Hero Optima LI

The Hero Electric Optima LI is an electric scooter designed with the urban commuter in mind. It features a 550W hub motor that delivers continuous power of 0.7 hp and peak power of 1.6 bhp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 25 kmh. The scooter is lightweight, weighing around 68 kg, and has a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1.34 kWh. The design is similar to conventional petrol scooters, with a matte finish and decent quality plastics on the outside, though the interior components could be improved. It comes with a basic digital console that displays speed, battery level, and other essential metrics, although the lack of a range indicator can be inconvenient. The scooter also boasts a large storage space under the seat and a front hook for carrying groceries. Overall, it is a practical, eco-friendly option for short commutes, but its limitations in terms of range and service support need to be carefully considered.

The Hero Electric Optima LI is a mixed bag when it comes to its overall performance and user experience. On the positive side, it is environmentally friendly with zero emissions, has low operating costs due to lower charging expenses compared to petrol scooters, and offers a smooth and quiet ride. The scooter is also lightweight and easy to maintain, with routine checks mainly involving the battery, tyres, brakes, and electrical components. However, several users have reported significant issues with the battery durability and the companys service response, which is a major red flag. The limited range of approximately 50-60 km per charge and the top speed of only 25 kmh can be restrictive for those needing to travel longer distances or in a hurry. Overall, while it is a practical alternative for short, predictable routes, the reliability and service support are areas that need considerable improvement.

Hero Electric has discontinued the Optima Li model as of July 2021, marking the end of its production run. This decision comes as the company focuses on newer models with advanced features and compliance with latest regulations. I believe this move is strategic, allowing Hero Electric to concentrate on more competitive and technologically advanced scooters.

The Hero Electric Optima Li was known for its eco-friendly and cost-effective design, offering a range of 110 km on a single charge and a charging time of 4-5 hours. It came in two variants and was priced between Rs. 63,500 and Rs. 71,534 (ex-showroom). I think this scooter was a great option for those looking for an affordable and environmentally friendly commute.

Hero Electric had introduced various offers and discounts for the Optima Li, including a special discount of Rs. 10,000 for select customers in partnership with Paytm. This was part of their promotional strategies to boost sales and celebrate milestones like the 50,000th sale of the Optima model. I believe such promotions helped in increasing the scooters appeal to a wider audience.

The Optima Li featured a 56 Ah battery, LED headlight, and an automatic transmission, making it a convenient choice for daily commuting. It also had a low battery alert and a charging point, enhancing user convenience. I think these features made it a practical option for urban riders.

The Hero Electric Optima Li was praised by users for its lightweight and eco-friendly design. Reviews highlighted its performance and the benefits of using an electric scooter, such as reduced air pollution and lower operating costs. I believe the positive user feedback was a testament to the scooters reliability and user satisfaction.

The Hero Electric Optima LI, although discontinued since July 2021, had an ex-showroom price in Delhi ranging from Rs. 61,990 to Rs. 68,721, depending on the variant. The on-road price would typically include additional costs such as registration, insurance, and any local taxes, which could add around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000 to the ex-showroom price. Given its eco-friendly nature and low operating costs, the price seemed reasonable for those looking for an economical and environmentally conscious commuting option. However, the discontinuation of the model suggests that potential buyers might need to consider other available options in the market.

The mileage of the Hero Electric Optima LI is one of its key selling points, especially for daily commuters. With a claimed range of approximately 65 km on a single charge, it is suitable for short to medium distance commutes. However, real-world usage has shown that the actual range can vary between 50-60 km, depending on factors such as road conditions, load, and riding style. The battery takes around 4-5 hours to fully charge, although fast charging can get the battery to 60 in less than an hour, which is convenient for daily use. Despite the limited range, the low electricity consumption makes it an economical choice for those with predictable and short commuting needs. ABOUT The Hero Electric Optima LI is an electric scooter designed with the urban commuter in mind. It features a 550W hub motor that delivers continuous power of 0.7 hp and peak power of 1.6 bhp, allowing it to reach a top speed of 25 kmh. The scooter is lightweight, weighing around 68 kg, and has a Li-ion battery with a capacity of 1.34 kWh. The design is similar to conventional petrol scooters, with a matte finish and decent quality plastics on the outside, though the interior components could be improved. It comes with a basic digital console that displays speed, battery level, and other essential metrics, although the lack of a range indicator can be inconvenient. The scooter also boasts a large storage space under the seat and a front hook for carrying groceries. Overall, it is a practical, eco-friendly option for short commutes, but its limitations in terms of range and service support need to be carefully considered.