TVS ORBITER

The electric scooter market in India is heating up, with established players pushing the envelope in terms of technology, performance, and design.

- CHRISTOPHER CHAVES

TVS, one of the more prominent two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, already has the iQube in its electric portfolio, which has been a fairly well-rounded offering. But now, the manufacturer has taken a different approach with its new electric scooter, the Orbiter. I got a chance to spend some time with the Orbiter at the company’s testing facility, and here’s what I think of this intriguing new entrant.

Battery 3.1kWh Range 158km (IDC in Eco) Max Power 2.5kW Charging (0-80% SoC) 4hrs 10mins (650W) KG Kerb Weight 112kg Price 1 lakh (ex-showroom)

At first glance, the TVS Orbiter doesn’t exactly scream futuristic. In fact, its design could easily be described as boxy and, well, a bit odd. The scooter uses a 14-inch wheel up front and a 12-inch wheel at the rear, which results in a somewhat disproportionate stance. If you look at the flyscreen, it might even seem like it belongs on a different kind of scooter altogether. Initially, I wasn’t fond of the design, especially when I first saw it in the launch photos. But after spending some time with the scooter in person, I must admit, the odd look grew on me a little.

The Orbiter’s styling might not scream ‘rocket ship’, but it’s clear that the scooter is designed with comfort and practicality in mind. Its large seat, abundant legroom, and boxy dimensions scream ‘cargo carrier’ more than anything. The LED headlamps and the LED light strip at both ends are sharp, but overall, the design is more about function than form.

Currently, the Orbiter is available in a variant equipped with a drum brake at the front, and no disc brakes are offered on either end. It uses a combined braking system, and it obviously lacks ABS. On the plus side, the fit and finish of the scooter are excellent, as is typical with all modern TVS products. However, I have to say that the reverse LCD display feels a little too tacky for my taste. It could have been more refined.