TVS iQube S electric scooter test 2024

TVS may still be a relatively unfamiliar name in our region, but this Indian manufacturer is making waves behind the scenes, producing the G 310 models and the new CE 02 for BMW. Not only that, but TVS is also the third largest manufacturer in India, producing approximately 3.5 million vehicles annually. With such expertise, it's no wonder that TVS is set to make a big impact on our roads.

TVS has been delving into electric propulsion for scooters for about two decades. During this time, a wealth of expertise has been accumulated and retained by the manufacturer. In the case of the iQube S, only the battery cells are sourced externally, while the rest is developed and manufactured in-house - ensuring that the manufacturer's knowledge remains intact. This expertise is evident in the powertrain as well! With a rated power of 3 kW, a peak power of 4.4 kW, and a rated torque of 33 Nm, the iQube S may not be a powerhouse, but it offers efficient urban mobility. It's worth noting that this is still an A1 scooter, eligible for riding with the B-111 (AT) and B-196 (DE) driving license endorsements.

The TVS Roller impresses with its incredibly quiet electric drive. There are no whirring or vibrating noises to disturb you, allowing for a peaceful ride on two wheels without the need to pedal.

The rider is equipped with a 7-inch color TFT display serving as the control hub. While riding, two driving modes can be chosen using the mode switch: ECO and POWER. In ECO mode, the top speed is limited to 52 km/h (according to the speedometer), providing a gentle throttle response and allowing for a range of 100 kilometers. Switching to POWER mode, the TVS scooter reacts promptly and can reach a top speed of 85 km/h (according to the speedometer). However, due to the enhanced acceleration and higher top speed, the range decreases to approximately 75 kilometers.

In our test, we rode the TVS Roller in a combination of both modes, depending on the current driving conditions. The range of electric scooters can vary depending on factors such as payload, driving style, and external temperatures, but the actual range falls between 75 and 100 kilometers. This is partly due to regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery. Overall, this makes the TVS Roller a practical choice for urban commuters.

The TVS scooter features a 3.04 kWh battery, which falls within the average range for this type of vehicle. Charging is done with an external charger that plugs into a standard household outlet, taking the battery from 0 to 80 percent in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Regrettably, there is no option for a fast charger. Additionally, the battery on the iQube S model is fixed in place and cannot be removed for charging, requiring access to a nearby power source or the use of an extension cord. While this may not be an issue for those with a private garage, street parking may pose challenges for charging.

The built-in battery of the TVS iQube S provides a spacious storage compartment for an electric scooter, offering 33 liters of storage under the seat - a significant advantage compared to scooters with removable batteries. The TVS scooter stands out for its Indian road-tested development, ensuring excellent chassis comfort. It handles fast bumps effortlessly and cushions deeper bumps like manhole covers comfortably. With a seat height of 770 mm and a weight of only 118.8 kilograms, even smaller riders will find it easy to handle, making the standard parking aid (forward & reverse) rarely necessary but still a nice-to-have feature.

The TVS Roller comes equipped with an impressive braking system, featuring a 220 mm disc at the front and a 130 mm drum at the rear. These brakes provide powerful stopping power for this type of scooter, allowing for quick deceleration. While the TVS Roller lacks ABS (anti-lock braking system), it does offer CBS (combined braking system) at an attractive price point.

From a technical standpoint, the TVS iQube S is quite impressive, leaving little to be desired in terms of performance. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of the scooter's overall finish and the following aspects:

Audible turn signals: When riding the TVS iQube S, you not only enjoy the cost-saving benefits of electric mobility, but also experience the quietness of gliding through the city streets. However, this serene experience is momentarily disrupted by the audible turn signals. These emit a beeping sound reminiscent of a 16-ton truck in reverse. While the intention is to remind the rider to turn off the signals, the loud noise may deter riders from using them altogether to avoid drawing unwanted attention at traffic stops. Thankfully, after confirming with TVS over the phone, it has been assured that the option to disable the audible warning will be available in future updates.

Spacious key: The TVS iQube S is a contemporary electric scooter that comes equipped with LED lighting, a TFT display, and connectivity features. However, the large key that unfolds may seem a bit outdated. It is required not only for starting the scooter but also for opening the seat, protruding noticeably towards the rider's legs. Perhaps a smaller or keyless option would be more convenient. On the bright side, the key does include a built-in flashlight, which adds a touch of coolness to it.

TFT-Display in der Sonne: Das 7-Zoll-TFT-Display funktioniert einwandfrei. Es bietet leuchtende Farben und sogar eine Abbiegehinweisnavigation, wenn Sie das Smartphone über die TVS-App verbinden. Dies funktioniert jedoch nur, solange die Sonne nicht direkt auf das Display scheint. Dann ist die Lesbarkeit nicht mehr möglich.

Inexpensive side stand: One small, noticeable feature is the side stand on the TVS iQube S. The overall finish of the scooter is clean and well-done. The controls feel good to the touch, the gap dimensions are precise, and there are no rattles even on bumpy terrain. It's a bit unexpected, then, that the side stand looks inexpensive, almost like it came from a hardware store. However, considering the affordable price of this Indian scooter, it's not a major issue.

At present, TVS is on the verge of entering the European market. The company is currently in the process of securing its final dealers and closing the last deals. If all goes well, the TVS lineup, which includes the iQube S scooter, is set to hit the market by spring 2024. The exact pricing of the iQube S will vary depending on the specific market, but it is anticipated to be around 4,500 euros, which is considered a reasonable price for a scooter of this caliber.