TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak vs Ather Rizta — Which Electric Scooter Should You Buy?
When it comes to electric scooters in India, one comparison keeps coming up in every showroom conversation: TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak vs Ather Rizta. These three names aren’t just popular by chance, they’re genuinely the three best-selling electric scooters in the country right now, and each brings a distinctly different personality to the table. Whether you care most about range, build quality, or smart tech features, this comparison breaks down exactly where each scooter shines.
Why These Three Dominate the Segment
This isn’t a random shortlist. TVS, Bajaj and Ather have consistently topped India’s electric two-wheeler sales charts month after month through 2026, together accounting for the overwhelming majority of every serious buyer’s shortlist under Rs 1.5 lakh. TVS has typically led registration numbers, followed closely by Bajaj, with Ather rounding out a strong third place, though the exact order shifts slightly from month to month depending on new launches and regional demand.
That kind of sustained sales leadership means all three brands have had years of real-world feedback to refine their products, which is exactly why this comparison genuinely matters for anyone shopping in this segment right now.
Price Comparison
Pricing across the three scooters lands in a fairly tight band once you compare similarly-specced variants. The Bajaj Chetak tends to offer the most accessible entry point, with its base variants starting under Rs 90,000 and its higher trims like the Chetak 3501 landing around Rs 1.46 lakh ex-showroom. The TVS iQube sits in a comparable range, with its mid-tier variants around Rs 1.38 lakh and the range-topping iQube ST pushing closer to Rs 1.70 lakh, though TVS also offers a Battery-as-a-Service option that brings the upfront cost down considerably for high-mileage riders.
The Ather Rizta, meanwhile, is positioned slightly higher when comparing like-for-like battery sizes, with its Rizta Z 3.7 kWh variant coming in around Rs 1.67 lakh ex-showroom. It’s worth noting that a lower-priced Rizta Z 2.9 kWh variant does exist closer to the Rs 1.4-1.5 lakh mark, but with a genuinely smaller battery pack than the equivalent iQube and Chetak variants at that price point.
Range Comparison
Range is where these three scooters start to differentiate meaningfully. The TVS iQube ST, with its larger 5.3 kWh battery option, delivers the strongest real-world range in this trio, with owners reporting figures in the 160-170km bracket. This makes it a particularly strong pick for high-mileage daily commuters who want to minimize charging frequency.
The Ather Rizta Z holds up well too, with real-world range figures around 140km reported by owners, alongside genuinely accurate range prediction that riders consistently praise for trip planning. The Bajaj Chetak trails slightly on outright range, with figures closer to 120-127km depending on the variant, but its range indicator is widely considered one of the most dependable in the segment, which matters just as much as the raw number for everyday usability.
Features and Technology
Ather has built its entire brand identity around software and connected features, and it shows. The Rizta benefits from the Ather Grid fast-charging network, regular over-the-air software updates, and what many reviewers consider the most polished dashboard ecosystem in this comparison. It also tends to offer the longest battery and vehicle warranty options among the three.
The TVS iQube counters with a well-rounded ride and braking setup, disc brakes across its range, and that flexible BaaS ownership option that few rivals match. The Bajaj Chetak takes a slightly different approach, focusing less on flashy tech and more on dependable, no-fuss functionality, including reverse assist and IP67 water resistance as standard across most variants.
Build Quality and Ownership
This is where the Bajaj Chetak genuinely stands apart. It remains the only scooter in this trio built with an all-metal body, giving it a distinctly solid feel and generally the lowest reported maintenance costs of the three. For buyers who prioritise long-term durability and ruggedness over cutting-edge tech, this metal construction carries real weight.
The Ather Rizta is frequently highlighted as the most practical option for family use, with a spacious floorboard and seat designed with everyday usability in mind, while the TVS iQube is generally regarded as delivering the most balanced overall ride and handling experience across the trio.
Who Should Buy Which Scooter
If you’re a high-mileage rider who wants the longest possible range and appreciates flexible ownership options, the TVS iQube ST with its 5.3 kWh battery and BaaS plan is worth serious consideration. If build quality, low maintenance costs and a dependable metal body matter most to you, particularly for family commuting, the Bajaj Chetak is hard to beat. And if you want the most tech-forward ownership experience, complete with fast charging infrastructure and continuous software improvements, the Ather Rizta is the clear pick.
Comparison Table
| Parameter | TVS iQube | Bajaj Chetak | Ather Rizta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (Ex-showroom) | ~Rs 94,000 onwards | ~Rs 87,000 onwards | ~Rs 1.21 lakh onwards |
| Top Variant Range (Real-world) | 160-170 km | 120-127 km | ~140 km |
| Build | Standard body | All-metal body | Standard body |
| Standout Strength | Range + BaaS flexibility | Build quality, low maintenance | Tech ecosystem, fast charging |
| Warranty | Standard | Standard | Longest in segment |
Pricing and range figures in this comparison vary across sources depending on the exact variant, battery size, and reporting date used, since all three brands regularly update trims and introduce new variants throughout the year. Real-world range figures cited here are based on owner-reported data and third-party comparisons rather than official ARAI-certified numbers for every variant.
Verdict
There’s no single winner in the TVS iQube vs Bajaj Chetak vs Ather Rizta comparison, and that’s genuinely the point. Each scooter has carved out a clear identity: the iQube for range and ownership flexibility, the Chetak for rugged build quality and low running costs, and the Rizta for a connected, tech-first riding experience. The right choice ultimately comes down to which of those three priorities matters most for your daily riding pattern and budget.
FAQs
Q1: Which electric scooter has the best range among these three? The TVS iQube ST, with its 5.3 kWh battery option, generally offers the strongest real-world range at 160-170km.
Q2: Which scooter is the cheapest to maintain? The Bajaj Chetak is widely considered the cheapest to maintain, thanks to its all-metal body construction and lower long-term service costs.
Q3: Which scooter has the best tech features? The Ather Rizta leads in this area, offering fast charging through the Ather Grid network, regular software updates, and the most advanced dashboard ecosystem.
Q4: Is the Bajaj Chetak’s metal body a real advantage? Yes, the Chetak remains the only scooter in this comparison with an all-metal body, giving it better long-term durability and generally lower maintenance costs.
Q5: Which scooter is best for families? The Ather Rizta is frequently highlighted as the most practical option for families, thanks to its spacious floorboard and seat design.