Explore the Costs of Charging & Running an Electric Scooter
Sales of electric two-wheelers in India skyrocketed[1] from 327,900 to 8,46,976 units in 2022 – 2023 — an increase of over 250%!
Electric scooters, sometimes also known as electric bikes, have become the go-to choice for delivery personnel, collegians, senior citizens, and savvy office-goers to zoom through busy streets. These zero-pollution two-wheelers have transformed the way people travel, allowing them to effortlessly navigate traffic while slashing fuel expenses.
Here’s what electric bike ownership costs really
look like!
Initial Investment
The price range for these eco-friendly two-wheelers starts at around Rs 50,000 and can go up to Rs 1.3 lakh for more advanced models. In comparison, popular petrol scooters in India cost between Rs 65,000 and Rs 1.3 lakh. So, when it comes to prices, electric scooters are quite competitive.
Electric scooters are an even more appealing
option because the Indian government offers a fantastic incentive for
purchasing them: Phase II of the FAME India Scheme provides a 15% subsidy for
electric two-wheelers across the country. Several states are offering additional incentives[1]
in the form of road tax exemptions, motor vehicle tax exemptions, and
registration fee waivers.
Calculating Electric Bike Charging Expenses
The cost of charging an electric scooter
varies across India, since electricity costs are different in every state.
Here’s how to calculate an electric scooter’s cost per charge:
Battery’s kWh x Electric Tariff per kWh
Remember, a powerful scooter battery allows
more mileage per charge, translating to lower charging expenses in the long
run.
Electric Bike Maintenance Costs
Electric scooters are less expensive to
maintain than their traditional counterparts, given that they have fewer moving
parts[1]
that could need repair. Just keep up with routine checkups, cleaning,
and lubrication, and your suspension, brakes, and wheels will effortlessly
maintain their efficiency. Furthermore, most electric
scooter manufacturers in India offer affordable subscription plans for regular
servicing. Brake pads, which should only be changed up to twice a year, cost a
mere Rs 200 – 400. In total, annual electric scooter maintenance generally
costs Rs 1000 – 3000.
There is, however, one substantial hidden cost:
the battery, which needs to be replaced every 5 years. As of 2023, replacement
batteries cost around Rs 30,000 – 40,000. Fortunately, battery prices are
expected to plummet in the near future, and this expense will cease to be a
major concern, leaving owners to enjoy the freedom of minimal maintenance costs
and savings with electric scooters.
Comparing Costs and
Features with Traditional Scooters
|
Factor
|
Electric
Scooter |
Petrol
Scooter |
|
Initial investment |
Rs 50,000+ |
Rs 45,000+ |
|
Fuel cost |
Approximately Rs 10.5 per 80 km |
Approximately Rs 139 per 80 km, assuming a petrol price of Rs 96 per
liter |
|
Yearly maintenance cost |
Rs 1000 – Rs 3000 |
Starting at Rs 1000 – 1400; maintenance costs increase each year |
|
Range |
65+ km |
100+ km |
|
Government policies |
Subsidies for EV owners |
May be subject to a green tax in the future |
|
Replacement battery cost |
Rs 30,000 – Rs 40,000 every 5 years; expected to drop in future |
N/A |
|
Tailpipe emissions |
Yes |
|
|
Speed |
25 km/h – 115 km/h |
60 km/h – 130 km/h |
|
Fueling time |
4 – 20 hours |
A few minutes |
Zooming Forward
Electric scooters have become the top choice in
towns and cities amongst people of all demographics, revolutionizing commuting
with their environmental and financial advantages. Not only are electric
scooters priced competitively in the Indian market, but the Indian government's
FAME-II scheme provides a lucrative 15% subsidy, making them even more
affordable. Charging costs vary across states, but are unlikely to be high.
With lower maintenance expenses and fuel costs than their traditional
alternatives, and a drop in battery prices on the horizon, electric scooters
are proving to be an extremely attractive option.
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