India is one of the largest two-wheeler marketplaces in the world. We have recently witnessed the liking and emergence of electric vehicles. In India, the electric mobility sector is increasingly gaining traction. People are now exploring affordable personal electric mobility solutions, despite the fact that the EV ecosystem is still in its infancy. The Indian market is gradually picking up pace with low-cost electric scooters.
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Growth Catalyst
The Department of Heavy Industries, in its updated ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME-II) scheme’ has extended the provisions for 2 years applicable till 31st March 2024, to enhance adoption, and boost the EV charging infrastructure set up. Second phase of the FAME scheme aims to support 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, apart from other EVs categories.*
EV financing will become the biggest enabler for EV adoption in the next few years. Attractive economics and push by governments has already increased the demand for EVs substantially, and the industry is set to grow to USD 150 billion by 2030, according to estimates by RevFin Services – a financial technology (FinTech) digital lending platform focused at increasing EVs’ adoption for under-banked & underserved. Further, the electric two-wheeler (e-2W) industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 75-80% over FY22-FY25. This would result in e-2Ws contributing 7-10% of the overall 2W sales by FY25 from contributing below 1% as of FY21, according to India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) study.
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For students, there are options available for low-speed electric scooters that do not require registration. While petrol-powered two-wheelers require a driver’s license to use, there is a category of electric two-wheelers that can be lawfully ridden even if you don’t have one. An electric two-wheeler with a power output of less than 250 watts and a top speed of less than 25 kmph is categorized as an electric bicycle or E-bike under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). As a result, it does not need to be registered and can be driven on the road without a valid driver’s license. The following are a few examples of such e-2Wheelers now available in India:
Jaunty Fiesty – Elegantly designed and a visual delight. The Fiesty EV is an extremely desirable option from AMO Electric Bikes. The powerful electric motor provides a healthy range adding to its appeal an array of impressive features. It has a front disc brake and alloy wheels, a side stand sensor, and an electronic assisted braking system.
Joy E-bike Monster – In a sea of electric scooters, the Joy E-Bike Monster manages to stand out. This mini-motorcycle looks more like a Honda Grom than a Honda Navi. It gets a premium-looking kit and features like a digital instrument console. It is powered by a 250kW hub motor and gets a lithium-ion battery pack that offers a range of 75km. Underpinnings include premium-looking upside-down forks, mono shock and alloy wheels. Braking is via disc brakes at both ends.
Jaunty Pro – The Jaunty Pro is a perfect blend of style and character. Its run-distance encourages you to take any urban adventure and the responsive electric motor ensures that zipping ahead is never a problem. It has an electronic assisted branking system, stylish head lamps and alloy wheels.
HOP LEO and HOP LYF – HOP Electric Mobility, Jaipur headquartered, India’s fast growing 2-wheeler electric vehicle brand offers two EV scooters – HOP LEO and LYF. Embedded with a high-performance Li-ion battery, both HOP LEO and HOP LYF are available in standard and extended range variants in the market. A 100% charged battery in HOP LEO and HOP LYF can enable the e-scooters to cover a distance between 70 to 125 km.
All HOP EV 2-wheelers come with automatic parking assistance, reverse gear for easy park in – park out, a side stand sensor, USB charging, remote key, anti-theft alarm, and anti-theft wheel lock attributes. Other additional accessories include internet and GPS connectivity, making these new-age electric two-wheelers the perfect choice for futuristic transportation.
Hero Electric Optima E5 – The Hero Electric Optima E5 gets a conventional scooter design but has a 250cc electric hub motor and floorboard mounted battery pack. It is available with the option of both a lithium-ion battery or a lead-acid battery pack. It gets a large seat with large 16-inch alloy wheels, telescopic front forks and monoshock with drum brakes on both wheels. The Optima E5 makes for a very practical family scooter.
Hero Electric Flash E2 – Hero Electric’s Flash is one of the most affordable lithium-ion battery-powered electric scooters currently on sale in India. It looks like a conventional petrol-powered scooter but features an electric powertrain. It gets a hub-mounted 250-watt electric motor with a 48-volt 28Ah lithium-ion battery. The scooter has a top speed of 25 kmph and weighs just 69 kilograms.