Hero Vida V1 is a well-equipped scooter with an uncomfortably expensive price.
Hero MotoCorp has finally entered the world of electric automobiles with the launch of its new Vida brand. Vida is not a new business. It is a separate brand from Hero, however, all of its sales and performance will be recorded under Hero MotoCorp.
For the time being, Hero has only released two models: the Vida V1 Plus and V1 Pro. We had the opportunity to ride the Pro version, their most expensive model. It costs Rs 1.59 lakh ex-showroom and is available in three cities: Jaipur, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Bookings for these cities have already begun on their official website for a fee of Rs 2500, with deliveries beginning in December.
Visuals of Hero Vida V1
The Vida V1 Pro was created in India, however, it is available worldwide. Because the company has worldwide ambitions, the scooter is designed with a global audience in mind. The fundamental design features are elegant and well-balanced. The fascia lacks curves and folds, but it does have some forceful lines. The sharp headlamps and the tinted flyscreen deserve credit.
From the side, the split seats give it a sporty feel, but when you get closer, you’ll discover the seat texture is pretty simple. The wheels are well-designed, however the one in the back is unusual. Because of the huge black tail part, the rear of the Vida V1 Pro appears out of place. The cycle section is removable, but the design gives it a utilitarian vibe, which isn’t ideal.
This scooter is available in a variety of colours. While the orange variant is the most popular, the blue variant appears to be younger.
Hero Vida V1 Package
Hero Vida V1 has gone completely insane in one area: the features. The first topic I’d want to discuss is this instrument cluster. It has a seven-inch full-colour touchscreen and displays a lot of information. Aside from the standard information such as speed, range, clock, and battery, it also allows the user to switch between riding modes. While changing modes through the instrument cluster is a possibility, I found switching through the switchgear to be more convenient and user-friendly. Along with the scooter paper, the cluster can save and display your driving licence. There’s turn-by-turn guidance, but you’ll need to be linke to the Vida app on your smartphone to use it. We were not allowe access to that software, unfortunately.
LED headlamps, changeable batteries, fast charging, and other features are also useful. In terms of usability, there is a 26-litre under-seat storage compartment that can hold a lot of stuff. The company has also included a USB charger, although there are no front storage containers to place the phone in. Other features include limp home mode, an anti-theft alarm, geofencing, a two-way throttle for reverse and regeneration aid, an SOS warning, and OTA updates.
Keyless ignition is also standard on the Vida V1 Pro. The key can be retained in the pocket, and the vehicle can be started with the push of a button. To open the boot, press the button located just below the ignition key.
Ride
Now, before we get into how the Vida V1 rides, let’s go over some specs. The top speed of both models is 80kmph. The rider has four ride modes to choose from: Eco, Ride, Sport, and Custom. The acceleration times from 0 to 40 kmph for the Plus and Pro models are 3.4 seconds and 3.2 seconds, respectively.
When it comes to batteries, the Pro edition has a larger 3.94kWh battery pack, while the Plus version has a 3.44kWh battery pack. As a result of its larger battery pack, the Pro offers a longer riding range and an IDC-certified range of 165km. The Plus model, on the other hand, has a certified range of 143 kilometres. Meanwhile, the V1’s fast charging speed is 1.2km per minute.
How does it all fit together? The Hero Vida V1 Pro put through its paces on two tracks: the long 2.2km performance track and the handling track. The e-scooter demonstrated what Sports mode is all about on the performance track. When you press the throttle, the scooter produces quick power, allowing you to achieve high speeds in no time. While the top speed is limite to 80kmph, I frequently exceed that mark.
However, the acceleration from 60kmph is more measured and less thrilling. Boost mode is available on the scooter. When the rider is in Eco mode and wishes to pass a vehicle, the system switches to Sport mode and allows the rider to do so. This mode, however, is active by default for 30 seconds, which I believe is unnecessary. According to the brand, the production-ready will have Boost mode based solely on the throttle-position sensor.
Things got a lot more lively on the handling track when the Hero Vida V1 Pro began to show its real colours. The scooter is really simple to ride and manoeuvre, especially in back-to-back spins. The front produces a light sensation while yet demonstrating stability. The handlebar feedback allows you to push far harder than you would like. The scooter held lines and how in the corners. A closer examination of the action photos reveals some impressive cornering clearance. I think the overall weight distribution is well done, which I notice while performing full lock turns or trying to move it out of a parking spot.
The scooter’s brakes are effective. They aren’t particularly spectacular, but they do the job. The total riding quality could not be check, but I believe this scooter will provide a comfortable trip. It’s just a gut feeling based on whatever minor bumps I could discover at CIT.
