New Hero Vida VX2 vs Honda Activa e – Which One To Pick?

The electric scooter segment is heating up in India, with plenty of options for the buyers

In this post, we compare the new Hero Vida VX2 and the Honda Activa e in terms of specs, prices and features. The electric scooter category has become immensely popular in India in the past few years. This is due to the fact that both new startups and legacy two-wheeler manufacturers have entered this space. The future of mobility will certainly be electrified. As a consequence, we are beginning to see a rise in sales of electric two-wheelers. For now, let us take a look at the details of this comparison here.

Hero Vida VX2 vs Honda Activa e – Price Comparison

The prices of the new Hero Vida VX2 start at Rs 59,490 with BaaS and Rs 99,490 with the battery for the VX2 Go, while the VX2 Plus starts at Rs 64,990 with BaaS and Rs 109,990 with the battery. The interesting aspect is the BaaS (Battery-as-a-Service) program, which makes the deal financially sweet. On the other hand, the Honda Activa e ranges between Rs 1.17 lakh and Rs 1.52 lakh, ex-showroom. Clearly, the Vida VX2 has an edge in this regard.

Hero Vida VX2 vs Honda Activa e – Specs Comparison

The Hero Vida VX2 is on sale in two versions – VX2 Plus and VX2 Go. These are offered in distinct battery pack configurations – dual 1.72 kWh and single 2.2 kWh, respectively. The dual battery setup allows practicality by enabling buyers to charge one battery at home. Furthermore, the VX2 Plus offers three ride modes – Eco, Ride and Sport, while the VX2 Go only gets the first two modes. As per IDC, the real-world range figures are somewhere around 142 km and 92 km, respectively. Also, the top speed is 80 km/h and 70 km/h, respectively.

Moreover, the electric scooter offers a usable ground clearance of 155 mm. The seat height is a decent 777 mm. The 0-40 km/h acceleration comes up in just 3.1 seconds. Interestingly, it takes 60 minutes to charge the battery from 0 to 80% and 2 hours for 0 to 100% using a fast charger. However, with a 580 W charger, you will need to plug in for 3 hours 53 minutes with the Go and 5 hours 39 minutes with the Plus to charge fully. Finally, the vehicle warranty is 5 years or 50,000 km, while the battery warranty is 3 years or 30,000 km. 

On the other hand, the Honda Activa e comes with two swappable batteries with a capacity of 1.5 kWh each. In this configuration, it offers a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 102 km. One gets to choose between three ride modes – Eco, Standard and Sport. This will allow the users to ride it as per their requirements. The e-scooter has a wheelbase of 1,310 mm and a kerb weight of 119 kg. The battery and the scooter come with a 3-year/50,000 km warranty to give the users peace of mind. It has 12-inch wheels with a front disc brake and rear drum brake. Clearly, both of these are compelling propositions. With a standard charger, it takes 4-5 hours to charge fully.

Features Comparison

This is arguably the most important aspect among new-age products. Customers want the absolute top tech, convenience and connectivity amenities in their automobiles. Hence, bike companies equip their two-wheelers with all the latest bells and whistles. Firstly, let us delve into the top highlights of the newly launched Hero Vida VX2:

• 4.3-inch TFT Display (Plus) or LCD (Go)
• OTA (Over-the-air) Software Updates
• Geofence Alerts
• Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) Updates
• Turn-by-turn Navigation
• Call/SMS Alert
• Crash and Fall Detection
• Remote Immobilization
• Over-speed Alerts
• 33.2-litre Boot Space (with removable battery)
• 27.2-litre (underseat capacity with Plus variant)
• Full LED Setup with Projector Headlamps
• VX2 Plus Colours – Autumn Orange and Matt Gun Metal Grey
• VX2 GO Colours – Pearl Red and Nexus Blue

Similarly, even the Honda Activa e boasts tons of the latest functionalities to pamper the occupants. These are:

• 7-inch TFT Screen
• Bluetooth
• Navigation
• Telematics
• USB Charging
• Honda RoadSync Duo App
• Smart Key
• Call and Music Alerts
• Real-time Location Tracking
• 3 Riding Modes – Econ, Standard and Sports
• Reverse Mode
• Dual Pockets with 15W USB-C Port
• LED Lighting

My View

I must admit that both of these electric scooters are extremely compelling. However, there is a significant difference between their prices. This is especially true when it comes to the fact that the Hero Vida VX2 offers BaaS. That takes down the initial costs drastically. In any case, both these offer decent performance, range and amenities. I would urge our readers to experience the two in the flesh before making a decision.

Also Read: Hero Vida VX2 vs 175 kg – 0-60-75 km/h Test