Are electric scooters a reliable commuting option 20^th November 2021

With each passing day, people are extra concerned about the environment and the reality of climate change. As a result, more and more people are opting for environment-friendly and sustainable options, like e-scooters as a greener alternative.

The face of personal transportation has immensely changed since the introduction of electric vehicles in the Indian market. Electric scooters are an excellent alternative to traditional combustion engines. They have become the new face of convenience and an affordable mode of transport in India, with over 150,000 e-bikes and e-scooters sold in 2020 alone.

Yet, we know relatively little about its reliability. And to better understand it clearly, we will answer a few questions and tell you about its limitations and advantages.

What is an electric scooter?
Electric bikes or scooters are plug-in electric vehicles that use electric motors to get locomotion.

What is the mileage of an electric scooter?
On average, an electric scooter can go up to 70 km in a single charge, that is 70 km in 10 rupees making it cost-effective and an efficient commutation option.

What batteries are used in an electric scooter?
Usually, electric scooters operate on lithium-ion batteries and adhere to a 12v starter battery or a 24v electrical system.

Do you need a driving license and insurance?
Yes, in India, you would need a driving license and 2 wheeler insurance to drive any vehicle which has a capacity of more than 250 kilowatts and can attain a speed higher than 25km per hour.

What is the expected life of an electric scooter?
Electric scooters might not have the same life span as petrol bikes because engines work longer than motors, but motors are easily replaceable.

Are electric scooters reliable?
When buying a vehicle, the main factor is its reliability—whether it is safe to use, performance, durability, flexibility, etc. To know it, let's understand the pros and cons of buying an electric scooter so that you can make a choice.

PROS:
1. Easy maintenance
There's no need to maintain a battery, clutch, or oil change, and there are no valves to tune, throttle bodies to sync, or air filters to replace. You'll only need to change tires and brake pads every once in a while.

2. Limited noise pollution
Of course, it is a myth that electric motorcycles are entirely silent, but still, the noises are comparatively minimal. This means that you get to enjoy a peaceful experience. Also, no neighbours will be disturbed late at night!

3. Environment-friendly
The best advantage that electric scooters bring with them is the green revolution. These sustainable vehicles are shaping the future of the world towards a cleaner and more environmentally safe era.

4. Insurance benefits
Reports suggested that the Indian EV market will grow at 36% in the coming years and emerge as a key segment in the insurance business. Thus, in most cases, you will notice that the 2 wheeler insurance premiums are comparatively low for electric vehicles.

CONS:
1. Charging
One of the main problems is finding a charging unit for your electric vehicles. Let's say you do find one, but certainly, charging will take more time than filling a tank with fuel. Therefore, a fuel-based vehicle is more practical due to the easy access to a gas station.

2. Resale value
Electric scooters have a low resale value. And if the battery needs replacement, there is almost no market value of the vehicle. Also, it is hard to find a buyer interested in a used e-bike.

3. Storage space
E-bikes generally do not have much storage space below the seat, but new design technology is finding solutions to address this requirement of ample storage in vehicles.

These checkpoints related to the reliability of an electric scooter come in handy for you to compare the advantages and understand your requirements correctly. Planning an e-scooter certainly brings your meaningful contribution towards zero air pollution.

Planning to buy a new electric bike? Click HERE to cover it with a reliable two-wheeler insurance.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.