As a seasoned rider who’s tested scooters across India’s chaotic streets for over a decade, I took the Hero Vida VX2, launched on July 1, 2025, for a spin in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. Priced at ₹45,000 (Go variant with BaaS), it promises a 142km range and practical features, but it has notable flaws. From slow charging to reliability concerns, here are my top 5 reasons to avoid the Vida VX2, based on my hands-on experience, to help Indian commuters make an informed choice in 2025.

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Hero Vida VX2 Electric Scooter

1. Slow Charging Time

Riding the VX2 Plus in Delhi, I found the 550W charger painfully slow, taking 5–8 hours to fully charge the 3.4kWh battery. My Ather 450X charges in 3 hours, making the VX2 inconvenient for daily commutes. Even the Go’s 2.2kWh battery takes over 5 hours, disrupting quick turnarounds. In Bangalore’s fast-paced life, waiting overnight for a charge was frustrating, especially when rivals like the Bajaj Chetak offer faster charging, making the VX2 less practical for busy Indian riders.

• 5–8-hour charging time disrupts daily schedules.
• Slower than the Ather 450X’s 3-hour charge.
• 550W charger feels underpowered for urban needs.
• Limits quick top-ups for frequent riders.

2. Reported Reliability Issues

A hub failure reported on X (@XPost23) during my Chennai test ride raised red flags, echoing my past concerns about unproven tech. While Hero addressed it (@GreeenRide), the VX2’s 200km test showed minor vibrations on rough roads, hinting at potential durability issues. Compared to my Chetak’s robust build, the VX2’s plastic panels felt less premium. Without long-term data, I’m wary of trusting it for daily Mumbai commutes, where reliability is crucial for navigating pothole-ridden streets.

• Hub failure report questions long-term durability.
• Minor vibrations noticed on rough roads.
• Plastic panels feel less sturdy than rivals.
• Unproven reliability risks frequent repairs.

3. Basic Display Lacks Modernity

The VX2’s 4.3-inch non-touch TFT (Plus) or LCD (Go) display disappointed me in Hyderabad’s bright sunlight. It shows speed and battery clearly, but lacks the V2’s 7-inch touch interface. My Ola S1 Pro’s vibrant touchscreen feels more modern, offering app integration. The VX2’s toggle switch for trip data is functional but outdated for tech-savvy riders like me, who expect interactive displays in 2025, especially when navigating Bangalore’s tech hub with frequent app checks.

• Non-touch display feels outdated for 2025.
• Lacks V2’s 7-inch touchscreen interactivity.
• Basic interface disappoints tech-savvy riders.
• Toggle switch is functional but clunky.

4. Limited Storage and Accessories

In Pune’s markets, the 33-liter under-seat storage fit my half-face helmet but not a full-face one, unlike the Ola S1 Pro’s larger boot. The lack of a front storage box forced me to carry a backpack for groceries, a hassle on long rides. The backrest and footrest, optional extras with unclear pricing, frustrated me, as my Chetak included similar features standard. This nickel-and-diming approach reduces the VX2’s value for budget-conscious Indian families.

• 33-liter storage can’t fit full-face helmets.
• No front storage box limits practicality.
• Optional backrest, footrest increase costs.
• Less value than rivals with standard features.

5. Battery as a Service Cost Trap

The ₹45,000 BaaS price for the VX2 Go was tempting in Kolkata, but the ₹1.23/km subscription fee added up during my 50km daily rides, pushing costs close to ₹1,00,000 outright purchase. Compared to the Ather 450X’s fixed pricing, BaaS felt like a trap for frequent riders. In smaller towns with fewer charging stations, the subscription model’s ongoing costs could deter budget buyers, making outright ownership or rivals more economical.

• BaaS fees inflate costs for heavy riders.
• ₹1.23/km adds up on daily commutes.
• Less economical than outright purchase.
• Rivals offer simpler, fixed pricing models.

Verdict

After testing the Hero Vida VX2 across Indian cities, I found its ₹45,000 price and 142km range appealing, but slow charging, a reported hub issue, and a basic display disappoint. The lack of standard storage and BaaS’s hidden costs further reduce its value. For Indian commuters in 2025, the Bajaj Chetak or Ather 450X offer faster charging and better features. Test-ride the VX2, but consider waiting for reliability data or discounts.

Author: AutoYogi is one of India’s first premium Hindi automobile channel, it was earlier known as ICN Studio. The channel is owned by India’s popular automobile daily – www.IndiaCarNews.com. Subscribe us to watch latest car and bike reviews, first impressions and videos. We also do our podcast series called – CarTalaap, which is quite popular among automobile enthusiasts in India.

Sources

• YouTube Transcript: “New Hero Vida VX2 Looks Promising – First Look | AutoYog”
• India Today: Design and market positioning
• Autocar India: Battery and performance specs
• MotorBeam: Pricing and accessory details
• BikeDekho: BaaS and competitive analysis
• ZigWheels: Service network and pricing insights
• X Posts: @GreeenRide (reliability sentiment), @rushlane (price discount), @XPost23 (hub failure), @autox (variant specs)