VIDA VX2 launched: Hero wants you to call it an “Evooter”. But is it more than a rebranded scooter?

Hero MotoCorp’s electric sub-brand, VIDA, has just launched the VX2 Evooter, and no, “Evooter” isn’t a typo. It’s their attempt at rebranding the electric scooter for the new-age Indian commuter. Behind the quirky name, however, lies a serious shot at making EV ownership cheaper, easier, and more flexible. And from what we’ve seen, VIDA’s taken a very different swing at it.

The VX2 is available in two variants: VX2 Plus and VX2 Go. Prices start at ₹59,490 (ex-showroom), provided you go for the battery subscription scheme.

Battery-as-a-Service: Useful innovation or fancy repackaging?

The headlining feature is VIDA’s Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. Rather than buying the battery upfront, you “subscribe” to it and pay per kilometre, starting at ₹0.96/km. In theory, it removes the hefty initial cost of owning an EV. In practice, it’s an EMI by another name. The math will depend on how much you ride and for how long, but the move is bold and could well be effective for fleet operators and budget-conscious buyers alike.

For those who prefer owning the battery outright (and not worrying about ongoing payments), prices rise steeply to ₹99,490 (VX2 Go) and ₹1.09 lakh (VX2 Plus).

The BaaS package includes some fair benefits: complimentary battery replacement if performance dips below 70%, and access to VIDA’s fast-charging network. However, talking to MG dealerships, who are the only other manufacturer to provide B.a.a.s, said B.a.a.s hasn't been as popular as MG expected it to be. People prefer taking a loan for the entire cost of the car rather than having to pay two separate EMI's.

Tech and features: Functional, but no gimmicks

On the surface, the VX2 doesn’t pretend to be flashy. It’s built to be practical with removable batteries, 12-inch wheels, a large seat, and a boot that actually fits a full-face helmet (on the VX2 Go, at least).

The VX2 Plus comes with a TFT screen, and the Go gets a simpler LCD unit, both with turn-by-turn navigation, smartphone pairing, cloud connectivity, and remote immobilisation. Yes, it’ll tell you where your scooter is, and it can stop someone from riding off with it too.

The scooter supports OTA (over-the-air) updates, which is nice to see at this price point, and fast-charging is on the menu too. With 0 to 80% in just around 60 minutes.

Performance and range: Practicality takes priority

The VX2 Plus comes with a 3.4 kWh battery and offers a claimed 142 km range, while the Go gets a 2.2 kWh unit with a 92 km range, both tested under IDC conditions, which, let’s be honest, means you’ll get a bit less in real-world riding.

Hero hasn’t said much about top speed or acceleration figures, and perhaps deliberately so. This isn’t a performance-focused EV. It’s built for utility, and with wide 12-inch wheels and removable batteries, it’s clearly been designed to tick off checkboxes for urban and semi-urban usage, not to win traffic light drag races.

Where VIDA seems to score is infrastructure. Hero claims a 3,600+ charging point network and 500+ service centers, which is a huge advantage over some of the newer players who sell scooters from glossy websites but have no support once something goes wrong.

The VX2 also gets a 5-year/50,000 km warranty, which, in a market where EV battery degradation is still a concern, helps build trust. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s necessary.

Final thoughts: Is the VX2 a game changer?

So, what’s the verdict?

The VIDA VX2 isn’t trying to be the fastest, most stylish, or smartest EV on the road. Instead, it’s positioning itself as the most accessible. And with Hero MotoCorp’s backing, it might just have the scale to pull it off.

But calling it an “Evooter”? That feels a bit much. In a market that’s tired of buzzwords and hungry for genuine value, the VX2 will be judged not by what it’s called but by how well it rides, how long it lasts, and how much it actually costs to live with.

Time and traffic will tell.