Electric scooters are the flag-bearers of the EV revolution in India. With rising petrol prices, people are turning to electric scooters because of their price parity with petrol scooters and low running costs.
Since EVs are relatively new, people have questions in their mind regarding their battery, mileage, charging, etc. Here, EVJoints brings you some important questions and their answers about electric scooters:
Basics of Electric Scooters:
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a two-wheeler powered by a rechargeable battery and a motor. It produces zero tailpipe emissions, which contributes to cleaner air. Electric scooters are gaining popularity because of their low running cost.
Are electric scooters simple to operate?
Yes. Once the battery is charged, you can ride it just like any petrol scooter.
Battery & Range:
What is the range (mileage) of an electric scooter?
Like petrol scooters have ‘mileage’, electric scooters have ‘range’. Range refers to the distance an electric scooter can travel before its battery needs to be recharged. For example, the Ola S1 Pro electric scooter has a claimed range of 195 km and the Ather 450X has a range of 161 km. Read more on the top 5 electric scooters in India for best range.
Are electric scooter batteries fixed or removable?
Some electric scooters come with fixed batteries and some come with removable batteries. Removable batteries are convenient for those who do not have charging points near their parking space. A removable battery can be taken out by the scooter owner and be charged at home or a place of the owner’s choice. Some electric scooters come with two detachable batteries. For example, the Vida V2 Pro comes with two removable batteries of 1.97 kWh each, which together make up the 3.84 kWh battery pack. Read more on the top 5 electric scooters with removable batteries.
How long does a battery last in electric scooters?
The average lifespan of an electric scooter’s battery is around 5 years. Most electric scooter brands offer a 3 year battery warranty. For example, Ola Electric provides standard battery coverage for 3 years with its electric scooters. However, the company also offers extended warranty up to 5 years and 8 years at an extra charge.
To what extent are electric scooter batteries a fire risk?
Avoid purchasing electric scooters from unknown or lesser known brands. Opt for reputable brands with established safety records to avoid such risks.
Electric Scooter Charging:
Where can I charge my electric scooter?
Charging an electric scooter is as easy as charging your mobile phone. You can charge your electric scooter at home using a standard 3-pin outlet, or you can use public EV charging stations. Just ensure that the charger which comes with your scooter is compatible with the AC charger at the charging station (the 3-pin blue connector).
How can I find an EV charging station?
You can find your nearest EV charging station on Google Maps. Also, electric scooter manufacturers like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, etc provide details of locating EV charging stations through their apps or websites. You can also use apps like EVJoints to locate EV charging stations across different charging networks.
Scan the barcode and download the EVJoints app to find 6,000 EV charging stations across various networks.
Click & download the EVJoints app to find 6,000 charging stations.
How long does it take to charge an electric scooter?
An electric scooter’s charging time depends on its battery capacity and charger. Typically, an electric scooter takes between 3 to 8 hours for a full charge. For example, the Ampere Nexus electric scooter (with 3 kWh battery) takes 3.3 hours to fully charge while the Ola S1 Pro (with 4 kWh battery) takes 4.5 hours.
How do I know if my electric scooter is charged?
Most electric scooters have a charging indicator. The charger or the scooter’s dashboard shows the charging status.
Other Important Questions:
What are the benefits of choosing an electric scooter over a petrol scooter?
The running cost of electric scooters is very low compared to petrol scooters. An electric scooter’s running cost is Rs 0.14 per kilometre whereas a petrol scooter’s running cost is Rs 1.60 per kilometre. Learn more about the running cost & charging cost of an electric scooter.
Also, electric scooter maintenance costs are low, as it has fewer parts and requires only occasional servicing.
Do you need RTO registration with an electric scooter?
Yes, you need to register your electric scooter with your area’s RTO. However, there is an exemption for electric scooters with a motor power of less than 250W and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. These are called ‘low speed electric scooters’. Here are the top 5 such low speed electric scooters.
Are electric scooters safe to use during rains?
Yes, electric scooters manufactured by reliable brands like Ola Electric, Ather, Bajaj, TVS, etc are safe to use during rains. Electric scooters come with waterproof encasements which protect its components.
Can I ride an electric scooter with a passenger?
Yes, most electric scooters are designed to carry two passengers.
Conclusion:
The future of mobility is electric. As far as electric scooters are concerned, they are not just the future, but also the present. With electric scooter costs coming down, the prices are almost at par with petrol scooters. This is why e-scooters from Ola Electric, Bajaj, TVS, etc are giving tough competition to petrol scooters. Do visit EV showrooms in your city and test ride these scooters. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the ride quality and features.
Know more about the FAQs on electric cars.
For more insights on EVs & EV charging, visit EVGuide by EVJoints.
