TVS Orbiter Electric Scooter Launched at ₹99,900

Chennai, August 28: TVS has done something sharp today. While most electric two-wheeler makers are playing it safe, caught in the middle of supply issues and shifting demand, TVS has pushed forward with the launch of the Orbiter, a new electric scooter priced at ₹99,900. Quiet, practical, and oddly well-timed, it feels less like a splashy product drop and more like a statement.

The Orbiter isn’t trying to win headlines. It’s trying to win commutes. It’s aimed squarely at that growing group of Indian riders who want to ditch petrol, save money, and not stress about chargers every other day. And it may have landed at just the right time.

Affordable, But Not Stripped Down

Let’s get the basics out first. The Orbiter is powered by a 3.1 kWh battery and promises an IDC-certified range of 158 km. That figure, of course, will likely dip in city traffic with a pillion on board and the headlights on full blast. But even if it settles around 120 km in real-world use, that’s still impressive for something under a lakh.

What’s more surprising is the list of features. It includes cruise control, hill-hold assist, reverse and parking assist, and a massive 34-litre under-seat storage compartment. Those are the kinds of extras you’d normally expect in scooters that cost at least 20,000 to 30,000 more.

Then there’s the tech. TVS’s SmartXonnect app gives the rider access to live vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, fall and theft alerts, turn-by-turn navigation, and over-the-air updates. In other words, it’s digitally smarter than most entry-level petrol scooters and even some mid-tier EVs.

Built for the Commute, Not for the Gram

Visually, the Orbiter is simple. It doesn’t chase curves or try to look futuristic. It’s boxy, compact, and functional. The design is clearly more about utility than Instagrammability. Yet TVS has added a touch of flair through its paintwork. The scooter comes in six dual-tone colours, with names like Neon Sunburst and Martian Copper adding a bit of fun to the morning commute.

Riders will appreciate the details. It has a 14-inch front wheel, a long 845 mm seat, and a straight 290 mm footboard. Ground clearance stands at 169 mm, which means most Indian speed breakers won’t be a problem. It’s meant to be ridden daily, by people who need a machine that doesn’t ask too many questions.

Market Timing That Feels Calculated

While other companies are still figuring out how to work around rare-earth magnet shortages, TVS has somehow managed to maintain its supply chain and push ahead. According to The Economic Times, TVS topped the EV two-wheeler market in August, capturing 24.8 percent share.

Ather Energy climbed into second place with 17.9 percent, edging out Ola Electric, which now holds 17.3 percent. That shuffle tells its own story. Ather has been expanding smartly and refining its positioning, while Ola’s early momentum seems to be flattening out. In the middle of all this, TVS appears focused on holding steady.

Launching the Orbiter just ahead of the festive season seems more strategic than accidental. Buyers are watching their wallets closely, but they’re also hunting for reliable EV options that don’t cost a fortune. TVS has the dealership network to back this up, and perhaps more importantly, the manufacturing scale to deliver on time.

Practical Over Premium, and That’s the Point

The Orbiter doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is. It won’t blow anyone away with its top speed or torque. It doesn’t have a jaw-dropping display or sportbike silhouette. But it works, and that may be enough.

What stands out is how TVS has managed to give real-world features without pushing the price beyond reach. Things like parking assist and cruise control may not seem like must-haves, but once you’ve used them in daily traffic, it’s hard to go back.

This scooter feels aimed at office-goers, college students, delivery riders, and pretty much anyone tired of rising fuel costs. It’s not glamorous, but it is grounded.

Sales Open Now, Deliveries Soon

TVS has opened bookings today through its official website and dealerships. While deliveries haven’t been officially dated, there’s talk that first units could start reaching buyers before Diwali. That would give TVS a strong shot at capturing the season’s early demand.

What happens next depends on how the market responds. There’s certainly space for a sub-₹1 lakh EV that doesn’t cut corners. But competition is getting tighter. Bajaj, Ather, and Ola aren’t going to sit quietly.

Still, by pricing the Orbiter aggressively and backing it with real features, TVS is making a clear statement. It’s not just keeping up with the EV race. It wants to lead from the front, quietly but confidently.

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Meera Banerjee

Lifestyle & Culture Editor – [email protected] – Web

Explores the evolving intersections of art, travel, food, and fashion, highlighting cultural voices from across India.

Neeraj Kapoor

Technology Correspondent – [email protected] – Web

Tech writer passionate about AI, startups, and the digital economy, blending industry insights with storytelling.

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