India’s electric two-wheeler market is buzzing with innovation, and TVS Motor Company has just added a compelling new contender to the mix—the TVS Orbiter. Positioned below the popular iQube, the Orbiter is a fresh take on the urban EV scooter, blending practicality, futuristic design, and tech-savvy features. After getting a chance to ride it at TVS’s Hosur test facility, here’s a full breakdown of what makes the Orbiter stand out—and where it might need a little polish.
🛵 Design: Minimalist Meets Bold
The Orbiter’s design is a departure from the conventional scooter silhouette. It’s a tall-boy format with clean, geometric lines and a minimalist aesthetic that feels both modern and approachable. The scooter is longer, wider, and taller than the iQube, with a higher ground clearance and a longer wheelbase. This gives it a commanding road presence, especially with its unique 14-inch front and 12-inch rear wheel setup—a first in India.
TVS offers six vibrant color options, including Neon Sunburst, Stratos Blue, and Martian Copper, with both single-tone and dual-tone finishes. The split grab rails on sportier variants add a touch of flair, while the octagonal LED headlamp and sleek Infinity-style DRLs give the Orbiter a futuristic face.
🧰 Features: Packed for the Urban Jungle
TVS has loaded the Orbiter with features that make daily commuting easier and more enjoyable:
- 5.5-inch color LCD display with Bluetooth connectivity
- Turn-by-turn navigation, call alerts, and SMS updates
- Cruise control—a rare feature at this price point
- Reverse mode, hill-hold assist, and regenerative braking
- Geo-fencing, tow alert, and crash/fall detection
The 34-litre underseat storage is spacious enough for two half-face helmets, and the flat 290mm-long footboard adds practicality for carrying bags or parcels. There’s also a front cubby, retractable hook, USB Type-A port, and AC charging port—all designed with urban riders in mind.
⚡ Performance: Smooth, Steady, and Sensible
Under the skin, the Orbiter is powered by a 3.1kWh IP67-rated battery paired with a 2.1kW hub-mounted motor. TVS claims an IDC range of 158 km, which should be more than sufficient for daily city commutes. The scooter accelerates from 0 to 40 km/h in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 68 km/h—not blistering, but perfectly adequate for urban use.
Charging from 0 to 80% takes about 4 hours and 10 minutes using the standard 650W charger. While not the fastest, it’s reasonable for overnight home charging.
🪑 Ride Comfort: Built for All Sizes
One of the Orbiter’s biggest strengths is its ergonomics. The upright seating position, high-set handlebar, and long, flat seat make it comfortable for both rider and pillion—even for taller individuals. The suspension setup is soft, absorbing undulations and minor bumps with ease, though we didn’t get to test it on pothole-ridden roads.
TVS has also paid attention to small but meaningful details, like the redesigned pillion footpegs that are easier to deploy while wearing shoes. It’s these thoughtful touches that elevate the Orbiter from a basic commuter to a well-rounded urban companion.
💸 Pricing and Availability
The TVS Orbiter is priced at ₹99,999 (ex-showroom), placing it slightly below the iQube and in direct competition with entry-level EVs like the Ola S1 Air and Hero Vida VX24. Currently, it’s available only in Bengaluru, but TVS plans to expand availability across India ahead of the festive season.
🏁 Verdict: A Smart, Stylish City Commuter
The Orbiter isn’t trying to be a performance scooter or a tech showpiece—it’s designed to be a reliable, stylish, and practical EV for everyday use. Its tall-boy stance, generous features, and thoughtful design make it an attractive option for first-time EV buyers, gig workers, and families alike.
While a disc brake option and faster charging would be welcome additions, the Orbiter’s overall package is compelling. It’s a scooter that doesn’t just look different—it feels different, in a good way.