As India rapidly shifts toward electric mobility, the Hero Electric Optima emerges as a practical and accessible electric scooter that checks many boxes for urban riders. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer, a daily commuter looking to reduce fuel costs, or someone seeking a low-maintenance alternative, the Optima offers a compelling value proposition.
In this Hero Electric Optima review, we dive deep into its real-world range, ride quality, charging efficiency, and ownership experience to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Hero Electric Optima Variants Explained
The Optima is offered in two main variants:
- Hero Electric Optima CX Single Battery
- Hero Electric Optima CX Dual Battery
The key difference lies in battery capacity and range. The dual-battery version provides significantly more mileage per charge, making it ideal for daily commutes above 30 km.
| Variant | Range (Claimed) | Top Speed | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CX Single Battery | 82 km | 45 km/h | ₹67,190 approx. |
| CX Dual Battery | 140 km | 45 km/h | ₹85,190 approx. |
Design and Build Quality
The Hero Electric Optima leans toward a functional and commuter-oriented design. It’s not flashy, but its minimalist styling makes it approachable and practical.
Design Features:
- LED Headlamp with DRL
- Lightweight body (approx. 72 kg)
- Alloy wheels with drum brakes
- External charging port under the seat
It’s built for maneuverability in traffic and narrow city lanes, rather than aggressive styling or sportiness.
Motor Performance and Top Speed
The Hero Electric Optima uses a hub-mounted BLDC motor rated at 550W (1.2kW peak output). This configuration offers smooth acceleration for intra-city use.
Performance in Real-World Use:
- Gradual, predictable throttle response
- Top speed capped at 45 km/h (limited electronically)
- Silent operation with minimal vibrations
While it won’t excite thrill-seekers, it serves urban commuters who prioritize ease and silence over speed.
Real-World Range and Battery Life
Hero claims a range of up to 140 km on the CX dual battery model, but real-world conditions tell a more grounded story.
Tested Range:
- City riding with average payload: ~115–120 km
- Single battery version: ~65–70 km per charge
- Range reduces with pillion riding and steep inclines
Battery life is rated at around 600–700 cycles, which translates to 3–4 years of use, depending on charging habits.
Charging Time and Battery Type
The Hero Optima uses a Lithium-ion battery (51.2V/30Ah per unit), which is removable and portable for easy indoor charging.
Charging Details:
- Charging time: 4–5 hours per battery
- Can be charged using a standard 5A home socket
- External battery can be locked separately under the seat
This setup is perfect for apartment dwellers or those without direct garage charging access.
Ride Comfort and Handling
Suspension Setup:
- Telescopic front forks
- Dual rear shock absorbers
Real-World Comfort:
- Smooth over mild bumps, but rear feels slightly stiff on potholes
- Comfortable seat height (~820 mm), accessible to most riders
- Tight turning radius for congested city roads
- Ground clearance of 140mm is decent but watch out for big speed breakers
Overall, the ride quality is functional and fit for urban conditions but not tuned for long-distance highway comfort.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Support
Hero Electric has the advantage of being one of the earliest players in India’s EV market, with over 700+ dealerships nationwide.
Maintenance Highlights:
- No oil changes or clutch maintenance
- Fewer moving parts = lower wear & tear
- Battery and controller are IP-rated for protection
- Basic service cost: ₹200–₹400 per visit
Common Issues Reported:
- Speedometer calibration errors (fixed via updates)
- Occasional charger failures (under warranty)
Hero provides a 3-year warranty on the battery and motor, offering peace of mind to first-time EV buyers.
Pros and Cons Summary
✅ Pros:
- Affordable entry into electric mobility
- Removable lithium battery for convenient charging
- Very low running cost (₹0.25–₹0.30/km)
- Good service network and brand trust
- Ideal for students, office-goers, and short commutes
❌ Cons:
- Top speed is limited to 45 km/h
- Limited storage space
- No fast charging option
- Lacks advanced features like app connectivity or disc brakes
Hero Optima vs Rival Electric Scooters
| Model | Range | Top Speed | Price | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hero Optima CX (Dual) | 140 km | 45 km/h | ₹85,190 | Removable battery |
| TVS iQube | 100–115 km | 78 km/h | ₹1.15 lakh | TFT display, app |
| Ola S1 X+ | 151 km | 90 km/h | ₹89,999 | Powerful motor |
| Bounce Infinity E1 | 85 km | 65 km/h | ₹84,999 | Battery swapping |
Hero Optima CX is best suited for price-conscious buyers who value simplicity and reliability over tech-laden alternatives.
Should You Buy the Hero Electric Optima?
The Hero Electric Optima is a fantastic choice for:
- Budget-conscious commuters
- First-time EV users
- Daily city riders covering under 40–50 km/day
- Those without access to home EV chargers
If you need more speed or modern features like smartphone connectivity, there are better options. But for basic, reliable, and affordable electric mobility, the Optima still holds strong ground in 2025.
FAQs About Hero Electric Optima
Q1: Is the Optima good for long-distance rides?
It’s designed for city commutes, not long highway rides. The limited speed and range make it ideal for short distances.
Q2: Can I charge the battery indoors?
Yes, the battery is removable, and you can charge it indoors using any 5A plug point.
Q3: What is the warranty on Hero Optima?
Hero offers a 3-year warranty on the battery and motor, with service support available nationwide.
Q4: How much does it cost to run the Optima daily?
Typical charging cost is around ₹0.30 per km—significantly lower than petrol two-wheelers.
