Pros and Cons of Buying Electric Scooters in India

Indians in the last decade have witnessed some phenomenal transformations. Embracing these changes made life more convenient and productive. Be it the introduction of 5G, easy availability of smartphones, or even telemedicine has elevated our lifestyle in general. 

Another key addition to our lives during this time has been the introduction of electric vehicles. This ranges from electric cars to models of electric scooters as well. 

Many middle-class Indian families prefer two-wheelers as their chosen mode of personal transportation. Despite the obvious benefits of buying electric scooters, there is a sense of hesitancy. Perhaps, there are genuine reasons for making this choice when the option is between an Electric Scooter vs Petrol Scooter.

To understand the mindset, it is important to explore the pros and cons of buying electric scooters in India.

Pros of Purchasing Electric Scooters

Let’s take a look at the positives of purchasing electric scooters first. 

• Economical Alternative to Petrol Run Two Wheelers: The world is trying to move towards a green environment. This is because of rising fuel prices along with the depth of impact that it has on the environment in general. 
  
  Going the electric scooter route ensures that you have an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol operated two-wheelers. 
• Minimizing Congestion at Gas Stations: When more and more people purchase electric scooters and even cars, it automatically reduces the load on gas stations. Electric scooters can be charged at charging stations with only 2 to 3 units of electricity. Moreover, the battery power tends to last for several hours. 
  
  This means no queuing up to get expensive fuel at gas stations saving on both time, effort and money. 
• Reducing Air and Noise Pollution: Two-wheelers that run on petrol pollute the air with harmful emissions released by the smoke of these bikes and scooters. Breathing such substances is harmful to the human body. Hence, the introduction of electric scooters helps minimize air pollution as they run on batteries and do not emit smoke. 
  
  Moreover, the electric scooter offers the additional advantage of reducing noise pollution too. Two-wheelers that run on petrol emit noise from the engine whereas battery operated vehicles like electric scooters emit far less noise. Whilst it is not completely noise free, it does contribute to minimising noise pollution up to a level at least.
• Best Suited for Short Commutes: When you calculate your petrol expenses for a fuel run two-wheeler, short drives can turn out to be quite expensive on the pocket. On the other hand, electric scooters are ideal if the majority of your work is confined within a short commute distance from your residence. 
  
  That said, you can still take your electric scooter on long drives too. Moreover, they ride well on rough and bumpy roads too. 
• Lightweight and Requires Limited Storage Space: Electric scooters are lightweight compared to petrol operated two-wheelers. This is because the scooters require fewer parts making the unit more compact. 
  
  Moreover, if you live in a city where parking is a problem then opting for an electric scooter makes sense. With dependency on fewer mechanical parts, electric scooters do not require a lot of space to park or store. 
• No Driving License Needed: If you do not have a two-wheeler driving license you will not be able to purchase or ride petrol operated bikes or scooters. That is the law of the land. However, you may be able to drive an electric scooter even if you do not possess a driving license in India.
  
  When buying electric scooters, simply make sure that the motor is 250 watts with a maximum speed of 25 kms. 

Must Read: 4 Reasons To Opting Loan While Buying Two Wheeler

Cons of Purchasing Electric Scooters: 

The pros of purchasing are evident. Let’s deep dive into them a little more. 

• Initial Investment is Higher: The cost of an electric scooter is higher in comparison with its petrol variant counterpart. This is primarily because fuel operated two-wheelers are manufactured in bulk whereas electric scooters are manufactured in much smaller numbers which jacks up the price. 
• Limited Availability of Charging Outlets: The hesitancy to invest in electric scooters stems from the fact that there is limited access to charging points and outlets across the city. This drives the fear of the scooter running out of charge leaving the rider stranded in the middle of nowhere. 
  
  It will be quite a while before we see charging units located across the city. Therefore, the responsibility primarily falls on the rider to ensure that the scooter is fully charged before taking it out for a ride. 
• Erratic Electricity Connectivity: India is yet to reach a point where we do not suffer from untimely and unpredictable power cuts. Be it cities, towns and villages, this phenomenon is widely prevalent. The only way to solve this is to opt for sources of renewable energy such as solar panels that ensure steady access to power. 
• Limited Repairing Shops: There are several service centers and repair shops available for two-wheeler petrol variants. Therefore, if there is a need to service or repair the two-wheeler, shops are within easy reach. 
  
  This is not the case with battery operated electric scooters. You will only find authorised service centers located in metropolitan cities in India. 
• Spare Parts Not Available Easily: The demand for electric scooters is fairly low. Commensurate to this, the availability of spare parts for electric scooters in case of damage is available with authorized dealers only. 
  
  The situation with fuel operated two-wheelers is completely opposite where spare parts are available even at local repair shops. 
• Slow Speed Compared to Fuel Bikes: If you are looking to travel long distances at high speed then electric scooters will bring you disappointment. On current configurations, electric scooters can average a top speed of 60 to 70 km/hr and travel up to a maximum distance of 50 to 60 kms on a single charge.
  
  This is not an issue with petrol run two-wheelers. 
• Limited Funding: Most lenders do not provide loans for electric vehicles, due to the mortgage aspect. On the other hand, one can very easily purchase a stylish new petrol bike with a SMFG India Credit two wheeler loan. Our two wheeler loan interest rates are affordable and repayable between 12 to 48 months. Apply online or get in touch with your nearest SMFG India Credit branch for more details.

If you still wish to purchase an electric vehicle and need funding for the same, you can choose to opt for a SMFG India Credit personal loan instead. We offer personal loans to eligible borrowers upto INR 25 lakhs* at attractive interest rates starting from 12.5% per annum. Apply online today!

Conclusion

Despite the disadvantages, the Government of India is taking on multiple initiatives to popularise electric scooters in India. If you choose to buy an electric model, you have to consider the long-term benefits. Your advantage is not just limited to saving money on fuel but contributes to the green movement as well. However, it is easier at the moment, to get funding for petrol based bikes. 

For convenient and hassle-free financing of petrol based bikes, speak to us today to know more about our two wheeler loan.