Since I decided to buy an electric scooter, I thought it would be a good idea to get some insights from friends who own an electric scooter. After asking around in a couple of groups, I got some feedback. Out of more than 70 members in those groups put together, I got back 4 responses which only reinforced my previous assumptions. I got some interesting details from one person but that’s about it.


Here is what I posted in both those groups

Anyone owns or know someone who owns an electric scooter in india? I want to know if you have any recommendations and can share any good/bad experiences with electric scooter. please DM me.

  • when I say scooter, I mean 🛵 and not 🛴
  • the scooter is for me / better half to drive around
  • I wanted some personal experiences, things like
    • service
    • maintenance cost
    • actual range vs advertised
    • if the range gets affected as battery ages
    • driving dynamics etc


I kept it very open without restricting by price or brand and here are some of the responses that I got.


Responder #1

As of now please don’t go for electric vehicles.

One of my neighbor used an electric scooter recently which cost Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Battery and all are OK but servicing of electrical vehicles is a big NO. It’s not up to the mark.


So I responded with “Do you happen to know which company? I heard that Ola electric scooters are terrible when it comes to service”. And the prompt response was


Yes OLA


Which adds fuel to my previous research on Ola electric vehicles. I heard that the scooter is good when it works, but if you have a problem and visit the service center, there is a huge backlog and you might have to wait for weeks before you can get any repair done. From internet stories I heard that the scooter would not start if moisture or water enters into certain sensors. So the users are removing the sensors and using the scooter. Other than service and some basic fit and finish issues (like panel gaps and weak body), most people are generally satisfied.


If you had asked me a year or so ago, Ola would have been in the top of my list, because I love the technology, features and promised range for the price. But now, I cannot convince my family having known all the issues and assuming I will not meet those problems. In addition, the scooter also looks a bit quirky although that is not a deal breaker.


Responder #2

My cousin is using TVS EV for almost a year now and he is happy with it


I heard a lot of people mention TVS iQube to be a very good EV on the internet. Now, one person said they had good experience. Of course one is not enough supporting evidence.


Responder $3

I called this friend and talked on the phone. He owns an Ather 450X and bought it for Rs. 1.3L some 2.5 years ago. I already know for a fact that Ather is one of the best EV brands out there and the discussion confirmed it. Here is the summary of our phone conversation:


Highlights

  • ride is comfrotable and smooth
  • range is as advertised (about 80-100 kms depending on ride mode) and he did not see any noticeable drop in range since the 2 years he’s had it
  • maintenance is required for every 5K and cheap (no oil change etc) at around Rs. 300
  • service is good and they check basic things (like brake oil, brake pads, software bugs etc) and upgrade software as needed
  • never had any breakdown (mechanical or electric failures)


Low lights (not specifically about Ather, but EVs in general)

  • not enought chargers (some 4-5 in the city he lives) and if you are stuck with low battery you may be stranded because you cannot even push it since the motor and wheel and always connected (no neutral)
  • the seat height is a problem for short people (especially for the pillion)
  • repairs can only be done at the service center since the local repairs shops don’t have enough knowledge and would not repair an EV


In addition he suggested that I should try and avoid Chetak. He heard many complaints about it apparently. The build is strong but everything else is bad according to him. He is planning to buy a TVS iQube for his wife because of the height issue with Ather 450X. It seems his wife did a test drive and was happy with it.


Responder #4

This one was the weirdest response of all. This guy suggested that I should try and mod my current petrol scooter to an electric one. He said it will be cheaper and there are many shops in Bangalore who do that. I am somehow uncomfortable with this idea. I assume these modders will install lead acid batteries because they will be the only cheap and safe option. If the mod is going to include a Lithium battery I would not trust the safety of such a mod.


Moreover I am not sure what happens to the registration because it is registered as petrol vehicle. Should I re-register as an EV or what. So for now, I put this idea of modding on hold.


Responder #5

One more friend had excellent reviews for Ather Rizta. His relative bought it a year ago and is very happy with it. Never had any issues and the service is pretty good (in Hyderabad). The cost of service is also very low. Saving a lot of money on petrol too. He got the highest model which cost Rs. 1.7L with pro pack.


Given the above feedback which definitely is neither comprehensive nor sufficient, I have this in my mind

  • Ather and TVS are good options
  • Try and avoid Ola and Chetak


Other than this, there is a bunch of good feedback from readers of my blog (in comments). I am considering those insights as well when deciding the final EV.