Vida VX2 Plus First Ride Review - Getting it Right!

My idea of an electric scooter is simple: an easy-to-ride, eco-friendly mode of transport that makes commuting both affordable and hassle-free. After all, e-scooters are usually bought by family-oriented individuals and not speed-chasing enthusiasts. What they value most is practicality and convenience.

Now, it’s fair to say that many companies struggle to get this formula right. More often than not, corners are cut and compromises are made in one area or another. Enter the new Vida VX2, which, at least on paper, promises to be a well-rounded offering, delivering performance without sacrificing practicality. Naturally, I was curious to see how it would fare in real-world conditions – you know, when the rubber actually meets the road. And the results? Well, let’s just say they were definitely interesting.

Vida VX2 Plus Design - Lookin’ Good!

While most electric scooters lean towards ultra-modern, almost alien designs, the VX2 takes a more conventional approach. At first glance, you wouldn’t even know that it’s an EV. The apron is curvy but not bulbous, and the colour schemes are vibrant and well executed. Plus, the lighting signature at both ends of the scooter is distinctively striking. I quite like the way this scooter looks.

The instrument cluster is a 4.2-inch colour TFT unit. It’s not a touchscreen, but gets the job done. The UI is clean and the graphics are crisp, making it easy to read at a glance. There is a joystick on the left side of the handlebar to navigate through the menus. It feels intuitive and isn’t prone to accidental inputs. While the overall build quality is impressive, the panel surrounding the switchgear could have been better.

Vida VX2 Plus Top Speed - Not Getting Left Behind

We tested the higher spec Plus variant of the VX2, and it had no trouble hitting 50km/h in a jiffy. Even when cruising near its top speed of 80km/h, the VX2 didn’t feel particularly strained. Apart from the standard Eco, Normal, and Sport riding modes, the VX2 also gets Boost Mode. But it needs to be enabled in the settings menu first, after which it can be engaged by quickly twisting the throttle close to maximum. Boost Mode is particularly helpful for quick overtakes while riding in Eco or Normal mode, for it allows you instant access to the full power without having to manually switch modes. Once you ease off the throttle, the scooter automatically reverts to the original mode. The swiftness with which the VX2 snaps into Boost Mode is quite impressive – I noticed virtually no lag.

The VX2 also features variable regenerative braking triggered by negative throttle input, just like the Ather scooters. However, I felt that the braking force is not as strong here, and more often than not, I had to rely on the standard brakes. The brakes, however, performed well during the test, leaving me with no complaints. The suspension leans slightly on the firmer side, but it still manages to soak up most potholes and road undulations without any fuss.

Vida VX2 Plus Battery and Charging - Sipping on Power

The Plus variant of the VX2 comes equipped with two removable batteries, offering a combined capacity of 3.4kWh. While the claimed IDC range of 142km isn’t class-leading, it’s still a decent figure. Those looking for a scooter for city commutes and daily errands are not likely to have any problem, for the VX2 should comfortably deliver around 100km on a full charge – more than enough for most urban users.

What truly sets the VX2 apart, however, is the flexibility it offers in terms of charging. You can use a conventional charger to juice up the scooter in a little over five and half hours. Alternatively, public fast charging can get the scooter from 0% to 80% in just 62 minutes. For those living in apartment buildings without dedicated charging ports in the parking area, the VX2’s removable battery setup is simply a game-changer. You can simply pull the batteries out of the boot and plug them into a regular socket in your home. Sure it might take longer to charge but is also immensely convenient. Despite the removable battery setup, the VX2 still manages to offer 27.2 litres of underseat storage, along with an additional frunk.

Vida VX2 Plus Review Conclusion - Time to Sign Up?

I am genuinely impressed by what Hero has achieved with the VX2, especially in the Plus variant. It offers a good design, a usable range, decent performance, and is priced competitively. In my opinion, the Plus variant with Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) is the best configuration to go for. It keeps the upfront cost manageable, and the subsequent subscription fee is also quite reasonable. Overall, the VX2 Plus ticks almost every box that matters in an e-scooter, making it one of the most well-rounded options available on the market right now.