The Indian two-wheeler market is witnessing a significant shift as consumers increasingly consider electric scooters over traditional petrol-powered ones. A crucial factor influencing this decision is the maintenance cost and saving in petrol cost associated with each type. This blog dives into the maintenance expenses of petrol and electric scooters, highlighting real-life scenarios and focusing on models like the BG RUV 350 and BG MAX from BGauss.

Maintenance Costs of Petrol Scooters

Petrol scooters have been the mainstay of personal transportation in India for decades. However, their maintenance involves several recurring expenses:

  1. Engine Maintenance: Regular servicing is essential to ensure optimal performance. This includes oil changes, air filter replacements, and tuning. Typically, annual maintenance costs range between ₹6,000 to ₹10,000.
  2. Fuel System: Components like carburetors or fuel injectors require periodic cleaning or replacement due to fuel impurities.
  3. Transmission and Clutch: Wear and tear necessitate occasional replacements, adding to maintenance expenses.
  4. Exhaust System: Over time, the exhaust can corrode or get damaged, leading to repair or replacement costs.

 

Real-Life Scenario: Consider a rider in Mumbai who commutes 30 km daily on a petrol scooter. Over a year, that’s approximately 10,950 km. With regular servicing every 3,000 km, the scooter would require about three to four services annually, totaling ₹6,000 to ₹10,000. Over five years, maintenance costs could accumulate to ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.

Maintenance Costs of Electric Scooters

Electric scooters, with their simpler mechanics, generally incur lower maintenance costs:

  1. Battery Maintenance: Electric scooters use lithium-ion batteries with a lifespan of 6-7 years without maintenance and should be checked periodically.
  2. Motor and Controller: These components are relatively maintenance-free but should be checked periodically.
  3. Brake Pads and Tires: Regular inspections are necessary, similar to petrol scooters.

 

Real-Life Scenario: A commuter in Delhi uses an electric scooter for a 30 km daily commute, totaling 10,950 km annually. With minimal servicing needs, annual maintenance might cost between ₹ 1,500 to ₹2,000. Over five years, this amounts to ₹7,500 to ₹10,000.

Case Study: BG RUV 350 and BG MAX by BGauss

BGauss offers two notable electric scooter models:

  1. BG RUV 350: Designed for rugged use, it features an all-metal body and 16-inch alloy wheels. With an ARAI-certified range of 145 km, it’s suitable for both urban and semi-urban commutes.
  2. BG MAX: A family-friendly scooter offering a 123 km range on a single charge. It boasts a 774 mm seat, accommodating two riders comfortably, and includes smart connectivity features.

 

Maintenance Perspective: Both models utilize lithium-ion batteries, known for durability and efficiency. With fewer moving parts, maintenance is limited to periodic checks of brakes, tires, and software updates. BGauss provides a standard 3-year warranty on the battery and extended warranty of 5 years , ensuring a hassle-free ownership experience.

Cost Comparison Over Five Years:

Petrol Scooter:

  • Maintenance: ₹30,000 to ₹50,000
  • Fuel: Approximately ₹1,25,000 to ₹1,50,000 (assuming ₹2.5 to ₹3 per km)
  • Total: ₹1,55,000 to ₹2,00,000

 

Electric Scooter (BG RUV 350 or BG MAX):

  • Maintenance: ₹7,500 to ₹10,000
  • Charging: Approximately ₹12,500 to ₹19,000 (assuming ₹0.25 to ₹0.40 per km)
  • Total: ₹20,000 to ₹29,000

 

Savings: Opting for an electric scooter like the BG RUV 350 or BG MAX can result in savings of ₹1,35,000 to ₹1,71,000 over five years compared to a petrol scooter.

Conclusion

When evaluating maintenance costs, electric scooters like the BG RUV 350 and BG MAX present a compelling advantage over traditional petrol scooters. Their simplified mechanics, reduced servicing needs, and lower operational expenses make them a cost-effective choice for the modern commuter. As the Indian market continues to embrace electric mobility, understanding these financial benefits becomes crucial for informed decision-making. The above costs have been taken considering that regular maintenance is done keeping away any components failure costs for both, electric and ICE scooters. Book a BGauss electric scooter today!