Rule of Three

With over 6.5 lakh units sold, TVS currently rules the electric scooter segment in terms of sales. While the iQube was a raging success, the X was not as much. Will the Orbiter prove to be the brand's third act?

- Story: Abhisu Poddar Photography: Kalidas M

THE RS 1-LAKH electric scooter segment is now a supersaturated one, thanks to players like Ather, BGauss, Chetak, Honda, Kinetic, Ola, Vida... I'll run out of my word-limit, but you get the idea. TVS, however, has managed to lead the sales chart with just two products in its portfolio, with the iQube carrying most of the burden, thanks to its conventional scooter-like design, ample space and comfort, decent features, and an accessible price tag. Now, the Hosur-based brand is looking to expand its presence with a new entry-level electric scooter.

Enter the Orbiter. New wheels, chassis, battery pack, motor—a brand-new product from the ground up, the Orbiter was never meant to be a sidekick to the iQube. Instead, it’s a superhero in its own right, being lighter by two kilograms and claiming a longer IDC range of 158 kilometres from a smaller 3.1-kWh battery. Positioned for younger buyers but designed to be practical enough for families as well, everything about the Orbiter is fresh.

I must acknowledge: it's not easy to make straight lines look appealing. A huge departure from the iQube's conventional scooter-like design, TVS has done a commendable job of sculpting a boxy, robotic, industrial silhouette that looks youthful and energetic at the same time. While the bodylines verge on sober minimalism, the trademark Neon Sunburst colour scheme arrests attention with its extreme maximalism: there’s no doubt the Orbiter is a funky-looking scooter that stands out amongst its more conventionally styled rivals. Worry not, there are five more shades on offer, all more toned down and subtler, which are sure to attract those who wish to remain more low-key.