VIDA VX2

It’s no surprise that the electric scooter segment has grown quite well over the past two to three years. Much of the credit goes to big brands launching numerous new EVs, coupled with effective communication to users. Hero’s Vida played a fair part here. However, the company now believes it can make an even bigger impact with the VX2 – Why? Because it claims to solve the biggest issue - charging.

The Vida VX2 is designed for the urban market, where high density in major cities often leads to a poor charging experience. Instead of customers struggling for charging points or connecting lengthy extension cords, Hero decided to equip this e-scooter with a feature expected to ease everyone’s life - portable battery packs.

The team at Vida has nailed the styling, blending a youthful and modern look. This design language appeals to urban riders, and with the choice of bright colours, the VX2 is sure to turn heads. It features compact proportions, clean body panels, and a matte-finish paint job. The single-piece seat flows seamlessly into the rear, while the stubby tail section adds a sporty touch. Even the neatly integrated grab rail maintains the minimalistic style. The exposed alloy wheels and slim front apron emphasise its city-centric character, while the overall styling remains fresh without going overboard - a good balance for young commuters.

The Vida VX2 electric scooter comes with a host of modern features aimed at making daily commuting easier. It sports a fully digital 4.3-inch display with smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The scooter supports over-the-air updates and offers three riding modes: Eco, Ride, and Sport. It also allows the rider to remove the two lithium-ion batteries and carry them for charging.

It takes around four hours or less to reach 80% charge on the VX2 Go variant, with slightly longer times for the Plus variant due to a larger battery. Additional features include all-LED lighting, alloy wheels, mechanical key, and CBS-equipped braking hardware. The VX2 Go supports fast charging and claims a range of up to 142km, making it a practical choice for urban daily use.

The Vida VX2 surprises with its ride comfort. It effortlessly glides over poor roads, thanks to a well-tuned suspension setup that isn’t overly soft or bouncy but adequately smooths out surface bumps. This results in a plush, comfortable ride, whether navigating patchy city roads or uneven speed breakers.

What also benefits its handling is the overall balance of the scooter. It feels nimble and very easy to manoeuvre. Whether performing tight U-turns, weaving through traffic, or squeezing into cramped parking spots, the VX2 manages with ease, aided by its low seat height and manageable weight.

The motor’s performance is also quite satisfactory. There’s minimal lag when twisting the throttle, and it accelerates smoothly. We couldn’t test its top speed extensively, but we did encounter a minor hiccup, one of the units stalled due to heating issues. The different ride modes are effective; Eco mode is ideal for city speeds, while Ride and Sport modes offer more responsive throttle on open roads. Just keep in mind that enhanced performance reduces the range.

Certain aspects do somewhat detract from the experience. The removable battery packs are heavy — not something to carry daily unless necessary. Additionally, the battery lock box feels flimsy and cheap, which is disappointing given the scooter’s otherwise modern aesthetic.

The boot space is reasonable; it won’t hold a full-face helmet but can fit a half-face helmet or a small backpack. The instrument cluster is packed with features, but visibility under bright sunlight can be problematic. It could benefit from a brighter display, especially when riding in peak afternoon light.

The Vida VX2 is a clever, stylish, and quite well-rounded electric scooter. It stands out with funky design, vibrant colours, and a ride quality that is genuinely plush, probably among the best in its class. The pricing seems fair, especially considering its feature set and the versatility it offers. The flexible battery options further boost its urban appeal, charging it at home, at public chargers, or even via the Battery-as-a-Service model. However, while everything looks promising on paper, a proper road test will determine whether the portable battery and BaaS solutions truly work effectively under real-world Indian conditions.

Photography by Kapil Angane