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Electric scooters offer a lot of advantages over petrol scooters, like reduced fuel costs, minimal maintenance, zero pollution, a better driving experience, modern tech & features.
In fact, in FY2024, there was a steep growth in the number of electric scooter sales – around 1.15 million, which is 33% more than the previous year (Source – GrowthJockey). According to a McKinsey Insight, by 2030, the electric scooter sales will capture 60-70% of the total scooter sales in India.
While it’s a great time to buy an electric scooter, some buyers still hesitate due to range anxiety, charging convenience, and limited charging infrastructure. If the reason you’re hesitant to buy an electric scooter is related to range anxiety or charging limitations, an electric scooter with a removable battery can be a great solution.
Electric Scooters With Removable Battery: What are they?
In simple terms, electric scooters with a removable battery are the EVs that offer convenience for users, where they can detach the primary or secondary battery from the scooter and carry it anywhere they want to charge it or to swap it with a charged battery.
This allows users to quickly swap a low battery with a fully charged one in just a few minutes. Also, they can take the battery anywhere to charge it, without depending on public charging stations or waiting for hours to recharge on the go.
While there are quite a few brands that offer removable battery options, in this post, we will introduce you to the top 5 electric scooters with removable batteries in India and also list what’s good about them and what’s not so good.
1. Hero Vida V2 (Starts at ₹1.3 Lakh, 2 portable batteries – 3.44 KWh)
The Hero Vida V2 is an electric scooter from Hero’s electric sub-brand Vida, targeted towards young and family-oriented daily city commuters. Popular for its reliability and build quality, this scooter offers a convenient ride experience that fits perfectly for city riding and manoeuvring in traffic.
Vida V2 comes with two swappable lithium-ion batteries: a 3.44 and 3.94 kWh option, based on the variant you choose, offering a claimed range of up to 165 km per charge, depending on the mode and riding pattern.
Hero Vida V2 Key Specs:
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Motor Power: 6 kW (Peak), 3.9 kW (Continuous)
- Top Speed: 90 km/h
- Acceleration (0-40 km/h): 3.4 seconds (Sport Mode)
- Battery Options: 3.44 kWh or 3.94 kWh (2 portable batteries)
- Claimed Range: 165 km/charge on the top variant
- Charging Time (0-80%): 5.15 hours approximately
- Riding Modes: Eco, Ride & Sport
Hero Vida V2 Noteworthy Features:
It gets a 7-inch TFT touch instrument panel, Cruise Mode, Keyless Start, Regenerative Braking, LED Projector Headlamps, 26L boot space, GPS & Navigation, Follow me Home Lights, Electronic Seat and Handle Lock.
Hero Vida V2 – What’s good?
- Both batteries can be swapped, allowing you to easily swap one or both batteries.
- Cruise mode helps you relax on long rides or on open roads
- Service and availability across cities are good because of the parent brand Hero
Hero Vida V2 – What’s not so good?
- Higher price tag compared to the competitors
- Real-world range is around 120 km – it could have been better
- 26 Litres of boot space – 10-12 litres short because of swappable batteries
The price of the Hero Vida V2 ranges between ₹1.3 Lakh to ₹1.45 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
2. Simple Energy One (Starts at ₹1.65 Lakh, Removable battery – 1.3 KWh)
Simple Energy One (Standard) is a high-performance electric scooter from Simple Energy that combines technology, convenience, and range in one package. It is a simple yet aesthetically pleasing scooter which offers excellent balance and confidence while riding in the city or on highways.
The scooter is popular for its claimed 248 km range and its top speed of 105 km/h. It houses two batteries, a 3.1 kWh fixed battery and a 1.3 kWh removable battery, making it efficient and practical for riders.
Simple Energy One Key Specs:
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Motor Power: 8.5 kW (Peak), 4.5 kW (Continuous)
- Top Speed: 105 km/h
- Acceleration (0-40 km/h): 2.7 seconds (Sonic Mode)
- Battery Options: 5.0 kWh combined (1.3 kWh portable battery)
- Claimed Range: 248 Kms/charge
- Charging Time (0-80%): 3.47 hours approximately
- Riding Modes: Eco, Ride, Dash and Sonic
Simple Energy One (Standard) Noteworthy Features:
It gets a 7-inch TFT touch instrument panel, 30L boot space, Simple Companion App, Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS), Both disk brakes, Reverse Assist, Cruise Control & Regenerative Braking.
Simple Energy One (Standard) – What’s good?
- The overall build quality of the scooter is really good in comparison to competitors.
- Riding experience, braking and speed control are amazing
- Real-world range of 180+ kms (ride mode) – an amazing number amongst its peers
Simple Energy One (Standard) – What’s not so good?
- Limited availability – Strong presence across a few cities only for now
- The Simple Energy Companion app can be improved (Sync issues reported by users)
- Braking could have been better, especially at higher speeds
The price of the Simple Energy One is ₹1.67 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
3. Ampere Magnus EX (Starts at ₹87,000, Removable battery – 2.3 KWh)
Ampere Magnus EX is an electric scooter from Ampere Greaves, focused on urban commuting with practical features and a moderate range. It is a simple, entry-level, and affordable electric scooter that offers a removable battery option.
The scooter offers a claimed range of 95 km on a full charge and houses a 2.3 kWh portable single battery. It offers a lighter 108 kg of kerb weight, making it suitable for riders who prefer lightweight vehicles.
Ampere Magnus EX Key Specs:
- Motor Type: 2.1 kW BLDC hub motor
- Top Speed: 65 km/h
- Acceleration (0-40 km/h): 6.5 seconds
- Battery Option: 2.3 kWh (portable battery)
- Claimed Range: 95 Kms/charge
- Charging Time (0-100%): 7 hours approximately
- Riding Modes: Eco and City
Ampere Magnus EX Noteworthy Features:
It gets a Reverse Mode, 3.5-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster, USB Charging Port, LED Headlights, and 22 Litres Storage Space.
Ampere Magnus EX – What’s good?
- Affordable price – for an electric scooter with a removable battery
- Lightweight, easy to ride in the city
Simple Energy One (Standard) – What’s not so good?
- Underpowered – Does not give you a slick acceleration
- You get only basic features
- Average build quality – could have been better, but justified for the price tag.
The price of the Ampere Magnus EX is ₹87,000 (Ex-showroom)
4. Honda Activa E (Starts at ₹1.17 Lakh, Swappable Batteries – 3 kWh combined)
Honda Activa E is Honda’s electric version of its popular petrol scooter Activa, tailored for city commuting with a blend of familiar design and added features. The scooter brings the same vibes as its popular petrol offering and reliable build quality.
Activa E is offered with two removable batteries that can be swapped at Honda’s e: Swap battery swapping network. So going from 0 to 100% is a matter of just a few minutes. There is no plug-in charging system, which means you cannot charge the battery at your home.
Honda Activa E Key Specs:
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Motor Power: 6 kW (Peak)
- Top Speed: 80 km/h
- Acceleration (0-40 km/h): 7.3 and 3 seconds (Sonic Mode)
- Battery Options: 3 kWh combined (1.5 kWh + 1.5 kWh swappable battery)
- Claimed Range: 102 Kms
- Charging Time (0-100%): Swappable Only (Under 5 mins)
- Riding Modes: Eco, Normal and Sport
Honda Activa E Noteworthy Features:
It comes with a 7-inch TFT touch instrument panel, Map & Navigation, LED Lights, USB Charging Port, Smart Key with Keyless Function, and Reverse Assist.
Honda Activa E – What’s good?
- Swappable batteries – Both batteries can be swapped in under 5 minutes at once
- Reliable Honda build quality and extensive service network.
Honda Activa E – What’s not so good?
- No plugin charging – have to rely on swapping stations always
- Charging cost at Honda’s e: Swap battery swapping network is on the higher side
- Not a value for money deal, especially in terms of features, design and practicality
- Very limited under-seat storage or boot space
- Honda’s e: Swap battery swapping network is not available everywhere
The price of the Honda Activa E ranges from ₹1.17 to ₹1.53 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
5. Hero Vida VX2 Plus (Starts at ₹1.2 Lakh, Removable Batteries – 3.4 kWh combined)
The Hero Vida VX2 is an entry-to-mid electric scooter placed below the Vida V2 series. It’s best suited for riders who value budget and city-friendly usability over high performance, offering a comfortable and easy-to-handle ride for everyday use.
It offers excellent build quality, reliability, and practicality, and comes with two portable batteries of 1.7 kWh each, which can be charged anywhere and offer a claimed range of 142 km on a full charge.
Hero Vida VX2 Plus Key Specs:
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM)
- Motor Power: 6 kW (Peak), 3.9 kW (Continuous)
- Top Speed: 80 km/h
- Acceleration (0-40 km/h): 3.1 seconds (Sport Mode)
- Battery Options: 3.4 kWh (2 portable batteries)
- Claimed Range: 142 Kms/charge
- Charging Time (0-80%): 4.13 hours approximately
- Riding Modes: Eco, Ride & Sport
Hero Vida VX2 Plus Noteworthy Features:
Gets a 4.3‑inch LCD digital console, Bluetooth Connectivity, Turn By Turn Navigation, OTA Updates, USB Charging Port, Geo-Fencing, and LED Lights.
Hero Vida VX2 Plus – What’s good?
- Both batteries can be swapped, allowing you to easily swap one or both batteries.
- Ride and handling are pretty comfortable.
- Service and availability across cities are good because of the parent brand Hero.
- The Battery As A Service (BaaS) model is available.
Hero Vida VX2 Plus – What’s not so good?
- Higher price tag compared to the competitors
- Real-world range is around 95 km – it could have been better
- Drum brakes are offered – Might not be very effective for sudden stops
The price of the Hero Vida VX2 Plus is ₹1.2 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
Final Verdict
These were the top 5 electric scooters with a removable battery in India you can buy now. Choosing the right one for yourself starts with listing your priorities and what you want from your electric scooter.
For example,
- If you are someone who needs a premium electric scooter that offers great looks, acceleration, range, build quality, and top-notch features, and don’t mind spending a little extra, you can definitely go for Simple Energy One (Standard).
- If you are looking for an affordable electric scooter and don’t mind living with basic features and average performance, the Ampere Magnus EX is a good choice for you.
- If you reside in Bengaluru, Delhi or Mumbai, and you are someone who is always on the go with limited time to charge or access to home charging or just need an alternative to charging your scooter at home, Honda Active E might be an option.
- If you want durable, reliable and all-round electric scooters with a removable battery, you can consider Hero V2 or Hero VX2 based on your budget.
While there are these options available now to choose from, there are other upcoming electric scooters with removable battery options in the near future. One of the prominent and awaited launches is the Ola S1Z, which will be priced at a starting price of ₹60,000.
What would we choose if we were buying?
Personally, we are more inclined towards the Simple Energy One (Standard Variant) from the above list because of its build quality, riding experience, speed, real-world riding range and great features it brings to the table. Suppose you are considering the Simple Energy One, it is also important to check the brand’s presence in your city beforehand so that aftercare, service and maintenance can be easily arranged.
You can check out our detailed review of the Simple Energy One here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF52JhuJqvQ
