TVS iQube Electric: Review In Images

Details images that give you an idea of how the iQube hold up against its competition

We had the liberty to test the recently launched iQube at TVS’ test track to measure how it stacks up against its competition and came back fairly impressed. It’s fast, has enough juice for your daily commutes and features that keep in line with today's trends. To paint a picture, we’ve compiled a number of images of our time with the iQube that will give you an idea of how the scooter holds up.

The iQube takes a simplistic design approach to try and fit in with the current crop of ICE powered scooters. The iQube, in fact, draws its design inspiration from the hybrid 'Qube' concept that was originally showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo in India. Hence, the squarish appearance. 

What really stood out for us is the left-hand side swingarm cover, which features an ‘Electric’ logo that lights up when you switch on the scooter. 

What isn’t as appetizing is the square-shaped rearview mirror. Although functional, it looks a couple of decades old.

Build quality though, isn’t on par with its rivals such as the Bajaj Chetak or the Ather 450. Though fit and finish is good, the switchgear quality feels cheap and flimsy.

The most recognisable aspect of the iQube is its all-LED lighting setup and distinct LED DRL. Step closer and you will notice a full-colour TFT screen

Another neat touch is the scooter’s car-type flip key with an integrated torch, which could prove handy while searching for the key slot at night. 

The scooter comes with ‘Q-park Assist’ which has two modes - reverse to forward. Pull the rear brake and hold the mode button for about three seconds to activate this feature. A single push on the button toggles between the two modes. The forward function is capped at 6kmph while backward is limited to 3kmph. It’s quite useful in tight parking spaces or inclines.

The scooter can be charged via TVS’ home charger, which comes free, (for the time being) or via a conventional 3-pin, 5amp socket.

Other notable features include a USB charging port placed under the seat and hazard lights for safety. 

It’s powered by a BLDC hub motor that delivers 3kW continuous power 3kW and a peak power of 4.4kW paired with three lithium ion batteries. Torque, on the other hand, is rated at 140Nm. The result is a rush of power right from the get go to 78-80kmph where it tops out in Sport mode.

In Eco mode, the iQube delivers a claimed range of 75km per charge with a speed restriction of 50kmph. However, the motor feels just as lively in Eco as it would in Sport mode. Switch to Sport mode by pushing on the mode button and the scooter gets an extra boost of power almost instantly. 

Although, in Sport, the range drops to 55kmph, 35kmph if you're liberal with the throttle. Having said that, you could easily extract 60km in city traffic. The sportier mode lets the scooter achieve its top speed 78kmph.

It takes about 4 hours to charge from 0-80 per cent and 5 hours for a full charge via the home charger. And for owners’ ease of mind, TVS is offering 3 years or 30,000km of battery warranty as standard. 

In terms of ergonomics, you sit upright, and the seat is wide enough to support and cushion your bottom. I’d say the seat cushioning is spot on and roomy enough for both the rider and the pillion. Also, at 770mm (5mm more than the Jupiter), it’s fairly accessible for shorter riders too.

The issue lies with the iQube's slightly raised floorboard, which packs one of the three batteries, and the lower set handlebar. Essentially, tall riders end up sitting in a knees-up position and may find their legs fouling with the handlebar while turning lock to lock.

The mass centralisation (thanks to the placement of the batteries) makes the iQube an excellent handler. It’s rock steady on straights and poised in corners. 

Despite weighing 118kg (10kg more than the Jupiter), the iQube feels light on its feet and changes directions rather quickly. All while offering ample grip through its 12-inch TVS Conta 550 tyres.

Its braking setup includes a 220mm disc up front and a 130mm drum at the rear which brings the scooter to a dead stop from 60kmph in 19.86m. For reference, the Ather 450 takes an additional 2.64 metres to do the same.

The iQube’s suspension setup is well balanced. It soaks in bumps really well and remains stable even in mid-corner bumps. 

There is though, the issue with the placement of the electric motor. The hub motor assembly needs to be decoupled from under the seat in case of a tyre replacement. And, getting to the coupler requires one to remove the under-seat panel, which is time-consuming and tricky. 

The iQube at Rs 1.15 lakh (on-road Bengaluru) is the perfect family-oriented electric alternative to ICE-powered scooters in its league. There’s plenty of juice to get you from A to B and back before it runs out, enough power to leave IC-powered rivals eating dust, and just the right features for modern-day. Not to mention it handles really well.