Climate change indicators are becoming glaringly obvious by the minute, and ecologically friendlier alternatives are being adopted by individuals and nations alike. One major contributing factor to melting glaciers and extreme droughts has been the increase in vehicular traffic and associated fuel emissions. As people are becoming increasingly conscious of their own lifestyle choices that have collectively caused this irreversible damage, several sustainable practices have set in; for example, switching to biodegradable materials, recycling and upcycling, reducing fuel consumption, etc. One such alternative that is comparatively easy on the pocket, and keeps the planet happy at the same time, is the electric scooter.
Electric scooters fall under the broader umbrella of Electric Vehicles or EVs and are two-wheelers that come with a rechargeable battery fitted in. Unlike the traditional motorbike, an electric two-wheeler has motors that contribute partially or completely to the movement of the vehicle. The power of the motor usually ranges from 250W to 3000W. The maximum speed of electric scooters or bikes ranges from 25 to 70 km/hr.
They come in two variants:
- High-Speed Electric Scooters (offer speed up to 70 KMPH)
- Low-Speed Electric Scooters (offer speed up to 25 KMPH and often don’t require a license)
Going forward, a majority of vehicle manufacturers would most likely be introducing these plug-in electric models of scooters. Governments worldwide have also made it abundantly clear that EVs in general, are on the rise, and will play a great role in mitigating environmental harm. If this has caught your interest and you wish to understand some of the pros and cons of investing in an electric scooter, read on!
Here are six strong reasons for you to consider buying an electric bike:
1. Storage Space
Electric two wheelers usually come with a decent storage compartment under the seat, allowing you to store essentials or even bike accessories. You no longer need to inconveniently balance bags or packages in the little space ahead of you!
2. Environment-Friendly
This has been repeated multiple times before, but we’ll say it again. Electric scooters are pro-environment and cut down the emission of toxic greenhouse gases such as CO2. Every time a person uses an electric bike or any other electric vehicle, they’re doing their bit towards protecting the planet.
3. Saves Fuel
As the name suggests, the motorbike or scooter doesn’t use any petrol or fuel. Needless to say, this tremendously cuts down on operating costs besides being energy efficient.
4. Lower Maintenance Costs
You no longer need to fret about maintaining your scooter. Thanks to the electric motor, you do not need to spend extra money or time on cumbersome tasks such as oil change, filters, and fuel, which would otherwise be mandatory with traditional two wheelers. Electric scooters such as the BGauss A2 and BGauss B8 ensure you save up to Rs. 50,000 in three years on travel by eliminating expenditure made on fuel.
5. Tax-Incentives And Scrappage Schemes
Many governments offer tax benefits to owners of electric vehicles, including scrappage schemes for switching from old vehicles to newer ones that are more fuel efficient, like electric scooters. Loans are also made available at very low-interest rates, thereby encouraging more people to take the plunge.
6. Low Acoustic Impact
Noise pollution in India, has long crossed permissible levels of noise and is becoming a major threat especially in urban areas. Health disorders such as anxiety, stress, and headaches can be curbed by switching to electric two wheelers. As they are free of complex mechanisms such as an engine or gear box, they are practically silent except for the faint hum of the motor.
Of course, every new technology comes with its flaws. Below are some areas where the electric scooter has proven to be less than perfect:
1. Low Speed
While electric two wheelers are hailed for being better than traditional two wheelers in most areas, the former does lag behind in speed. Electric bikes often have smaller wheels than traditional bikes and bicycles, which has a negative impact on its speed. However, it’s worth noting that this problem doesn’t persist in all electric scooters, and only certain models have shown this to be a setback.
2. Charging Time
Charging the electric two-wheeler naturally takes a lot longer than just refueling a traditional two-wheeler, and falls anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours. Some models also tend to discharge faster than usual, especially under low temperature.
3. Recharging Ports
Insufficiency of recharging ports is a common problem in many places, especially one like India where electric vehicles aren’t as widely used as normal ones. Additionally, the extension of network cables to recharge the vehicle is seen as a problem in many countries, especially in the US. However, there are several countries where these ports are easily accessible.
One feature offered by electric scooters, including the BGauss B8 and A2, is that of a detachable battery which is portable and can be charged from anywhere.
In conclusion, there are both advantages as well as disadvantages with regard to the ownership of an electric two-wheeler, or an EV in general. On the whole, it is definitely a more sustainable approach to transport, and one that is future forward. With time, the industry is only going to expand and advance further, and we can certainly assume that the good will outweigh the bad someday!