The Most Complete, Comprehensive, and Practical Guide to Electric Scooters and Electric Bikes
Review and tips and discussion on merits and demerits especially prepared for users in India
Website and content created by Chittaranjan Andrade
Why use an electric bike?
Air pollution, especially in urban areas, is a leading cause of cardiorespiratory disease and mortality. Electric vehicles do not emit polluting gases and are therefore environmentally-friendly.
This website: statement of purpose
Are you considering the purchasing of an electric two wheeler for city use? This website provides a review of the pros and cons of different types of electric two wheelers with special reference to India. Electric two wheelers include electric cycles, electric mopeds, and electric scooters. This website specially focuses on advantages and disadvantages of electric scooters, with tips and guidance provided for charging and usage. There is also a discussion on factors that influence the range of electric bikes, and on how to calculate whether an electric bike is cost-effective. The contents of this website should help readers arrive at their own verdict on whether or not an electric scooter suits their needs.
Conflict of interest
None. I do not benefit or lose from decisions that persons may make after reading this article.
My qualifications to write this article
I have used a petrol scooter and a petrol car since 1977. I have been using an electric scooter for almost all my city commuting since January 2008. As of January 2015, I have used the same electric scooter for over 21,000 km.
Terminology and contexts
I use the term 'e-bike' to refer to all kinds of electrically powered two wheelers. I express my views and experiences based specifically on the electric scooter that I use (see below); however, much of what I have written can be generalized to other e-bikes, too.
Sections in this website (please see the links at the top of this page):
Home page: Practical Guide to Electric Scooters and Bikes
Bike types: Types of electric scooters and bikes (e-bikes) available in India
Advantages: PROs and CONs: A review of the advantages of electric scooters and bikes
Disadvantages: PROs and CONs: A review of the disadvantages of electric scooters and bikes
Charging: How to charge electrical scooters and bikes: Practical notes, problems, and advice
Usage notes: Practical notes related to optimal use of electrical scooters and bikes
Range: A review of factors that lower the range of an electric scooter or bike
Cost analysis: Cost efficacy of electric scooters and bikes: doing the maths
Verdict: What is the final verdict about electric scooters and bikes?
About About this site, and contact information
Discussion: Discussion and feedback
Comments and cautions
1. Do read the manual of the e-bike that you own or that you propose to buy.
2. The contents of this website are meant to supplement, not replace, what you read in the manual of your vehicle. Therefore, you will not find in this website information that is readily available in vehicle manuals.
3. If there are differences between the contents of this article and the contents of the manual, do discuss these differences with your dealer and service engineer. Be aware, however, that they may not necessarily be correct on a matter.
4. The information in this website is based on a single owner's experience spanning >7 years and >21,000 km of e-bike use; it is not infallible. Do use your judgement in the application of the information contained here.
The electric scooter that I use
The specifications of my electric scooter are:
Motor: 500 W
Battery: Four maintenance-free (sealed) lead acid batteries totaling 48 V and 24 AH.
Stated speed: Up to 40 kmph
Stated range per charge: 40 km
Unladen weight: 88 kg
Maximum laden weight: 213 kg
Hydraulic disk brake (front) and drum brake (rear)
Air pollution, especially in urban areas, is a leading cause of cardiorespiratory disease and mortality. Electric vehicles do not emit polluting gases and are therefore environmentally-friendly.
This website: statement of purpose
Are you considering the purchasing of an electric two wheeler for city use? This website provides a review of the pros and cons of different types of electric two wheelers with special reference to India. Electric two wheelers include electric cycles, electric mopeds, and electric scooters. This website specially focuses on advantages and disadvantages of electric scooters, with tips and guidance provided for charging and usage. There is also a discussion on factors that influence the range of electric bikes, and on how to calculate whether an electric bike is cost-effective. The contents of this website should help readers arrive at their own verdict on whether or not an electric scooter suits their needs.
Conflict of interest
None. I do not benefit or lose from decisions that persons may make after reading this article.
My qualifications to write this article
I have used a petrol scooter and a petrol car since 1977. I have been using an electric scooter for almost all my city commuting since January 2008. As of January 2015, I have used the same electric scooter for over 21,000 km.
Terminology and contexts
I use the term 'e-bike' to refer to all kinds of electrically powered two wheelers. I express my views and experiences based specifically on the electric scooter that I use (see below); however, much of what I have written can be generalized to other e-bikes, too.
Sections in this website (please see the links at the top of this page):
Home page: Practical Guide to Electric Scooters and Bikes
Bike types: Types of electric scooters and bikes (e-bikes) available in India
Advantages: PROs and CONs: A review of the advantages of electric scooters and bikes
Disadvantages: PROs and CONs: A review of the disadvantages of electric scooters and bikes
Charging: How to charge electrical scooters and bikes: Practical notes, problems, and advice
Usage notes: Practical notes related to optimal use of electrical scooters and bikes
Range: A review of factors that lower the range of an electric scooter or bike
Cost analysis: Cost efficacy of electric scooters and bikes: doing the maths
Verdict: What is the final verdict about electric scooters and bikes?
About About this site, and contact information
Discussion: Discussion and feedback
Comments and cautions
1. Do read the manual of the e-bike that you own or that you propose to buy.
2. The contents of this website are meant to supplement, not replace, what you read in the manual of your vehicle. Therefore, you will not find in this website information that is readily available in vehicle manuals.
3. If there are differences between the contents of this article and the contents of the manual, do discuss these differences with your dealer and service engineer. Be aware, however, that they may not necessarily be correct on a matter.
4. The information in this website is based on a single owner's experience spanning >7 years and >21,000 km of e-bike use; it is not infallible. Do use your judgement in the application of the information contained here.
The electric scooter that I use
The specifications of my electric scooter are:
Motor: 500 W
Battery: Four maintenance-free (sealed) lead acid batteries totaling 48 V and 24 AH.
Stated speed: Up to 40 kmph
Stated range per charge: 40 km
Unladen weight: 88 kg
Maximum laden weight: 213 kg
Hydraulic disk brake (front) and drum brake (rear)