Hero Electric Optima LA

The Hero Electric Optima LA is a low-speed electric scooter designed for daily commuting needs in urban India. It features a 250W hub motor linked to a lead-acid battery, providing a top speed of 25 kmh, which does not require a license to ride. The scooter has a kerb weight of 86 kg and is equipped with drum brakes and tube-type tyres. It includes basic features such as a digital speedometer, low battery alert, and a charging point. The Optima LA is known for its ease of maintenance, low running costs, and eco-friendly operation, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The scooters design is sleek and comfortable, with a broad seat and telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a smooth ride. However, its discontinuation since July 2021 means that buyers may need to look into existing stock or consider other models from Hero Electric.

The Hero Electric Optima LA is a budget-friendly and eco-friendly option for those looking for a simple, daily commuting electric scooter in India. While it is decent in power and suitable for short distances, it may not be the best choice for heavier riders or those needing more speed. The scooters top speed of 25 kmh and a range of 50 km on a full charge make it ideal for kids, women, or anyone with short commute needs. However, the lead-acid battery, though economical, may not offer the same efficiency as lithium-ion batteries found in other models. The lack of advanced features and the relatively low top speed are trade-offs for its affordability and ease of maintenance. Overall, its a good option for those prioritizing cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness over performance.

Hero Electric has discontinued the production of the Optima LA, which was one of their popular electric scooter models. This move might be part of their strategy to focus on newer models like the Optima CX5.0 and NYX. I believe this decision could impact existing customers who might face challenges in finding spare parts and service support.

The Hero Electric Optima LA was known for its affordable price, starting at Rs 47,490, and its range of 50 km per charge. It featured a 20 Ah battery and a top speed of 25 kmph, making it a practical choice for short commutes. I think the Optima LA was a good entry-point for those new to electric scooters, but its discontinuation might push buyers towards other brands.

Despite its discontinuation, the Hero Electric Optima LA had some notable features such as a halogen headlight, apron-mounted front blinkers, and a broad comfortable seat. The scooter also came in four color options: Red, Grey, Blue, and White. I believe these design elements made the Optima LA a visually appealing option in its segment.

Hero Electric had planned to deploy 10,000 two-wheelers with swappable batteries by the end of 2022, but its unclear if the Optima LA was part of this initiative. The companys focus on swappable batteries could have been a game-changer, but the discontinuation of the Optima LA might indicate a shift in strategy. I think this could be a missed opportunity for enhancing the user experience of their existing models.

The Hero Electric Optima LA did not require registration as it was classified as a slow-speed scooter. This made it an attractive option for those who wanted a hassle-free riding experience. However, the lack of registration also meant it had limited features and performance. I believe this balance between convenience and capability was a key selling point for the Optima LA.

The Hero Electric Optima LA is priced at Rs. 47,490 (ex-showroom Delhi), making it one of the most affordable electric scooters in the Indian market. When considering the on-road price, you can expect to add around Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,000 for registration, insurance, and other miscellaneous costs, bringing the total to approximately Rs. 49,490 to Rs. 50,490. This pricing is very competitive, especially given the low running costs associated with electric vehicles. However, its important to note that the Optima LA has been discontinued since July 2021, so availability might be limited to existing stock or used models.

The Hero Electric Optima LA offers a claimed range of 50 km on a single charge, which is quite reasonable for short to medium distance commutes. The battery, with a capacity of 0.96 KWh (20 Ah lead-acid), takes about eight hours to fully charge. This range is sufficient for daily use within urban areas, especially for those who do not need to travel long distances. The mileage is consistent with other low-speed electric scooters in its segment, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize fuel efficiency and low operating costs. ABOUT The Hero Electric Optima LA is a low-speed electric scooter designed for daily commuting needs in urban India. It features a 250W hub motor linked to a lead-acid battery, providing a top speed of 25 kmh, which does not require a license to ride. The scooter has a kerb weight of 86 kg and is equipped with drum brakes and tube-type tyres. It includes basic features such as a digital speedometer, low battery alert, and a charging point. The Optima LA is known for its ease of maintenance, low running costs, and eco-friendly operation, making it a practical choice for those seeking an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The scooters design is sleek and comfortable, with a broad seat and telescopic forks at the front and dual shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a smooth ride. However, its discontinuation since July 2021 means that buyers may need to look into existing stock or consider other models from Hero Electric.