4 things to check before you buy an electric scooter

Everything you need to know when buying an electric scooter

Are you in the market for a dependable electric scooter? Don't know where to even begin? You have come to the right place! This article will serve as a thorough guide and help you make a well-informed buying decision.

With our carbon footprint increasing day by day and fuel prices going through the roof, electric scooters or e-bikes are proving to be a lot more sensible and economical. Since this is completely new territory for most of you, we have listed five things you should check in an electric scooter before making it your own.

1. Range

One of the reasons electric scooters have not gained widespread adoption in India yet (other than the cost factor) is because of the perception that they have a smaller range, i.e. they can cover only short distances. With advancements in technology, this is no longer the case. There are many options available today that offer a range of over 100 km on a single charge. A few scooters such as Gravton Quanta and Simple One claim to deliver an incredible range of 320 km and 236 km. However, manufacturers do tend to oversell. An industry survey revealed that manufacturers tend to overestimate their range claims by at least 30%. Hence, you must keep this in mind and calculate the actual range of a scooter before buying.

2. Battery life

The range of an e-bike and the battery life are interlinked. Battery life refers to the number of charge cycles a scooter can go through before it has to be replaced. Depending on the type of battery, such as Lithium-ion or lead, batteries offer over 300-500 charges on average. Superior quality ones can even offer up to 1000 charges. Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient than lead ones. It is vital to note here that the performance of the battery does deteriorate over time. This is a key aspect that directly correlates with the maintenance cost of your electric scooter; hence, look for a scooter with long battery life. Additionally, in a country like India that does not have enough charging stations, get a scooter that facilitates battery portability, so you can detach the battery and charge it anywhere, anytime.

3. Make/Model

The make and model will determine your scooter's quality, speed, and style quotient. If you live in a city with bad roads or a rural area with rough terrain, you cannot compromise on the quality. Look for a scooter that has tough tyres and robust alloy wheels to endure stress, as well as good braking capability to keep you safe. Electric scooters also come with varying top speeds – ranging from 25 km/hr to 75 km/hr. Choose your electric scooter according to your daily travel needs and budget. This brings us to our next point.

4. Price

The cost of the vehicle is always the critical factor when making a buying decision, but one needs to weigh options with the benefits on offer. Although the upfront cost of purchasing an e-bike is high on account of new-to-market technology and rechargeable batteries, it will be significantly cost-effective over a period of time compared to conventional fossil-fuelled vehicles. At present, the cost of e-bikes ranges from Rs 42,500 for the Komagi XGT KM, going all the way up to Rs 1.45 lakh for the Ather 450X. 

While electric scooters are expensive in India, the good news is that you can avail of a two-wheeler loan to get the bike of your dreams. With many banks and NBFCs adding loans for electric scooters to their bouquet of offerings, they have become very accessible. Additionally, various state governments in India offer subsidies and incentives on the purchase of e-bikes to boost the transition to green alternatives. IDFC FIRST Bank offers two-wheeler loans for electric scooters at cost-effective interest rates. Moreover, the process is simple, with minimal documentation. All you have to do is fill in the application form through its mobile app or website, provide identity and address proof, and, if eligible, you can get approval instantly. The bank offers affordable EMIs so that you can repay the loan at ease. The processing fees and other charges are pocket-friendly and extremely transparent.

With two-wheeler loans available at your fingertips, it is time to take your first step towards green living. Wait no more. Buy your electric scooter today!. Get two wheeler loan from instant Loan App and grab electric scooter.

Disclaimer

The contents of this article/infographic/picture/video are meant solely for information purposes. The contents are generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. The information is subject to updation, completion, revision, verification and amendment and the same may change materially. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation or would subject IDFC FIRST Bank or its affiliates to any licensing or registration requirements. IDFC FIRST Bank shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information mentioned. Please consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision.