How Electric Bikes Can Uplift Rural India

Posted on: Jan 27, 2022 | | Written by:

How Electric Bikes Can Uplift Rural India

Published on January 27, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Rural India is home to nearly 70% of the Indian population. This makes their contribution to the Indian economy extremely significant. However, unfortunately, a vast majority of villages across India are still underdeveloped. One common feature of them lacking behind in development has been the lack of proper transportation facilities. This has been further impacted by rising costs of fuel and vehicles in the last few years. Moreover, finding fuel conveniently is still a hassle in areas that are extremely rural.

Keeping these aspects in mind, Indian policymakers have realized the importance of electric vehicles, in particular, the electric bike. Recently, the government has introduced several steps to make electric vehicles more accessible to the rural population. Let us understand how electric bikes can uplift rural India.

Flourishing Small Businesses:

Villages do not have corporate office work culture and villagers indulge in farming, agriculture, and small businesses. To promote and sustain their small businesses, they need to travel to towns and cities to get hold of their raw materials and products. A vast majority of them travel through public transport such as buses and trains which do not usually run frequently.

It is here that electric bikes can play a critical role. With the availability of electric bikes, villagers do not have to rely on unreliable public transport systems. All that they need to do is charge their electric bikes and commute wherever and whenever they require.

Saves Up to 90% of Money:

In 2021, fuel prices were the highest ever in recorded Indian history. This severely impacted the pocket of the middle and poor population. The impact was also witnessed in the rural areas. The cost of charging an electric bike’s battery would be 1/10th of the cost of fuel in a normal motorcycle. This would subsequently mean that by using electric vehicles, the rural electric bike owner can save 90% of his or her money. This money can be further invested into something more meaningful and necessary rather than spending on fuel or public transportation.

Reduces the Mess of Creating a Driving License:

Obtaining a driving license in India is no easy task. It is even more difficult in rural areas as the rural population is not much aware of online applications. They often deal with brokers and shell out a lot of money. Alternatively, they have to travel to the block offices for a driving demo. An electric bike removes the requirement for a driving license or purchasing a two wheeler insurance online making the entire process of owning and riding a vehicle much more convenient.

Higher Education Can Become Easier:

A major problem in rural India is the issue of colleges and universities for higher education. Often students have to travel significant distances to fulfil their educational aspirations by spending a decent amount on transportation. This need to travel also results in several students leaving their education midway or opting not to pursue their higher studies. With electric bikes involving minimum costs, it can play an important role in ensuring that students opt for their higher education and commute to their educational institutions conveniently and economically.

Becomes a Helping Hand in Agriculture and Farming:

As mentioned earlier, the rural population is involved in farming and agriculture. This requires them to spend money on travel and transportation. An electric bike can help reduce the cost of transportation and ensure that the farmer is saving some money. This can be further invested in their agriculture or farm and enhance their overall financial situation. Subsequently, this will mean that electric vehicles become a helping hand in agriculture and farming.

Charging Electric Vehicles is Easy:

Villages now have over 15 hours of power supply in most cases, thus charging an electric vehicle can be easily done. Often the electric bike seller will help in installing the socket and plugs to ensure that the batter is charged easily. Most electric bikes allow you to simply pull out the battery and charge it wherever conveniently.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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