VLF Strada: A ₹1.20 Lakh Electric Scooter With Removable Batteries and a 250km Claim, but Read the Fine Print

The VLF Strada is one of the more unusual electric scooters to arrive this month. Motohaus, the Kolhapur-based company that sells VLF scooters in India, launched it on October 12 in two variants: the City at ₹1,19,999 and the Max at about ₹1.55 lakh, both ex-showroom.

The headline claim is up to 250 km on the IDC test cycle for the Max, which carries two removable LFP batteries. The Strada also stands out with motorcycle-style 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels, uncommon in the scooter world.

VLF is a brand with Italian heritage that builds its scooters in Zhejiang, China, according to Autocar India. The Strada replaces the Tennis as VLF’s main model here. Below is what is confirmed, what is still unclear, and who it suits.

What does the VLF Strada cost?

There are two variants, and the only real difference is the battery.

The City price is listed on Motohaus’s own website. Reports differ slightly on the Max, quoting ₹1,55,499 or ₹1,55,500, so confirm the exact figure with the dealer.

What are the key specifications?

Both variants share the same hub motor, chassis and features. The numbers below come from Autocar India and the brochure details reported by EVFY.

Other features include dual-projector LED headlights, a windscreen, keyless ignition, USB charging and a luggage rack. Colours are Carbonio Black, Luna White, Titanio Grey and Urbano Silver.

How long does it take to charge?

This is one of the open questions. Autocar India reports VLF‘s claim of three hours for a single battery from 20 to 100 percent, and six hours for both. VLF had not specified the charger wattage at launch.

EVFY found that the brochure also mentions a 2-hour figure “under the listed charging configuration” without explaining what that configuration is. Until VLF clarifies, plan around the six-hour figure for the Max.

The good news is that the packs are removable. If you live in a flat without parking-level charging, you can carry a battery indoors. Running costs are low either way. As a rough guide from our own sum, filling the 4.32 kWh Max at ₹8 per kWh would cost around ₹35, before charging losses.

What are the caveats?

There are four things we would want answered before booking.

First, braking. The Strada uses a combined braking system (CBS), not ABS. At up to 85 km/h, many buyers would prefer ABS.

Second, weight. The listed 98 kg kerb weight looks light for a scooter carrying up to 4.32 kWh of batteries. Neither Autocar India nor EVFY could confirm whether it includes the batteries, and Autocar suggests it is likely the City figure.

Third, warranty. EVFY notes that warranty terms for the vehicle, battery and motor were not disclosed in the brochure. Get them in writing.

Fourth, service. Motohaus is a small player compared with TVS, Bajaj or Ather. Ask where your nearest service point is and how parts are supplied, especially since the scooter is made in China.

What will it be like to live with every day?

On paper, the Strada is built for mixed city and suburban riding. The 780 mm seat height should suit most riders, and the split seat, windscreen and luggage rack point to longer commutes rather than short errands. The 175 mm ground clearance is generous for a scooter, which helps over tall speed breakers and broken patches.

The 16-inch front wheel should help stability and make potholes feel less sharp than on the 10-12-inch wheels common in this segment. The flip side is that bigger wheels can make a scooter feel less nimble in very tight traffic, so try a U-turn on the test ride.

Storage under the seat is another unknown. With removable batteries living under there, check how much space is left for a helmet. If you plan to carry a battery upstairs to charge, ask the dealer for its weight, because that has not been published.

What should you check on a test ride?

Book a ride on the exact variant you plan to buy. The Max carries a second battery, so its handling and weight may feel different from the City.

Ride at least part of the way in Sport mode to see how the scooter behaves near its 85 km/h top speed, and test the brakes firmly in a safe spot, since there is no ABS. Look at how the windscreen affects wind noise and buffeting at speed.

Finally, ask to see a battery removed and refitted. It should be quick and easy to do on your own. If it is not, the removable battery advantage shrinks.

How does it compare with rivals?

Autocar India lists these established rivals in the same price band.

On paper, the Strada City asks more than most of these. What it offers in return is bigger wheels, higher ground clearance and a more touring-style design. The big brands counter with wider service networks and more proven after-sales support.

If you are shopping on a tighter budget, our guide to the e-Sprinto G1 electric scooter covers another newcomer worth comparing.

Which variant makes more sense?

For most riders, the Max is better value. EVFY’s own maths shows the second battery adds 120 km of claimed range for about ₹35,500, which works out cheaper per claimed kilometre than the City.

The City makes sense if your daily ride is short, you charge every night, and you want the lower entry price. Real-world range will be lower than 130 km, especially in Sport mode or with a pillion, but it should still cover most city days.

Riders who like the idea of a bigger, more comfortable scooter but want petrol should also look at the Aprilia SXR GT 175, which takes a similar comfort-first approach.

CarBike Insight Analysis

The Strada is interesting because it does not copy the usual Indian e-scooter template. Big wheels, removable packs and a high 175 mm ground clearance make sense on broken roads and speed breakers, and the 250 km claim on the Max is among the higher figures in this price band.

The trade-off is trust. No ABS, unclear weight and charging details, undisclosed warranty and a small service network are real concerns, not small print. Foreign brands are clearly eyeing Indian scooter buyers, as the VinFast e-scooter patent filing shows, but buyers should demand the same after-sales clarity they get from the big names.

Who should buy? Riders near a Motohaus dealer who want a different-looking, long-range scooter and can confirm warranty and service first. Who should wait? Anyone who wants ABS, a large service network or a proven resale market.

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