Scooters have always been people’s preference in the Indian market. And there is a very good reason for it. Due to the lack of parking space, heavy traffic, low maintenance, and higher fuel efficiency people prefer scooters or two-wheelers in general when it comes to commuting in a city. Hence the introduction of electric scooters has managed to catch people’s attention as they already provide benefits such as low maintenance, and high efficiency but also bring along with unique features such as a navigation display, reverse gear, etc. Be it your first vehicle or upgrading to your existing one, here are 7 points to consider while buying an electric scooter.
Cost
Electric vehicles are still new in the market compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Due to this, the batteries of this vehicle are expensive which overall increases the cost. Currently, if you are looking for an electric scooter then you can expect entry-level scooters from 1 lakh rupees onwards.
While if you look at the traditional scooters you can get them at a much lower price. Most of them are well below the 1 lakh rupee range. Consequently, despite the fact that the operational cost of electricity is significantly reduced, you should account for the additional cost of acquiring one.
To be fair there are electric scooters below 1 lakh rupees but it would not be right to label than as scooters. They don’t require RTO registration. Their weight-carrying capacity, range, and top speed are much lower than you would expect from a scooter. You can think of them as an advanced version of Electric cycles.
Features
Features are key factors to consider. Electric scooters have opened up opportunities for a wide range of features to be integrated. Below is a list of features that are offered.
- Tracking of your vehicle
- Inbuilt GPS
- Inbuild speakers to listen to music while riding
- Keyless ignition
- Auto hill assist
- Reverse gear
These are just a few of the many features which come along with electric scooters. Hence check out the one offered. See which one might come in handy for your daily use.
Range
Ultimately the most important parament which we Indians are always looking for in a vehicle is its mileage. We all want an electric scooter that can cover as much distance as possible on a single charge. Be aware of the range which is advertised. Just as the petrol vehicle the advertised range and the real-world range [true range] are not the same. If possible ask the owners if you know any about its true range.
Consider your usage. If you plan to take daily to your office then you can calculate your total daily trip Kilometer and compare it with the range. This can give you an idea if you need to charge your scooter daily or if it is good enough for a few days. If you plan to use your electric scooter daily we recommend going for the one which has a higher range. This will make your daily trip more convenient by reducing the total number of charge cycles.
Charging
The availability of charging stations and also the time required to charge will have a huge impact on your daily commute. The charging station could be chargeable as well as free of cost. For example, currently, Ather scooter has multiple charging stations across major cities. Currently, they offer free charging if you own one of their scooters.
On the other hand, Tata probably has the maximum number of charge stations across major cities. You can use them as well but it will attract some fees.
Another thing to check is if the battery is removable. Some electric scooters have removable batteries. This means you can simply unplug it and carry it home to recharge. This is extremely useful if you don’t have any charging stations in or around your building.
Power modes
Every scooter comes with different power modes. These modes allow to you go faster on highways while saving power on eco mode when in traffic. Based on the power mode you use your range can fluctuate. Usually, the range which is mentioned is calculated based on the most economical mode. If you ride on sports modes your true range will further drop.
After-sales service
Electric scooters require minimal serving. But failures still can happen. Be it with software, hardware, or any other component. As they are still new it is unlikely that your local garage mechanic will be able to fix it. Many companies even offer roadside assistance. Look out if the brand you are going with provides one.
Reliability and build quality
It’s critical to research an electric scooter’s dependability in the real world before making a purchase. A scooter’s dependability rating is influenced by several elements, including the charging infrastructure, battery life, construction quality, etc. You can end up stuck on the road if and when your scooter runs out of power if the manufacturer doesn’t offer a substantial network of recharge stations or roadside assistance.
Many EV manufacturers typically ignore construction quality to keep the price cheap. Therefore, it is important to study and watch reviews, go through consumer comments, and learn more about the electric scooter’s construction quality. Make sure you are aware of the quality, shelf life, and insurance coverage of crucial components.