The TVS NTorq 150 was a highly anticipated scooter, but the TVS Orbiter is a scooter that nobody expected. Designed to be a comfy and practical everyday runabout, it’s aimed at those who want something laid-back, but with a head turning design and a fairly good range. Priced at ₹1.04 lakh, it will sit above the iQube and below the TVS X. But is it worth having a look, or should you just put your money on the tried and tested iQube? Let me tell you.
Unlike the TVS iQube, which follows a more traditional design language, the Orbiter is completely different. It stands out with its futuristic straight-line design and features like a full-width light bar at both ends, integrated turn indicators, and a 14-inch alloy wheel at the front. The sleek LED headlight, tall upright stance, and flat body panels further enhance its modern appeal. There’s also an aero-optimised windshield which TVS says improves range by up to 10 per cent. Additionally, the Orbiter boasts a long single-piece flat seat, a straight footboard, and an upright handlebar, a slashed rear-end that tapers to the top and flush-fit rear footpegs, all of which contribute to its unique identity. This scooter is designed primarily to appeal to the newer generation, and I have to say, it looks fairly neat. It may not suit everyone’s taste, but it will definitely grab attention, especially if you opt for the flashy colours. However, even in simpler options like Cosmic Titanium, it still looks good.
On the features front, the Orbiter boasts a 5.5-inch colour LCD screen with Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. Moreover, you can connect the TVS Smart XConnect app to this unit and enable call alerts on the screen, geo fencing, SOC, crash and fall alerts, OTA updates. It also includes segment-first features like cruise control, hill-hold assist, and even a reverse function. It has a 165mm ground clearance, a handlebar mounted Type-A USB port and a 34-litre underseat storage which can fit two half face helmets.
While the overall ergonomics of the Orbiter are superb, with a high-set handlebar that provides ample room and a relaxed riding position, a comfortable seat that’s well-cushioned and accessible for shorter riders at 763mm, and a roomy footboard, the screen itself could have been better, because it feels a tad small and isn’t the easiest to read. The unit from the iQube, here, would’ve felt ace.
The fit and finish are good, with consistent panel gaps, but it’s not the best — certainly not at the level one might expect from TVS. There are exposed screws around the handlebar area, which may not be a dealbreaker, but it’s something we wouldn’t typically expect from a TVS product.
The Orbiter is built on an all-new frame and rides on a 14-inch front wheel and a 12-inch rear wheel. This setup is designed to make it more nimble, and it certainly delivers. Despite its 112kg kerb weight, the Orbiter feels surprisingly light on its feet, with a notably light front end. Thanks to the larger front wheel, it feels extremely agile and changes directions with ease. The Orbiter is powered by a fixed 3.1kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 158km. It gets a 650W charger which juices up the battery Power is sent to a hub-mounted BLDC motor that produces 3.5bhp. While the power figure is relatively low, and you may find yourself wishing for more oomph, it’s sufficient for casual city rides. The scooter has two ride modes – Eco and City – with the primary difference being their top speeds. The Eco mode is limited to 48kmph, while the City mode unlocks a top speed of 68kmph. Performance, however, isn’t the Orbiter’s strongest suit. Acceleration is slow, and the scooter doesn’t feel particularly enthusiastic. It’s happiest between 20 and 50kmph, particularly in the city, but quick overtakes, especially with a pillion, will definitely require some planning. The Orbiter is equipped with cruise control, which works between 23 and 60kmph. While it might initially seem like a gimmick, it could prove to be a useful feature once the rider becomes accustomed to it. The chassis of the Orbiter is supported by a telescopic fork at the front and twin shocks at the rear. It rides well overall; although I didn’t test it on rough roads, I did encounter a few speed bumps, and it handled them smoothly, absorbing them well. On the braking front, it features drum brakes at both ends, an area that certainly requires improvement. The front brake lacks bite, and the rear tends to lock up under hard braking. Additionally, there’s noticeable fade after heavy use. While the setup is adequate for city riding, this is the one area that needs attention more than anything else
The Orbiter is a fairly average electric scooter. While it certainly grabs attention with its futuristic design, it doesn’t do much to stand out in other areas. It’s practical, comfortable, and easy to ride — qualities that make it a reliable choice for daily commutes. However, when it comes to performance, features, and overall excitement, it doesn't exactly set the world on fire. Priced at ₹1.04 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), it’s positioned competitively within the market. But, for the same price or a bit more, you’ll find other scooters that offer superior features, better performance, or a more thrilling riding experience. While the Orbiter is a solid option for those seeking something simple and functional, it struggles to shine in a sea of more enticing alternatives. At the end of the day, the Orbiter is like that reliable friend who’s always on time but never brings the party. It’ll get you where you need to go, but you might be left wondering what else is out there.
