Two-wheeler technology has come a long way in recent years. Today, the buyer has several options to choose from, including the recently introduced electric variants. Nevertheless, petrol variants continue to dominate the market. And people who are out in the market looking for a scooter cannot help but question – electric scooter vs petrol scooter, which one to bring home?
While non-carbon-based fuel may be the road ahead, the technology has not reached full scalability yet. But many home-grown automobile manufacturers are banking on the electric vehicle segment. Today one can get an electric scooter with a decent travel range, powerful motors and use smart tech.
Looking to purchase an all-new scooter? Confused between an electric vs petrol scooter? Should you opt for cleaner, future-forward technology or stick to the old yet reliable petrol scooter?
Here is a quick electric scooter vs petrol scooter comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Electric scooter vs petrol scooter: head-to-head comparison
Factor
Electric scooter
Petrol scooter
Pricing
Electric scooters tend to be more expensive than their petrol counterparts since the best-rated electric scooters run on lithium-ion batteries, which are costlier. However, the central government recently raised the incentive on e-scooters to Rs. 15,000 per KWh, and the cap on the incentives now covers up to 40% of the two-wheeler’s total cost.
Indians are extremely price-conscious as customers. This is a crucial factor that influences a buying decision in favour of petrol scooters as they are available across price points depending on the engine capacity. However, owing to the increasing petrol prices, more buyers are switching to e-scooters.
Fuel cost
An electric scooter will offer the same mileage as a petrol scooter at 15% of the cost of one litre of fuel. So, in the electric bike vs petrol bike debate, EVs take the win as they’re more economical over the long-term.
The average petrol scooter offers about 50-60 kilometres per litre. However, some fuel-efficient options can also deliver up to 100 kilometres per litre.
Operational range
Electric scooters are a good option for short daily use, but with a limited number of charging stations, they make little sense for long-distance rides. On average, top-end electric scooters can travel up to 75 Km on a single charge. Also, many e-vehicles come with home charging solutions. The popular model Ather 450X packs a complimentary home charger Ather Dot with it.
On average, most petrol scooters have a mileage of 40-50 km/l. Given you have a full tank (on average, the tank capacity of scooters is 5 litres approx.), you can travel around 250 kilometres. Also, petrol stations are present countrywide; hence, the range of a conventional scooter is virtually limitless.
Convenience
An electric scooter needs at least a couple of hours for a full charge. Those who live in apartment complexes may find it challenging to power their scooters. Many electric bikes come with removable batteries, but it still is more tedious when compared to fuelling a scooter.
Fuelling a petrol bike is much easier. It only takes a few minutes at the fuel station.
Maintenance
EVs require relatively less maintenance. So, is electric scooter better than petrol in terms of upkeep? Not entirely since besides charging the battery regularly, you should also clean the model frequently. Always check for under-inflated tyres to get them replaced on time.
Petrol scooters must be serviced regularly, and worn-out mechanical parts have to be replaced.
Electric vehicles have come a long way since their inception. However, their benefits are still not enough to settle the never-ending debate of electric scooters vs petrol scooters once and for all. So, before you choose either type, focus on your needs and analyse your riding style.
To summarise, electric scooters are limited by their range and the long charge time but have almost nil maintenance cost and are environment friendly. In contrast, the good old petrol scooter has a travel limit due to the widespread network of fuel pumps.
Based on these parameters, you can choose a vehicle that suits your needs the best. Whether you opt for the best electric scooter in India or a petrol-based scooter, you can finance it easily with a Tata Capital two-wheeler loan.
Start by checking your two-wheeler loan eligibility online and documentation requirements. Attractive two-wheeler loan interest rates and flexible payment options allow you to extend your budget and thereby have more options. Bring home an all-new scooter today!
26 March 2024
4 mins read
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