Three electric scooters dominate the buying conversation in the ₹90,000–₹1.25 lakh segment in India in 2026: the Ampere Magnus Grand, TVS iQube, and Bajaj Chetak. Each has genuine strengths. This comparison covers every dimension that matters — price, battery chemistry, range, charging, safety, features, after-sales, and total cost of ownership — to help you choose the right scooter for your situation.
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Ampere Magnus Grand | TVS iQube (Base) | Bajaj Chetak (Base) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹89,999 | ~₹1.09–1.15 lakh | ~₹91,399–1.07 lakh |
| Battery Type | LFP (safest) | NMC Lithium-ion | NMC Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2.3 kWh | 2.2 kWh | 2.90 kWh |
| IDC Certified Range | 118 km | 94 km | 113–127 km |
| Real-World Range | 80–95 km | 65–75 km | 90–110 km |
| Top Speed | 65 km/h | 75 km/h | 63 km/h |
| Motor Type | Hub/mid-mount | Hub-mounted | Direct drive (BLDC) |
| Charging Time | 5–6 hrs (5A) | ~5 hrs | ~5 hrs |
| Battery Warranty | 5 yrs / 75,000 km | 3 yrs / 50,000 km | 3 yrs / 50,000 km |
| Chassis | Dual-frame high-tensile steel | Steel | Metal (premium body) |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 128 mm | ~170 mm |
| Boot Space | 22 litres | 30 litres | ~14 litres |
| Colours Available | Ocean Blue, Matcha Green | Multiple | 11+ colours |
Battery Chemistry: The Most Important Differentiator
Before comparing range numbers or prices, it is essential to understand the battery chemistry difference between these three scooters. The Ampere Magnus Grand uses LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate). The TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak use NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt).
This distinction has significant real-world consequences for Indian riders. NMC batteries begin experiencing thermal stress at temperatures above 40°C — a threshold regularly crossed in Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh from March to June. Thermal stress accelerates capacity degradation: your scooter's range shrinks faster year-on-year in a hot climate with NMC chemistry.
LFP batteries, by contrast, are stable up to 60°C. They also complete 3,000+ charge cycles versus 1,000–2,000 for NMC — meaning significantly less range degradation over your ownership period. This is reflected directly in the warranty: Ampere offers 5 years/75,000 km, while TVS and Bajaj offer 3 years/50,000 km.
Range: What You Actually Get on the Road
IDC-certified range figures are useful for comparison but not for planning. The real-world range with a single adult rider at typical city speeds is what matters for daily use.
| Scooter | IDC Range | Real-World Range (est.) | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ampere Magnus Grand | 118 km | 80–95 km | Daily commutes up to 60 km, family use |
| TVS iQube (Base 2.2 kWh) | 94 km | 65–75 km | City commutes up to 45 km |
| TVS iQube S / ST (higher variants) | 100–145 km | 85–110 km | City and semi-urban use |
| Bajaj Chetak (Base 2.9 kWh) | 113–127 km | 90–110 km | City and light suburban use |
For a 35–40 km daily commute, all three are adequate on range. The Magnus Grand provides the best real-world range at the lowest price in the base comparison. For commutes pushing 50–60 km, the Magnus Grand's 80–95 km buffer is most comfortable.
Price and Value: Total Cost of Ownership over 5 Years
The sticker price comparison favours the Magnus Grand at ₹89,999, followed closely by the Chetak base at ~₹91,399 and the iQube starting around ₹1.09 lakh. But the 5-year total cost paints a clearer picture:
| Cost Component (5 Years) | Ampere Magnus Grand | TVS iQube (Base) | Bajaj Chetak (Base) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-Showroom Price | ₹89,999 | ₹1,09,000 | ₹91,399 |
| Energy Cost (40 km/day, 5 yrs) | ~₹10,950 | ~₹10,950 | ~₹10,950 |
| Maintenance (est.) | ₹6,000–8,000 | ₹8,000–12,000 | ₹8,000–12,000 |
| Battery Warranty Coverage | 5 yrs / 75,000 km | 3 yrs / 50,000 km | 3 yrs / 50,000 km |
| Battery Degradation Risk | Low (LFP) | Moderate (NMC in heat) | Moderate (NMC in heat) |
| Estimated 5-Year Total | ~₹1,06,950–1,08,950 | ~₹1,27,950–1,31,950 | ~₹1,10,349–1,14,349 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Ampere Magnus Grand — What It Does Best
- Only LFP battery in the base comparison — safest chemistry, longest cycle life
- 5-year/75,000 km battery warranty — industry-leading coverage
- Dual-frame high-tensile steel chassis — superior build rigidity
- 165 mm ground clearance — handles rough roads well
- 22-litre under-seat storage with family-friendly ergonomics
- Running cost: 15 paise/km — one of India's most economical commuters
- Available in Ocean Blue and Matcha Green
TVS iQube — What It Does Best
- IntelliGo auto stop-start technology reduces battery drain in standstill traffic
- Geo-fencing, real-time tracking, and remote immobilisation via SmartXonnect app
- Highest top speed at 75 km/h in base comparison
- Largest boot space at 27 litres — practical for grocery and bag carrying
- Strong app ecosystem with ride analytics and navigation
Bajaj Chetak — What It Does Best
- Premium metal body construction — retro European-inspired design with substantial feel
- Best certified range in the premium variants — up to 127 km
- Direct drive BLDC motor — smooth, seamless power delivery with no belt-related maintenance
- Established Bajaj dealer network for nationwide service access
- Strong resale value driven by brand recognition and premium positioning
Which Scooter Should You Buy?
| Your Priority | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Safest battery + lowest price | Ampere Magnus Grand | Only LFP under ₹1 lakh, 5-yr warranty |
| Best range in premium variants | Bajaj Chetak 3501 / Premium | Up to 127 km, metal body |
| Best app connectivity | TVS iQube S or ST | Full SmartXonnect ecosystem, geo-fencing, GPS |
| Best value for Indian families | Ampere Magnus Grand | 22L boot, LFP battery, dual-frame chassis |
| Best for hilly terrain | Bajaj Chetak | Direct drive motor, smooth hill-start power |
| Lowest total cost of ownership | Ampere Magnus Grand | LFP longevity reduces battery replacement risk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ampere Magnus Grand better than TVS iQube?
For battery safety, warranty coverage, and value under ₹1 lakh, the Magnus Grand is the stronger choice. TVS iQube offers superior app connectivity features and a larger boot space. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise long-term battery reliability or connected technology.
How does Bajaj Chetak compare to Ampere Magnus Grand on range?
The Bajaj Chetak's premium variants offer up to 127 km IDC range vs 118 km for the Magnus Grand. However, the Magnus Grand's LFP battery retains this range better over time due to lower thermal degradation in Indian summer conditions.
Which electric scooter has the best battery warranty in 2026?
The Ampere Magnus Grand offers the longest battery warranty in this comparison: 5 years or 75,000 km. TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak both offer 3-year/50,000 km coverage.
Does the TVS iQube support fast charging?
Select iQube variants support faster charging via higher-rated chargers. The base variant charges on a standard 5A socket in approximately 5 hours. The Magnus Grand has a similar charging profile.
Is the Bajaj Chetak good for rough Indian roads?
The Chetak's metal body is durable and gives a premium feel. However, with approximately 170 mm ground clearance and single-sided leading link front suspension, it is better suited to maintained urban roads than rough rural surfaces. The Magnus Grand's 165 mm clearance and dual-frame chassis handle varied terrain more confidently.
