With the global temperature on a steady climb, the last thing the world needs is more pollution. When we deplete fossil fuels, we will eventually have to bank on an alternate power source. Many enterprises have realised this need and, therefore, have started manufacturing EVs (electric vehicles). To contribute to a greener future, the Indian automotive industry is making a gradual shift to electric power.
Although electric vehicles have not been widely accepted by the Indian market yet, they're certainly a part of the future. The government is trying to push it, offering substantial subsidies to customers buying electric scooters or EVs in India.
What is an electric scooter?
An electric scooter is a two-wheeler vehicle like any other motorbike or scooter; the only difference is that an electric scooter does not run on petrol or diesel. Instead, an electric motor and a battery power it. Electric scooters cause zero-emission and zero noise pollution – making this category of two-wheelers the most viable alternative to deal with pollution.
Registration and license: electric scooters in India
Many prominent automobile manufacturers have introduced their electric scooters in India. And most of them do not require the rider to hold a two-wheeler license to ride e-scooters. Moreover, some e-scooters do not even need registration, which is a mandate for conventional motorcycles.
The primary reason behind such exclusion is the amount of power the motors produce. Most of the electric scooters in India come fitted with a 250watt motor and can go up to 25kmph. This relatively timid nature of electric scooters eliminates any possibility of over-speeding and, therefore, makes them less vulnerable to possibly fatal accidents.
This low-power-low-speed is why some of the electric scooters in India don't even need to have insurance. But the high-powered ones have different rules to follow. Keep reading to learn more.
Two-wheeler insurance for electric scooters
When it comes to e-vehicles, Indians have widely accepted the e-rickshaws, but the market for electric two-wheelers and EVs is still small. Despite the monetary benefits from the government, customers are shying away from these vehicles. This may be one reason why the government had not laid out any definitive rule or guideline for electric scooters' insurance (especially for the low-speed ones).
However, there are other electric scooters in India - mighty beasts with high-powered motors that generate huge torque and power. In terms of top speed, these electric scooters are equivalent to their petrol counterparts and can reach up to a rate of 80-90kmph.
You must hold a valid two-wheeler license to ride one of these powerful electric scooters in India. They also require registration and a valid two-wheeler insurance policy.
Types of two-wheeler insurance for electric scooters
If an owner of a two-wheeler vehicle wants to buy a two-wheeler insurance policy, there are two main options to choose from:
Third-party insurance policy for electric scooters: Third-party insurance is a two-wheeler insurance policy covering only the third-party liabilities. In case of an accident where you hurt someone or damage third party property, this policy will cover the expenses – medical expenses in case of an injury caused to a third-party as well as other damages caused to the victim's vehicle or property. This type of insurance policy does not cover damage to your own scooter.
Comprehensive insurance policy for e-bikes or electric scooters: In simpler words, this is a more inclusive two-wheeler insurance policy. A comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy provides optimum cover for the insured vehicle against any man-made or natural disaster. Apart from third party liabilities, this insurance policy covers your scooter's repair expenses in case of accidents, theft and malicious damage.