VLF Tennis first ride review: The Italian Job done right?

The Indian electric two-wheeler market has been buzzing with familiar names – Ola, Ather, TVS, Bajaj, all bringing exciting products. But here we have something unexpected. Meet the VLF Tennis 1500W, a rather stylish electric scooter from Italian-origin brand Velocifero, now making its India entry via Kolhapur-based brand Motohaus. Priced at ₹1.30 lakh (ex-showroom), it positions itself as a chic, lightweight city runabout. But is there genuine substance underneath?

VLF Tennis design and ergonomics

The Tennis nails first impressions. It blends retro cues with clean, minimalist design. The dual-tone metallic paint looks premium, and full-LED lighting – especially the design of the DRLs and taillamps – adds flair. It looks different and in a sea of funky EVs, that alone adds to its appeal. But there’s room for improvement. The plastic feels flimsy and some of the switches lack tactility. This issue may be specific to our test unit but the high beam switch even got stuck mid-ride. These are minor niggles but they matter. If you’re considering one, check the finishing properly.

Ergonomically, the VLF Tennis is easygoing. With a 780mm seat height, upright handlebars and a kerb weight of just 88kg, it’s highly accessible. The seat is well-cushioned but not long enough for two adults to sit comfortably. The floorboard is a bit cramped, too. Storage is average – a front cubby for small items and underseat space, mostly taken up by the portable charger. Usable, yes, but far from generous.

VLF Tennis features and equipment

The 5-inch digital display is legible and it does offer Bluetooth pairing – but that’s about it. There’s no real-time range estimate (just battery percentage), no reverse mode, no ride data logging and no app integration. It feels barebones, especially compared to rivals. It does offer keyless ignition but it’s a hit-or-miss affair. It failed to connect at times, forcing me to use the physical key. There’s also no dedicated start/stop button – just squeeze the brake and it comes alive. Simple, yes, but potentially dangerous too. Since pressing the brake is a natural instinct, it could be a potential hazard if you let go of the brake and somebody accidentally pulls the accelerator.

It gets 12-inch wheels, a telescopic front fork and rear monoshock, standard stuff. The ride is on the firmer side, so larger potholes do make their presence felt. That said, stability is decent and braking is genuinely impressive. Front and rear disc brakes deliver progressive stopping power and it remains composed even during hard braking.

VLF Tennis performance and ride

Powering it is a 2.5kWh removable battery, claiming a range of 130km. In our testing, we got around 80km in regular City mode and you should be able to get up to 90-100km in Eco mode. There’s also a Sport mode but it’s best used sparingly. Charging is handled by a 750W charger, with a full top-up taking about 3 hours. The removable battery is convenient in theory but it’s heavy to carry frequently. Best option is still to install a charging point in your parking and charge the scooter there.

The riding part is where you will be pleased. With 2.8bhp, it won’t win drag races but it’s adequate for the city. Top speed is a modest 65kmph and while that might feel slow on open roads, it’s good enough for daily commutes. The standout is its weight – or lack of it. At just 88kg, it’s incredibly nimble and quick to respond to rider input. The turning radius is tight, making manoeuvring stress-free. New riders will especially feel at ease on it.

VLF Tennis verdict

Should you consider the VLF Tennis? Not yet. Rivals such as the iQube or Rizta offer a more polished experience with brand value, new-age tech and wider service network. The price doesn’t help either. What works for it is the quirky design, lightness and overall ease of use – and if your daily commutes are short, the VLF Tennis can be a decent choice, if you are willing to make the bet.