vs Ather’s 7-inch touchscreen). Lacks navigation.
⚠️ No Fast Charging: 5-hour charging feels slow next to Bounce Infinity’s 1-hour swap.
Real-World Range Test
In Bengaluru traffic, we recorded:
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Eco Mode: 62 km (full charge)
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Sport Mode: 53 km
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With Pillion: 48 km
Verdict: Perfect for 20-30km daily commutes.
Vida VX2 vs Rivals
| Model | Price | Range | Top Speed | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vida VX2+ | ₹64,490 | 63 km | 40 km/h | Removable 2 kWh |
| Ola S1 Air | ₹1.05 L | 125 km | 85 km/h | Fixed 3 kWh |
| TVS iQube | ₹1.17 L | 100 km | 78 km/h | Fixed 3.4 kWh |
| The VX2 wins on price, but power seekers should look elsewhere. |
Tech & Connectivity
The Vida app (Android/iOS) offers:
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Battery status alerts
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Theft tracking via GPS
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Service reminders
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Ride statistics
Missing: Geo-fencing and music controls (available in Ola).
Safety: Built for Indian Roads
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130mm Drum Brakes (Front/Rear)
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Tubeless Tyres with puncture-resistant lining
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Side-Stand Cutoff (auto power disable)
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IP67 Water Resistance (monsoon-ready!)
Expert Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
BUY IF:
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You need a budget-friendly city runabout (<30km daily)
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Charging infrastructure is limited (removable battery = lifeline)
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Hero’s service network matters for peace of mind
SKIP IF:
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You regularly ride >40 km/day
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Highway commuting is non-negotiable
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Tech features (touchscreen, voice control) are priorities
The Bigger Picture: EVs and Urban Mobility
As Karnataka debates bike-taxi regulations (Livemint), EVs like the VX2 could revolutionize last-mile connectivity. Hero’s strategy aligns with India’s FAME II push for affordable EVs (Heavy Industries Ministry), positioning the VX2 as a catalyst for mass adoption.
Final Thoughts
The Hero Vida VX2 isn’t a premium powerhouse—it’s a pragmatic, no-frills EV for India’s everyday hero. At ₹59,490, it democratizes electric mobility better than any scooter today. While power enthusiasts may frown, budget-conscious commuters just found their champion.