Scooters have become increasingly popular in India, thanks to their ease of use, fuel efficiency, and practicality for urban commuting. Whether you’re a student, a working professional, or a family person, finding the right scooter that offers a perfect blend of affordability, performance, and style is crucial. In 2024, several scooters stand out for their value, offering a great mix of features, comfort, and reliability. Below is a list of the best affordable scooters for Indian riders:

• Honda Activa 6G
• TVS Jupiter
• Suzuki Access 125
• Hero Pleasure Plus
• Yamaha Fascino 125
• Honda Dio
• TVS NTorq 125
• Bajaj Chetak (Electric)
• Ather 450X (Electric)
• Ola S1 (Electric)

Each of these scooters has been selected for its suitability for various needs, whether it's daily commuting, comfort, or even electric options. Read on for a detailed comparison of these top picks, including their pros, cons, and how they compare with similar models.

1. Honda Activa 6G

• Price Range: ₹75,000 - ₹82,000
• Why It’s Great: The Honda Activa 6G is one of India's most loved scooters, known for its reliability, low maintenance, and resale value.
• Key Features: Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology, digital-analog meter, telescopic suspension.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Highly reliable and durable
• Excellent resale value
• Smooth and comfortable ride

Cons:

• Conservative design
• Lacks some modern features

Comparison: Compared to the TVS Jupiter, the Activa 6G offers better reliability but has a more basic design.

2. TVS Jupiter

• Price Range: ₹72,000 - ₹80,000
• Why It’s Great: The TVS Jupiter is known for its comfortable ride and practical features, making it an ideal choice for city commuting.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, external fuel fill, mobile charger.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Comfortable seating and ride quality
• Feature-rich for the price
• Good fuel efficiency

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other scooters
• Conservative styling

Comparison: The Jupiter offers more features than the Hero Pleasure Plus but is slightly heavier.

3. Suzuki Access 125

• Price Range: ₹83,000 - ₹91,000
• Why It’s Great: The Suzuki Access 125 is a top choice for those looking for a blend of power and efficiency in a stylish package.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, digital meter, external fuel fill.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Smooth engine performance
• Stylish design with modern features
• Comfortable for long rides

Cons:

• Slightly higher maintenance cost
• Lower fuel efficiency compared to 110cc scooters

Comparison: The Access 125 offers more power than the Honda Activa 6G but with slightly lower fuel efficiency.

4. Hero Pleasure Plus

• Price Range: ₹70,000 - ₹75,000
• Why It’s Great: The Hero Pleasure Plus is an affordable and lightweight scooter, perfect for young riders and city commutes.
• Key Features: Retro styling, LED boot lamp, mobile charging port.
• Fuel Efficiency: 55-60 km/l

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to handle
• High fuel efficiency
• Affordable pricing

Cons:

• Limited power for long-distance rides
• Basic features

Comparison: The Pleasure Plus is more affordable than the Yamaha Fascino 125 but offers fewer features.

5. Yamaha Fascino 125

• Price Range: ₹85,000 - ₹90,000
• Why It’s Great: The Yamaha Fascino 125 is a stylish and modern scooter that offers a great blend of performance and aesthetics.
• Key Features: Hybrid power assist, digital instrument cluster, LED lights.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Stylish design with modern features
• Smooth and efficient engine
• Good build quality

Cons:

• Higher price compared to similar scooters
• Average fuel efficiency

Comparison: The Fascino 125 is more stylish and modern than the Hero Pleasure Plus but comes at a higher price.

6. Honda Dio

• Price Range: ₹72,000 - ₹78,000
• Why It’s Great: The Honda Dio is a favorite among young riders, offering a sporty design and reliable performance.
• Key Features: LED headlamp, fully digital meter, CBS with equalizer.
• Fuel Efficiency: 50-55 km/l

Pros:

• Sporty and stylish design
• Smooth handling and ride quality
• Reliable Honda engine

Cons:

• Slightly stiff suspension
• Lower storage space

Comparison: The Dio is sportier and more stylish than the Honda Activa 6G but offers slightly less comfort.

7. TVS NTorq 125

• Price Range: ₹88,000 - ₹95,000
• Why It’s Great: The TVS NTorq 125 is known for its performance and technology, making it a top pick for tech-savvy riders.
• Key Features: SmartXonnect, Bluetooth connectivity, full digital console.
• Fuel Efficiency: 45-50 km/l

Pros:

• Excellent performance and handling
• Packed with modern features
• Sporty design

Cons:

• Lower fuel efficiency
• Higher price point

Comparison: The NTorq 125 offers more advanced features than the Suzuki Access 125 but at the cost of lower fuel efficiency.

8. Bajaj Chetak (Electric)

• Price Range: ₹1.20 lakh - ₹1.30 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Bajaj Chetak brings the iconic name into the electric era, offering a premium and eco-friendly ride.
• Key Features: All-metal body, digital console, regenerative braking.
• Range: 85-95 km on a single charge

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly with zero emissions
• Premium build quality
• Low running costs

Cons:

• High initial cost
• Limited charging infrastructure

Comparison: The Chetak is more eco-friendly than the TVS Jupiter but comes with a higher upfront cost and limited range.

9. Ather 450X (Electric)

• Price Range: ₹1.30 lakh - ₹1.50 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Ather 450X is one of the most advanced electric scooters in India, known for its smart features and premium build.
• Key Features: 7-inch touchscreen, fast charging, smart connectivity.
• Range: 100-116 km on a single charge

Pros:

• Advanced technology and smart features
• High build quality
• Fast charging capabilities

Cons:

• Expensive
• Limited availability outside major cities

Comparison: The Ather 450X offers more advanced features than the Bajaj Chetak but at a higher cost.

10. Ola S1 (Electric)

• Price Range: ₹1.10 lakh - ₹1.30 lakh
• Why It’s Great: The Ola S1 has quickly become a popular choice in the electric scooter segment, offering a balance of performance, range, and technology.
• Key Features: Multiple ride modes, large storage space, reverse mode.
• Range: 121-131 km on a single charge

Pros:

• Excellent range
• Affordable for an electric scooter
• Loaded with smart features

Cons:

• Limited service network
• Software issues reported by some users

Comparison: The Ola S1 offers better range and affordability compared to the Ather 450X but has a smaller service network.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right scooter involves balancing your budget, daily commute needs, and personal preferences. The scooters listed here cater to a wide range of requirements, from the reliable and popular Honda Activa 6G to the advanced and eco-friendly Ather 450X. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective daily ride, a stylish city commuter, or an electric option, you can find the perfect scooter for your needs in 2024