The TVS Electric iQube is a scooter from TVS Electric. It is currently on sale. Scooters are made for easy city riding: automatic, step-through and usually with storage under the seat. It is electric, so there is no engine oil, clutch or exhaust to maintain — servicing centres on the brakes, tyres, suspension and battery health.
Its electric motor produces 3.68 kW and 33 Nm of torque. Divide power by kerb weight and it has about 44 PS per tonne; by that measure, performance is modest — fine for city traffic and steady cruising, less so for quick highway overtakes. The claimed top speed is 68 km/h. Charging times: 0-80% - 2.5 hr.
Being electric, it has no gears or clutch — you twist the throttle and go.
It is built around a tubular structure frame. Suspension is by telescopic forks at the front and hydraulic twin tube shock absorber at the rear. Braking is by a drum at the front and a drum at the rear, with a combined braking system (SBT). Using the rear brake lever also applies some front brake, which shortens stops for riders who lean on the rear brake. It rides on 12-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, 90/90 - 12 at both ends.
The seat is 770 mm off the ground, which is low and makes it easy to put your feet down. It weighs 115 kg ready to ride, light enough to push around and park easily. Ground clearance is 157 mm — adequate, though tall speed breakers need care. It is 1,805 mm long, with 1,301 mm between the axles.
Equipment includes a digital instrument console, an LED headlamp, USB charging port, call and SMS alerts, distance-to-empty readout, geo-fencing, ride-by-wire throttle and boot light. Safety equipment includes SBT, side-stand engine cut-off, side-stand warning and hazard light switch. It has an eco and Power riding mode.
It is best suited to city errands and riders who would rather not shift gears. Its low seat also makes it approachable for shorter and newer riders. Being electric, it suits riders with somewhere to charge it at home or at work.
Recommended tyre pressures are 24 psi front and 32 psi rear riding alone, and 24 psi front and 36 psi rear with a pillion. For battery health, avoid leaving it fully drained or parked in strong heat for long periods.