TVS Orbiter vs TVS iQube: Detailed Comparison

TVS has rolled out the Orbiter, a new electric scooter that sits just under the ₹1 lakh mark, making it one of the most approachable EVs in the market right now. With a 3.1 kWh battery, it promises up to 158 km on paper, while in real-world city use you can expect around 120–130 km. 

It’s built for daily riders who want practicality without missing out on tech, offering features like cruise control, hill-hold, SmartXonnect, and roomy 34-litre storage. Compared to the iQube, which stretches into premium territory with bigger batteries and higher range, the Orbiter feels like the smarter everyday pick.

Styling and Practicality

The TVS Orbiter is designed with a more urban-friendly look. Its wide handlebar, compact windscreen, and LED lighting give it a fresh modern identity, while the 34 litres of under-seat storage provides practical everyday usability. It also gets 165 mm of ground clearance, making it easier to manage uneven city roads and speed breakers. The iQube, in comparison, feels slightly bulkier with a more conventional scooter silhouette. Storage capacity in higher variants is a decent 32 litres, but the Orbiter edges ahead in outright practicality. The iQube does feel more premium in terms of body finish and paint quality, which buyers looking for a solid road presence might prefer.

Battery and Range

The Orbiter is offered with a single 3.1 kWh battery pack delivering a claimed 158 km on a full charge under IDC testing. In real-world city riding, that figure is expected to settle around 120–130 km, which is still sufficient for most daily commutes. The iQube, on the other hand, comes in multiple variants ranging from 2.2 kWh to 5.1 kWh.

 Its real-world range spans from 85 km in the entry-level trim to nearly 140 km in the top-end ST. For users who want one straightforward option at a low price, the Orbiter makes sense, while the iQube caters to those who want flexibility in range and are willing to pay more for it.

Motor and Performance

The Orbiter is expected to run a hub-mounted motor with output in the 5–7 kW range. This setup should be adequate for quick city acceleration and cruising comfortably at 65–70 km/h. The iQube, with its 4.4 kW hub motor producing 140 Nm torque, offers proven city performance and can maintain top speeds of up to 82 km/h depending on the trim. 

Real-world users have found the iQube’s acceleration to be smoother and more consistent, while the Orbiter is positioned as a balanced performer prioritizing efficiency. For highway or longer stretches, the iQube has the advantage, but for stop-go urban riding the Orbiter should feel nimble and sufficient.

Charging 

Charging details for the Orbiter are still to be officially disclosed, but early reports suggest it could take around three hours for an 80 percent charge, which would make it one of the quicker charging scooters in its segment. The iQube is slower by comparison, with the 3.1 kWh model needing about 4.5 hours for a full charge and the 5.1 kWh ST requiring over four hours even with fast charging. 

For riders who want minimal downtime, the Orbiter could hold an advantage, while those with predictable overnight charging habits won’t find the iQube’s longer times a dealbreaker.

Features 

Where the Orbiter impresses is in its features-to-price ratio. At under one lakh, it comes with cruise control, hill-hold assist, SmartXonnect integration, Bluetooth pairing, navigation, OTA updates, theft and tow alerts, and even fall detection. These make everyday commuting safer and more convenient.

 The iQube, while more expensive, offers extras like a larger TFT screen, reverse mode, park assist, voice assist, and higher-quality connected services. The Orbiter offers excellent value by including features usually seen in pricier models, but the iQube provides a more polished and premium experience that feels future-ready.

Pricing and Value

The Orbiter’s ex-showroom price of ₹99,900 makes it one of the most affordable feature-rich EVs in India today. This makes it a practical pick for first-time EV buyers, college students, or office commuters who want the benefits of electric mobility without breaking the bank. The iQube starts just above ₹1.05 lakh and goes up to ₹1.55 lakh depending on the variant. It is better suited for buyers who want a more established scooter with proven reliability, longer range options, and a more premium ownership experience.

In the real world, the Orbiter’s biggest advantage is its combination of range, practicality, and features at an affordable price. The under-seat storage, hill-hold assist, and cruise control make daily commuting easy, while the aggressive pricing ensures value for money. 

However, since its performance figures and charging times are not yet fully proven, potential buyers may prefer waiting for long-term user feedback before committing. The iQube, in contrast, has already built credibility in the market. Its downside is pricing, as higher trims stretch well beyond the budget-conscious segment, and charging times are slower than what newer EV buyers might expect. 

Yet, it offers the assurance of a tried-and-tested product with a more premium feel.