Posted on: Mar 3, 2021 | | Written by:

Start saving to get that dream electric bike home!

Published on March 3, 2021. EST READ TIME: 2 MIN

Start saving to get that dream electric bike home!

The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market has been steadily gaining momentum as more and more consumers' are becoming environmentally-conscious in their choices. In fact, as per the PwC report, in FY19, over 7.6 Lakh electric vehicles were sold, out of which 16.4% were two-wheelers. Top auto players have been regularly launching electric bikes that give stiff competition to petrol and diesel alternatives in terms of looks, performance and price. The government, too, is promoting the use of electric vehicles in the country. But for the consumer, the aspiration goes hand-in-hand with practicality. Consumers want value for money and don’t want to overshoot their budget. So, let’s discuss how you can save some money while buying best electric bike. 

1. How can you save money on purchasing the electric scooter?

When buying an electric bike, it is crucial to consider points like your budget, the bike’s battery life, speed, motor range, availability of charging stations in the locality, the maintenance cost, brand value after-sales support, warranty, etc. to zero-in on the right bike. Though they are available in different price brackets, electric bikes are slightly costlier than the conventional two-wheelers. However, you can use the following points to cut down on the price:  

  • Incentive/Tax Benefits: Different state governments are advocating the use of electric vehicles, and even offering incentives on the purchase of EVs like reduced sales tax (GST). So, you can use these incentives/tax benefits to lower the price while making the purchase.

  • Discount on insurance and registration: As per the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, it is compulsory for bike owners to have a valid third-party bike insurance policy. But since the electric bikes industry is in a nascent phase, the regulations regarding them are yet to be formalised. Electric vehicles with a motor power of less than 250W and which can attain a maximum speed of 25 kph are not categorised as motor vehicles and thus, are exempted from the rule. In fact, low-speed electric scooters are not required to be registered. So, the buyer can save money both on registration and insurance.

But having said that, you would know that road accidents claim thousands of lives every year. Once you are on the road, irrespective of the type of bike you have, you are always vulnerable to accidents. Therefore, buy bike insurance to cover the damages done to your bike as well as any third-party. You can calculate the two wheeler insurance cost with the help of the two wheeler insurance calculator easily available on the service provider’s website.

2. Can you make your electric scooter faster?

You don’t always need speed to feel the thrill. There are situations when we have to reach somewhere a little quicker. The slow speed of an electric bike can be infuriating in such cases. However, there are ways you can make your bike go faster.

  • You can get rid of the speed limiter. It is a machine that prevents the motor from overpowering the battery. Without the speed limiter, your bike can reach maximum speeds.

  • A great way to improve the speed is to enhance the size of your battery or add an additional battery. Ensure that the battery is compatible with the motor otherwise it could burn out the engine.

  • You can upgrade the motor as with a better engine you will attain more speed.

  • You make the bike lighter to go faster. You can improve the aerodynamics of your bike by removing any added features that you find unnecessary like a luggage rack.

  • Riding your bike on smoother terrains instead of rugged trails will give you more speed as the former takes the pressure off the tires. Basically, you can opt for an alternative route with better roads.

Please note that these methods vary from one model to another and any upgrade and customisation that you do must be legal. Also, in your bid to increase the speed, you may end up ruining the performance of other bike parts in the process. You should consult the manufacturer and the insurer before making any changes to your bike to be on the safer side.

Conclusion

Amid rising pollution, the necessity of using alternative fuel for mobility is more than ever. We can do our bit by switching to an electric vehicle that produce zero-emission and is eco-friendly. However, they are expensive and can cost you a fortune. But thankfully, there are ways you can get it at a discounted price and with time, one can hope they will get more affordable. Lastly, BUY BIKE INSURANCE online after calculating the bike insurance cost for a smarter and cost-effective purchase.

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

This blog has been written by:

Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry 

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance.


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