What is the final verdict about electric scooters and bikes?
Before you read further, consider that electric scooters have been in the market for nearly two decades; yet they remain unpopular. People who own them don't spread the word about how good they are. There is no contagious buying. The simple reason is that the electric scooter is not for everyone. It is for rich people to whom it is a toy; for those who do not run long distances; for those who do not have to drive through dense traffic and on bad roads; for those who can charge the bike conveniently; for those who have the discipline to not overcharge the bike accidentally (a single occasion of carelessness can ruin the batteries, if the charger fails).
Think twice about buying an electric scooter if the dealer is far from your house and if the dealer does not offer breakdown services. Petrol two wheelers can be pushed to the nearest mechanic, and there are plenty of mechanics in most cities, including those who will do home visits or come to where your petrol bike has broken down. In contrast, only the electric scooter dealer and specially trained persons can repair an e-bike; this applies even to simple problems such as repairing a puncture. See Point 11 on the Disadvantages page for more information. The electric scooter market in presently in the doldrums because of poor governmental support. Dealerships and even companies are closing down, all over the country (see here for more information). This means that you cannot be assured of post-sales service support in the future. Knowing all these problems, this is what I had written, earlier: Personally, I have come to terms with the e-bike and only use my petrol bike or car when I have to travel long distances or need to take my family along. The e-bike that I have suffices to carry a light passenger as a pillion rider. I am very happy with my electric scooter and will stay with it. I believe that using electric scooters will definitely suit a niche group of individuals. As for you, if you have read all that I have written in the different sections of this review, you are equipped to make your own choice. Good luck. This is my update to the above paragraphs: In May 2015, I stopped using my e-bike because the battery required replacement and because the cost of a new battery set had skyrocketed. Unless good quality batteries are available at competitive prices, there is no future for electric two wheelers in India.
Parting notes:
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