Hero Electric Optima CX

Introduction

The new Hero Electric Optima CX is the company’s fancy offering that takes a step ahead towards sustainable mobility. This scooter caters to the target segment of daily commuters. Hero Electric is now India’s forefront of a massive E2W push for developing a robust and extended EV ecosystem. This scooter lives up to that expectation with its noise-free and non-polluting attributes. This scooter, however, does not include a start button and instead uses the key for starting. The eco-friendly electric scooter comes with a sleek design and little body work. Although it does not score high on looks, it has some practical features and a very low cost of operating. 

How is the design?

The Hero Electric Optima CX has a very basic appearance, but with a quirky appeal. It is an unconventional scooter with a matte paint finish.  It is simple and sleek and yet has a sporty touch. The plastic material which makes most of the body is not very sturdy or good. The digital console facing the rider has a chrome surrounding which gives a sporty touch to the scooter. The instrument console of the scooter displays basic information such as the odometer, trip metre, speed, battery voltage, and battery level. The diamond-cut alloy wheels look great and this scooter has telescopic forks at its front and dual-shock absorbers at the rear. Some may not be flattered by its appearance and design that do not appeal to youngsters as an aspirational product. It is more popular among the older crowd. 

How is the performance?

This scooter is a feasible option for daily commuting around the city. When you are stuck in busy traffic, the scooter can easily get you through it. It perfectly manoeuvres through tight congested spaces because of its absolute proportions and light weight. It can achieve a top speed of 45 kmph which is quite impressive for an electric scooter in this category. It takes around 4 to 5 hours to charge the scooter and the travelling range is about 140km/charge. The charging time of this scooter is also lower than the average time taken for charging electric scooters. The portable battery makes it convenient and easier to charge the scooter. The 1200 w motor helps it achieve the maximum power soon as the traffic lights go green. It is free of noise, pollution and vibration. 

How does the Hero Electric Optima CX ride? 

This scooter is easy to rear in difficult road conditions and the body stance of the scooter makes it travel through narrow spaces quite efficiently. The perfect proportion and the lightweight structure endow easy manoeuvring in busy city traffic. No vibration is felt even at higher speeds, making commuting stress-free and relaxing. The noise-free on-road experience appeals to older customers who ride with the sole purpose of travelling from one point to the other. However, because of the light body weight, the vehicle may feel unstable on broken and uneven terrains. However, the dual springs, box swingarm and telescopic suspension at the front make the scooter more manageable. 

How comfortable is the Hero Electric Optima CX? 

The Hero Electric Optima CX comes with a regular-sized seat which is good enough for two people to travel with ease. The seating posture is straight and you will not strain while commuting through city traffic. The console is rightly placed and easy to read without the rider having to stretch the body. Because of the low kerb weight of the scooter, riding through busy traffic is easier. The scooter may however feel unstable and difficult to manage on broken and uneven terrains due to the same reason. This may become stressful for the rider when travelling longer distances. 

How's the tech? 

The Hero Electric Optima CX is an electric scooter which is propelled by a 51.2 V battery and a 1200 V motor power. The max speed that the scooter can achieve with this arrangement is 45 kmph and can make up to a range of 140 km per charge. The charging time of the scooter is around 4 to 5 hours. The console facing the scooter is fully digital and displays information such as the odometer, trip metre, speed, battery voltage, and battery level. This scooter has cruise control, reverse assistance and walk assistance. This scooter has telescopic forks at its front and dual-shock absorbers at the rear 

How's the mileage of the Hero Electric Optima CX? 

This scooter can ride up to 145 km per charge. 

Is the Hero Electric Optima CX good value for money? 

The Hero Electric Optima CX offers stress free on-road experience and a feasible scooter for regular commuting. The price range is decent and the scooter offers performance and features that are usable in city traffic. The maintenance cost and operating cost of this scooter is pretty low. This two-wheeler is a great option for those trying to make an entry into the E2W segment. 

How is the after sales service? 

Hero has an incredible service network across the country. Hero offers six free services for the Hero Electric Optima CX. The first one can be availed after 60 days from the date of purchase, the second one can be availed after 180 and the third one can be availed after 420 days. The company also offers 6 paid services after the free services are acquired. 

Which scooters compete in this segment? 

Some of the rivals of Hero Electric Optima CX who compete in the same segment of E2W are Ampere Mangus, BGauss A2, Okinawa iPraise and Infinity E1. 

Verdict (Value for money)

This scooter is priced between Rs 62,190 and Rs 77,490 which makes it a very affordable machine for daily use. It is easy to rear in city traffic and has good controls, despite the fact that it does not look great. It has practical technological specifications as well. It is a good bike for daily commuting and the cost of maintenance is low. Overall, this bike is a good value for money.