E-Scooters vs Petrol Bikes: The Truth About Reliability in India

EV Scooters in India Report Nearly Double the Problems – Should You Be Worried?

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing in India, but a recent study has raised serious concerns about the reliability of electric scooters compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. According to a J.D. Power study, electric scooters recorded 98 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100)—almost double the 53 PP100 reported for traditional two-wheelers.

What’s Going Wrong with Electric Scooters?

The study surveyed over 6,500 new two-wheeler owners and found that as mileage increases, so do the issues. Riders who had clocked over 2,500 km within six months reported a significant increase in problems, especially with:

Brakes & Suspension – Frequent complaints about reduced braking efficiency and ride quality.

Lights & Electrical Components – Faulty indicators, headlights, and wiring malfunctions.
Battery & Charging – Inconsistent charging times, battery heating, and range fluctuations.
Fit & Finish Issues – Loose panels and overall build quality concerns.

Top Performers: Petrol vs. Electric

Despite the concerns, some electric scooters outperformed others in reliability. The study ranked Bajaj Chetak as the most reliable electric scooter with just 45 PP100—beating many petrol-powered models! Here’s how the best two-wheelers fared:

Top-Scoring Models (Lower PP100 = Fewer Issues)

Electric Scooters: Bajaj Chetak – 45 PP100 (Best in EVs)
Economy Scooters: TVS Jupiter – 75 PP100

Executive Scooters: Honda Dio 125 – 50 PP100
Motorcycles (Economy): TVS Radeon – 54 PP100
Motorcycles (Executive): Hero Super Splendor XTEC & Honda Shine 125 – 72 PP100

Motorcycles (Upper Executive): TVS Apache RTR 160 2V – 53 PP100

Are EVs Still Worth Buying?

Despite these concerns, EV owners are surprisingly more satisfied than petrol owners! The study found that 61% of electric scooter users reported fewer problems than expected, compared to 58% for petrol users. This suggests that while EVs may have more reported issues, their benefits—such as low running costs and zero emissions—still appeal to buyers.

The Future of Electric Scooters in India

With the government pushing for EV adoption, brands are investing heavily in battery technology, improved charging networks, and better quality control. Expect next-gen models to have fewer problems as manufacturers fine-tune their products.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Electric Scooter?

Yes – If you want an eco-friendly, cost-effective ride with improving technology.
Wait & Watch – If reliability and long-term durability are your biggest concerns.

What do you think? Are EV scooters worth the hype, or do petrol bikes still rule the roads? Let us know in the comments!

Source- Etauto.com, JdPower.