Get ready to have your mind blown! Hero Electric has just launched an updated version of its most popular scooter, the Hero Electric Optima, and it comes with a jaw-dropping, almost unbelievable claimed range of 329 kilometres on a single charge! This isn’t a typo. A scooter that can potentially travel from Mumbai to Pune and back without needing a recharge. This is a direct shot at the range anxiety that stops so many of us from going electric. But let’s be real, we all know claimed range can be very different from what we get on our roads. So, is this the scooter that finally dethrones the mighty Ola Electric scooter? Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
The New Optima’s Secret Weapon: What’s New?
The new Hero Electric Optima CX 5.0 isn’t about fancy touchscreens; it’s a workhorse focused on one thing: giving you the most range for your money.
| Feature | The Big Deal Explained |
| Massive 329 KM Claimed Range | This is the headline! It’s achieved with a new, larger dual-battery pack. This is an ARAI-certified figure, which means it was tested under ideal conditions. Still, it’s the highest claimed range for any electric scooter in its class. |
| Removable Batteries | This is a huge advantage! Unlike Ola, Ather, or TVS, you can actually take both batteries out of the scooter and carry them to your flat or office to charge. No need for a dedicated parking spot with a charging point. |
| Simple, No-Nonsense Design | The Optima focuses on being a reliable and practical Hero Electric bike. It’s built to be durable for our city roads without complicated software or features that could break down. |
| Attractive Price Point | It’s designed to be a value-for-money scooter that saves you a fortune on petrol without costing a fortune to buy. |
What This Means for Your Wallet
So, what does the scooter with the monster range cost? The Hero Electric scooter Optima price for the new dual-battery CX 5.0 variant is set to be very competitive.
- Ex-Showroom Price (with FAME II subsidy): Approx. ₹1,30,000
- Hero Electric scooter On Road Price (in Ambernath): Approx. ₹1,35,000 – ₹1,40,000
While the initial cost is slightly higher than some petrol scooters, imagine this: a full charge costs less than ₹20 and gives you a month’s worth of travel for the average user. Your petrol savings will be massive!
How it Stacks Up NOW Against Rivals
The electric scooter market is a tough fight. Here’s how the Optima’s massive range stacks up against the feature-packed competition.
| Scooter | On-Road Price (Ambernath, Approx.) | Real-World Range (Est.) | Key Advantage |
| Hero Electric Optima CX 5.0 | ₹1.40 Lakh | 200 – 220 km | Massive Range, Removable Battery |
| Ola S1 X+ | ₹1.15 Lakh | 125 km | Performance & Tech Features |
| TVS iQube S | ₹1.50 Lakh | 100 km | Build Quality & Reliability |
| Ather 450S | ₹1.38 Lakh | 90 km | Handling & Performance |
Even if we consider a more realistic real-world range of 200-220 km for the Optima, it still offers nearly double the range of its main rivals! The Ola S1 X+ is cheaper and faster, but you can’t take its battery out to charge. The Optima sacrifices flashy tech for pure, practical range.
Our Verdict: Is It a ‘Buy’ or a ‘Pass’?
So, is this the right electric scooter for you?
It’s a definite BUY if: Your number one priority is eliminating range anxiety forever. If you have a very long daily commute or just want the freedom to go on long rides without worrying, this is the scooter for you. The removable battery feature is a lifesaver for people living in apartments. It’s a simple, practical, long-distance champion.
It might be a PASS if: You want a thrilling, feature-packed experience. An Ola Electric scooter will give you much faster acceleration and a fancy touchscreen with navigation. Also, don’t confuse this with the Hero Vida electric scooter, which is Hero’s premium brand. The Vida V1 offers better performance and features, but at a higher price and with less range.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
What is the final Hero Electric scooter Optima price?
The on-road price for the new dual-battery Optima CX 5.0 in Ambernath will be around ₹1.35 lakh to ₹1.40 lakh, including subsidies.
What is the difference between a Hero Electric bike and a Hero Vida scooter?
Hero Electric is a brand focused on making affordable, simple, and practical electric scooters like the Optima. Hero Vida is Hero MotoCorp’s premium EV brand, offering high-performance scooters like the Vida V1 with more technology and features, but at a higher price.
Is the Hero Electric Optima better than an Ola Electric scooter?
It depends on what you need. The Optima is better if you want the maximum possible range and the convenience of removable batteries. The Ola is better if you want faster performance, more tech features like a big touchscreen, and a more modern design.
What is the real-world range of the new Hero Electric Optima?
While the ARAI-certified range is 329 km, you can realistically expect to get between 200 km to 220 km in normal city riding conditions, which is still excellent and far more than most of its competitors.
