How Are Electric Two-Wheelers Redefining Commuting in India’s Cities/Streets?
By Hari Kiran, Co-Founder & COO, eBikeGo
India’s cities are at a mobility crossroads. With traffic congestion choking roads, air pollution breaching health limits, and rising fuel costs burdening commuters, urban India is in desperate need of cleaner, smarter transport solutions. Enter electric two-wheelers—a silent revolution that is quietly but swiftly transforming the way Indians move through their cities.
In 2024, India’s electric two-wheeler (E2W) market crossed a significant milestone: 1.14 million units were sold, marking a 33% year-on-year growth, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Heavy Industries. This is a sharp contrast to 2021, when annual E2W sales stood at just around 150,000. Market leaders like Ola Electric, TVS Motor, and Ather Energy are riding this wave. Ola alone sold 400,000+ units, while TVS registered over 217,000 units. The overall E2W share in the two-wheeler segment has jumped from 0.4% in FY21 to 6.1% in FY24, with expectations to hit 20% by 2030 (Autocar India, ET Auto).
Why Are Electric Two-Wheelers So Popular in Indian Cities?
The answer lies in a powerful blend of practicality, affordability, and sustainability. Two-wheelers have always been the preferred mode of transport in Indian metros due to their agility and low cost. Electric variants elevate this utility by reducing operational and maintenance costs even further.
Electric scooters and bikes are ideal for navigating crowded lanes and short urban commutes. They offer a running cost of just ₹0.25–0.30 per km, compared to ₹2.5–3 for petrol bikes. Routine maintenance like oil changes and clutch replacements become redundant, and silent motors mean no noise pollution—an underrated advantage in already chaotic cities.
Combating Urban Pollution and Climate Stress
Air pollution in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Lucknow has reached alarming levels. In Delhi alone, vehicular emissions account for over 40% of PM2.5 levels during winter peaks, as per data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Electric two-wheelers, with zero tailpipe emissions, offer a clean alternative to ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, significantly reducing the urban carbon footprint.
Beyond emissions, electric two-wheelers contribute to public health by cutting noise pollution and encouraging less dependency on fossil fuels. They are not just vehicles; they are a response to a broader climate and health crisis in India’s urban centers.
Smart Features for a Smart Generation
Today’s electric scooters come loaded with technology—GPS tracking, anti-theft alerts, digital dashboards, app-based diagnostics, ride analytics, and more. This digital integration appeals particularly to Gen Z and millennials who seek personalization, convenience, and control at their fingertips. For this audience, commuting is more than reaching point B; it’s about doing so smartly, sustainably, and stylishly.
Supportive Ecosystem: Policy, Charging, and Finance
Government initiatives under FAME II and various state EV policies are making electric two-wheelers more accessible. Buyers can now benefit from subsidies of up to ₹22,500 depending on battery size and model, while states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat offer additional tax exemptions and incentives.
Flexible financing options and low-cost EMIs offered by banks and NBFCs are further bringing E2Ws within reach of middle-class families and young professionals.
Driving Business and Last-Mile Logistics
The logistics and gig economy sectors are rapidly switching to electric two-wheelers for deliveries. Companies like Zomato, Blinkit, Amazon, and Swiggy have begun integrating e-scooters into their fleets. The reason is simple: lower fuel bills, less downtime, and alignment with sustainability goals. This trend is driving B2B adoption and further expanding the electric two-wheeler market beyond personal use.
The Road Ahead
The rise of electric two-wheelers is nudging city planners to rethink urban infrastructure—dedicated EV parking, public charging stations, and smart mobility hubs are now part of the conversation. This signals a deeper transformation: a shift from fuel-centric urban design to electricity-based, people-first mobility ecosystems.
With every electric ride, India is not just cutting emissions; it’s rewriting the script of its cities—one silent, clean, and efficient journey at a time.