[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/49638166228/[/flickr]
The iQube feels quite agile while tipping into corners
Riding Dynamics – The iQube uses a different tubular frame than the other scooters which use an underbone frame. There are changes done to this chassis to hold the 3 battery packs while keeping the body as lean as possible. The centre-of-gravity is also moved slightly forward for better dynamics. The front end is now heavy compared to the other TVS scooters while the front telescopic suspension is similar but stiffer. The rear suspension has dual adjustable hydraulic shocks making it slightly stiffer than traditional scooters. The iQube has brilliant straight-line stability and it is quite agile too when leaned over but the riding comfort is slightly lacking.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/49638691916/[/flickr]
The ride quality is firm but the scooter excels in straigh-line stability
TVS iQube is a very well-balanced scooter with impressive ride quality and handling
The 150 mm ground clearance does come in handy at times but it is an average number as the battery sits in the footboard area. The scooter is decently heavy at 118 kgs but the better COG helps a lot in managing that weight. The iQube gets a 220 mm disc at the front and a 130 mm drum brakes at the rear. The brakes are decent as there is an initial bite but the feedback does not improve even after braking hard. After a certain point, the rear wheel just locks up. It also gets the same 90-section 12-inch tyres from TVS both at the front and rear. The grip is decent enough while the tyres are optimized for better efficiency.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/49638968677/[/flickr]
The availability is limited only to Bangalore for now
Verdict – Except for cells in the battery and a few things around the scooter, almost everything is made in India. The TVS iQube does share a few cycle-parts with its siblings but it is a brand new scooter built from ground-up. Priced at Rs. 1.15 lakhs (on-road Bangalore) it is the most expensive scooter in the TVS line-up. Yet it meets all the expectations and comes very close to the electric competition and does make a lot of sense for anyone who wants to join the electric revolution this early. The only gripe is that it is available only in Bangalore for now.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/49638968532/[/flickr]
Build quality is top notch but is it really a looker?
What’s Cool
* The electric motor is super silent
* Riding dynamics are brilliant for a scooter
* The instrument cluster is loaded, displays a ton of information
What’s Not So Cool
* Most expensive scooter in the TVS line-up
* Only available in Bangalore city for now
* Does not look modern or attractive as the current generation of scooters
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/49638167748/[/flickr]
The bright blue electric sign glows up only when you are at idle
TVS iQube Electric Specifications
* Engine: 4.4kW, Electric BLDC Hub Motor
* Power: 5.9 BHP @ 0 RPM
* Torque: 140 Nm @ 0 RPM
* Range: 75 kms (Eco); 55 kms (Power)
* Frame: Tubular Frame
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/90/12 (Rear), TVS Tyres
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), Twin Hydraulic Shock Absorber (Rear)
* Brakes: 220 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
TVS iQube Electric Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1805 mm x 645 mm x 1140 mm
* Wheelbase: 1290 mm
* Seat Height: 770 mm
* Ground Clearance: 150 mm
* Battery Capacity: 52V, 2.25kWh
* Kerb weight: 118 kgs
[wp-review id=”253454″]
