TVS Scooty teenz EV

The Scooty has been a beloved vehicle that has also been around for a long time. With time, it has evolved from the two-stroke it used to be to an almost 100cc four-stroke.

Though the design has been worked on and modified, the feminine appeal remains. This year, TVS is going to launch several new models among which, is the new-gen Scooty. Most manufacturers are pumping up the displacement levels on their vehicle in order to feed the testosterone-driven population. TVS is unique as unlike the rest, it is offering a product that will appeal to one’s head and a few feminine hearts. Called the Teenz EV (EV stands for Electric Vehicle); the new-gen Scooty is the small scoot with a big name.

The Teenz EV pushes itself and the rider forward with its 800W hub-mounted motor rated at 500 rpm powered by four 12V/ 20Ah batteries situated under the seat. Though this engine puts out 3.4 kgm of torque it does not result in as much pulling power as one would expect. Even riding solo, crossing intersections needed a lot of planning; looking several glances back and forth, and on one occasion, I even did a little legwork to avoid a car that didn’t slow down.

A switch that changes the battery range between high, medium and low is located where one would find the starter on a more conventional motorcycle. This can be confusing, especially for people used to the TVS’ ‘power’ and ‘economy’ modes.

Different ranges

The Scooty had different ranges instead of modes and these work in a contrary manner; high range means least power. High range on the EV takes it to a speedo-indicated top speed of 20kph. Medium range can push you to approximately 30kph, and you could choose to top out at 40kph in low range.

Staying in high range will see you through a respectable 50km on a full recharge before you need to plug in again.

The charger for the batteries has been made by Tianneng Electron Company, China, and to recharge the batteries to full takes around seven hours. One end of the charger fits into any standard three-pin socket, while the other end fits in where the fuel cock is on petrol-powered Scootys. Pinning the throttle to the stop in each of the modes has no noticeable difference in a straight line from the rest, but at walking speeds, the sharpish response of low range compared to high range can be felt if you whack the throttle open.

The flower-power pattern on the Scooty gives it a different look and the twin bluish-white city lamps are definitely the Scooty’s best detail and the plastic shrouds over the swingarm add visual muscle to the otherwise feminine Scooty.

Handling is nimble and fun thanks to the EV’s lightweight 90kg, but this isn’t a scooter for enthusiasts.


Bumps throw the new Scooty around all too easily, and don’t expect to be doing much corner-carving either. The front brake feels spongy, but the good rear brake more than makes up for this.

The Scooty is the perfect vehicle for a teenager who is just starting college or for people who want a really cost-effective commuter.

However, the Teenz-EV does need better initial acceleration to avoid getting in the way of other vehicles at intersections, and it wouldn’t hurt if this TVS was a little bigger as well.



TECHNICAL DATA

TVS Scooty teenz EV

Price Rs 33,000 (est)On sale March 2008

L/W/H 1685/590/1060mm

Wheelbase 1220mm

Ground clearance 130mm

Battery range 50km(claimed)

Kerb weight 90kg


Engine Engine layout Wheel hub mounted motor

Power 800W

Torque 3.4kgm

Front suspension Leading-link shock absorber

Rear suspension Twin shock absorbers, swingarm

Front brake 110mm drum

Rear brake 110mm drum

Wheels 3-spoke alloy wheels

Rim size (f-r) 10 inches

Tyre size (f-r) 2.75 x 10 inches