Electric is the future, and e-bikes are getting popular in the Indian market thanks to greater awareness about the environmental impacts of fuel-driven vehicles and the constantly increasing fuel prices. The Government of India is also taking steps to promote EVs to help curb rising pollution in metro cities and encourage sustainable and greener modes of transport.
It is no surprise that a whopping 2,40,662 electric two-wheelers were sold between January to June 2022, growing by 210% from its figures last year. With companies like Hero, Ola, Ather, Ampere, Okinawa, and now even Harley-Davidson, Yamaha and TVS announcing new electric bike variants, things could not have been more interesting for electric bike seekers.
But have you ever wondered if an electric bike can actually replace a normal motorcycle? And are you planning to shift from a petrol-driven two-wheeler to the electric option? If yes, read on to learn seven interesting facts about electric two-wheelers, the license and registration requirements, e-bike two-wheeler insurance, and many facets of owning an electric bike in India.
1. Electric Bikes are Extremely Silent for a Reason
Ever wondered why an electric bike is completely silent, almost like it was made for those who enjoy being in stealth mode? It makes zero noise compared to a standard motorcycle because it needs no combustion engine to run. Electric bikes are free from noise and vibrations, with no exhaust, engine transmission sounds, or combustion.
So if you own an electric bike and are driving it on an empty road, the only thing you will hear is the sound of nature or the music from your headphones. No annoying motorcycle or scooter sound that we are accustomed to!
2. Electric Bikes Come with Excellent Dashboards and Futuristic Features
Most electric bikes use futuristic dashboards and infotainment systems, which can sync with your smartphone. This enables the riders to get detailed statistics and control of their e-bike via their smartphones. In addition, it allows you to track your e-bike’s location via GPS, which is extremely useful, especially if you forget where you have parked your bike.
3. Electric Bikes are Extremely Easy to Maintain
Electric bikes are easier to drive since they have no gears, making it easy for riders to throttle and enjoy the ride. The lack of fuel combustion engines also means no maintenance requirements such as changing engine oil and checking spark plugs, motors, clutch, or gears. Instead, you should keep track of the battery and tyre pressure, and you should be good.
4. Owning an e-bike Can Help You Save on Taxes
The Government of India has announced tax sops for electric two-wheeler owners. Electric two-wheelers may be costlier than standard bikes with similar specifications, but the tax on an EV is 5%, down from 12%. Plus, under Section 80EEB, you can get a tax exemption of up to Rs. 1,50,000 on your EV loan.
5. Two-wheeler Insurance is Necessary If the Speed Limit of Your e-bike Breaches 25 Kmph
There are several myths and misunderstandings regarding two-wheeler insurance policies for e-bikes. Although e-bikes under 250W power and a speed limit of below 25 kmph do not require any insurance, the standard e-bikes being offered nowadays have a top speed of around 25-45 kmph. That makes it compulsory to have at least a third-party two-wheeler insurance cover for your e-bike.
6. Electric Bike Insurance is More Affordable
With the growing demand for e-bikes, insurance companies are also offering more significant benefits for customers adopting this new mode of transportation. Since electric two-wheelers have lower speeds (around 25-60 kmph), they also have a lower two-wheeler insurance premium than standard two-wheelers. This is because lower speed usually means lower risk and lower chances of incidents like collisions, crashes, or critical accidents.
7. Electric Bikes are Highly Cost-effective in the Long Term
Today, electric bikes may seem costlier than fuel-driven ones as the technology is still evolving. However, despite the initial investment, an electric two-wheeler is highly cost-efficient and can help you save on fuel prices. Plus, with the subsidies provided by the government and lower maintenance costs, the cost of owning an electric bike is much less compared to a regular two-wheeler.
Summing Up
There are many reasons why considering an e-bike in today’s age may seem like a tough decision, but there are also several benefits of owning an e-bike. We hope these facts help shed some light on the excellent features of electric bikes and help you choose the right option. Additionally, be it an electric bike or a regular bike, do not forget to purchase affordable two-wheeler insurance online and get yourself covered.
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