The Hero Optima electric scooter has been around for a while, and in 2025, it’s still a solid choice for folks in India looking for an affordable, eco-friendly way to get around. While the specific link you shared doesn’t give much detail, I can pull together what’s out there about this scooter based on recent info. It’s designed for urban riders, students, and daily commuters who want something practical without the hassle of fuel costs. Let’s break down what the Hero Optima is all about as of May 2025.
Rides Okay for City Streets
The Optima has a telescopic front fork and dual rear shocks to handle bumps, but the ride can feel a bit bumpy on potholes—some riders mention it’s not the smoothest on uneven roads. The 165 mm ground clearance is fine for city use, but don’t expect it to tackle rough terrain. Brakes are drum on both ends, with regenerative braking on some models to save battery, but there’s no ABS, which might make you nervous on slippery roads. It rolls on 12 to 16-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tyres (like 90/90), and the lightweight frame makes it easy to weave through traffic, though the low weight can make it feel wobbly on bad roads.
Basic Features for Everyday Use
The Optima keeps things simple but practical. You get a digital cluster on higher variants (CX models) showing speed, battery level, and trip info, while the base ones have an analog setup. Some models come with Bluetooth, a USB charging port, cruise control, walk assist, reverse mode, and an anti-theft alarm—pretty handy for city rides. The seat is comfy for short trips, and there’s a small storage spot for your stuff, plus a bag hook. It’s a 2-seater, no third row, and the riding position is upright, so it’s easy on your back. But some riders say the lack of fancy tech like navigation or a better display feels outdated, and the build quality—like the plastic body—can feel flimsy over time.
Saves You Money on Fuel
With a real-world range of 40-110 km depending on the variant, the Optima is cheap to run. It costs about ₹0.15 to ₹0.20 per km (assuming ₹3/kWh for charging in India), compared to ₹2-3 per km for a petrol scooter. That’s a saving of around ₹15,000 a year if you ride 30 km daily. The zero-emission motor is great for the environment, and Hero’s focus on eco-friendly production—like using corrosion-resistant paint—adds to its green appeal. Some folks mention the range can drop to 30 km with heavy use or if the battery ages, and the long charging time can be a pain if you don’t plan ahead.
Price and Options in India
The Optima’s price varies by variant. The last known prices range from ₹83,300 for the CX 2.0 to ₹1.24 lakh for the CX 5.0 (ex-showroom Delhi), though some sources mention older prices as low as ₹39,937 for discontinued models. On-road in Delhi, expect ₹90,000 to ₹1.30 lakh. EMIs can start at ₹3,133/month with an ₹11,000 downpayment at 9.7% interest for 3 years, making it budget-friendly. It comes in variants like CX 2.0 (single battery) and CX 5.0 (dual battery), with two color options for the latest models—Dark Matt Blue and Matt Maroon. Delivery might take 10-20 days, but some dealers have faced stock issues, with reports of no batteries or parts available for months. Festive deals in May 2025 might include subsidies worth ₹10,000—check local Hero Electric dealers for offers.
Scooters It Competes With
The Optima goes up against:
TVS iQube (₹94,434): 100-150 km range, more tech but pricier.
Bajaj Chetak (₹95,000): 95 km range, premium design but slower at 73 kmph.
Ola S1 Air (₹1.05 lakh): 151 km range, faster at 90 kmph but more expensive.
The Optima’s low price and simple design make it a good pick for budget buyers, but iQube has better range, and Ola offers more speed.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The Optima’s ₹83,300 starting price is a steal for an electric scooter, but don’t expect premium features. At 68-93 kg, it’s easy to handle, but the 165 mm ground clearance can scrape on rough roads outside cities. The range might drop to 30 km in heavy traffic or with an aging battery. It’s a 2-seater, but the seat can feel firm on long rides, and there’s not much storage. The lack of ABS and slow charging might be a hassle, and service is a big concern—some folks report batteries failing within a year, with no replacements available, and dealers often give poor support, leaving scooters unusable. Hero Electric’s network is wide, but part shortages and bad service experiences, like in Kolkata or Rohtak, are common complaints.
Who This Scooter Is For
The Optima is for city commuters, students, or older riders who want a cheap 2-seater with 40-110 km real-world range and low running costs. Its lightweight build and simple features make it great for short urban trips, while the eco-friendly motor appeals to green-conscious buyers. It’s not for those needing speed, long-range travel, or a scooter for rough terrain.
Where To Find It
You can check out the Optima at Hero Electric’s 500+ dealerships across India, like in Delhi or Indore. Book online via Hero Electric’s website, though it’s been under maintenance since 2020. Metro cities might deliver in 10 days, smaller towns in 20 days, but stock issues could delay things. Festive deals in May 2025 might include discounts—check for colors like Matt Maroon.
Hero Optima: A Practical City Scooter
The Hero Optima has a 550-1200W motor, 40-110 km real-world range, and starts at ₹83,300. You get basic tech like a digital display and regenerative braking, plus a simple design. Poor service, short range, and slow charging are downsides, but it’s a budget-friendly pick for city commuting in 2025. Perfect for riders who want an affordable, green ride without the frills.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports. Check with Hero Electric dealers for the latest details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Motor Does The Optima Have?
It ranges from a 250W motor (25 kmph) on the LX to a 550-1200W motor (48 kmph) on the CX models.
How Far Can The Optima Go On One Charge?
It claims 50-135 km depending on the variant, but expect 40-110 km in real use.
How Much Does The Optima Cost In India?
It starts at ₹83,300 ex-showroom, around ₹90,000 on-road in Delhi, up to ₹1.24 lakh for the CX 5.0.
What Safety Stuff Does The Optima Have?
It has drum brakes, regenerative braking on some models, tubeless tyres, and an anti-theft alarm, but no ABS.
What Features Come With The Optima?
You get a digital cluster (on CX models), USB charging, LED lights on higher trims, and a comfy seat.
How Much Range Does The Optima Have?
With a single or dual battery, you can go 40-110 km in real-world use, depending on the variant.
How Does The Optima Compare To The TVS iQube?
Optima’s 40-110 km range is less than iQube’s 100-150 km, and Optima starts at ₹83,300 versus iQube’s ₹94,434, but iQube has more tech.
