While the motorcycle segment in India witnessed a truckload of new names in 2023, the scooter industry seems to have taken it rather easy. We saw only a handful of scooter launches this year including both, ICE and EVs. So, here are the ones that made it to the top.
Honda Activa 6G Smart Key
Honda upgraded its Activa lineup this year by launching the Activa 6G Smart Key model. While this Honda scooter is already a household name in India, the manufacturer has now tried to up the ante by making the Activa 6G more modern with keyless operations. It allows the rider to access the handlebar lock/unlock, under-seat storage, and open the fuel lid without removing the physical key. Moreover, the Honda Activa 6G Smart Key also received features like an anti-theft function, and vehicle tracking making it more convenient. That said, the design language, engine, and hardware remain unchanged as Activa has found massive success over the years with the said setup. Honda has priced the Activa 6G at Rs. 76,234 (ex-showroom, Delhi) onwards.
Hero MotoCorp began 2023 with the launch of its sporty offering, the Xoom. It boasts a fairly unique design with cuts and creases all over and should appeal to the youth. Hero has packaged affordability and practicality with a dash of modern features including an LED headlight, LCD with Bluetooth connectivity, cornering lights, and a USB charging port. Hero has powered the Xoom with a 110.9cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that dishes out 8.05bhp and 8.70Nm. There are three variants in total - LX, ZX, and VX. These three differ in terms of pricing, hardware, and features.
Ather 450X and 450S
Ather too revised its product portfolio this year. The brand now offers two variants of the 450X and also brought in a new model, dubbed the 450S. Speaking of the X, there are two battery pack options for it – 2.9kWh and 3.7kWh. On the other hand, the 450S gets a 2.9kWh and different features including a new Deep View display with new switch cubes compared to the X models. The asking price for the 450X is Rs. 1,37,999 for the smaller battery pack and Rs. 1,44,921 (both ex-showroom, Bengaluru) for the larger battery pack. However, the brand also has an additional offering called the Pro Pack which gives you access to all the features on the scooter. But that commands an additional cost of Rs. 20,000. On the other hand, the 450S is priced at Rs. 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru).
Ola S1X
Ola Electric unveiled another offering this year too and it is called the S1X. Now, the S1X range has three different variants - 2kWh, standard, and Plus. The S1X range is said to be the most affordable in Ola’s electric scooter line. It undercuts the S1 and the S1 Air as well. For reference, the S1X base trim costs Rs. 89,999, while the mid and Plus variants are priced at Rs. 99,999 and Rs. 1,09,999 (all ex-showroom, Bengaluru), respectively. Apart from the price, the models also differ in terms of battery capacity, top speed, features, and charging time.
2024 Bajaj Chetak Urbane
Last but not least, Bajaj too refreshed its Chetak electric scooter range and launched the 2024 Chetak Urbane. The Chakan-based two-wheeler maker introduced a set of features that are included in the TecPac. The Chetak Urbane now gets hill hold, reverse mode, a full smartphone connectivity package that includes tamper alerts, OTA updates, and a higher top speed of 73kmph, unlike the standard variant’s 63kmph. Bajaj is offering the Chetak Urbane in four paint schemes and has priced it at Rs. 1,15,001 (ex-showroom, Pune).
