Mistakes to Avoid While Buying an Electric Scooter
Purchasing an electric scooter isn't just about choosing the trendiest model; it's more about making informed decisions to ensure a smooth and trouble-free ride in the real world. We've all experienced the excitement of a new purchase, only to later realize that we could have made a better choice. To avoid future regrets, start by understanding how you plan to use your electric scooter. If you'll be navigating smooth city streets and wish to ride without concern about licenses and traffic challenges, an ideal option is a low-speed scooter with a 250-watt motor and a 48V/30 Ah battery, providing a top speed of 25 km/h. On the other hand, if your travels take you on highways or hilly terrain, consider a high-speed scooter with a 12000W motor and a 72V/30Ah battery (2.2 kW) that can achieve a top speed range of 70 km/h, meeting your specific riding needs.
To ensure you don't regret your electric scooter purchase, we will discuss a few common mistakes to avoid, helping you make the right choice."
Lack of Knowledge of the Battery Technology and Quality
In Lithium-ion batteries, there are several technologies. Simply knowing about Lithium-ion batteries is not sufficient for identifying the right battery technology, as there are two major technologies commonly used in the EV industry: NMC and LFP. However, most electric two-wheeler companies opt for NMC technology due to space constraints, as LFP batteries occupy more space in comparison.
The question is whether it's a wise choice to compromise on safety for the sake of extra space. LFP battery chemistries share similar performance characteristics and fulfill their functions in a similar manner. Both belong to the Lithium-ion family, but the distinction lies in the cathode material. NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) generates high density, providing extra power, but it can catch fire in the case of a thermal runaway. In contrast, LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) has lower density and generates less heat, so, in case of a thermal runaway, it won't catch fire; it may only produce smoke.
If safety is your top priority over space considerations, choosing an electric scooter with Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) batteries is advisable. LFP batteries can efficiently handle larger power draws, reducing the risk of fire and overheating. This makes them an ideal choice for the high temperature weather conditions in India. LFP batteries also boast a longer lifespan, lasting around 5-6 years and enduring over 1,000 charging cycles, provided they are cared and managed properly. On the other hand, NMC batteries have a lower charging cycle of 600-800 due to their higher density, leading to earlier battery degradation
Only Focusing on the Features
As the market becomes flooded with smart features, it's important not to overlook the build quality of the electric scooter. While features like design, touch screens, and speakers may be appealing, it's important to opt for a scooter with a strong frame capable of withstanding daily wear and tear. Given the often challenging road conditions, a strong chassis is a crucial factor to consider.
Choosing an Indian manufacturing brand can provide you with a high-quality product, whereas imported scooters from China may be cheaper, but they often come with compromises in terms of quality. Safety should always be a top priority, so ensure the scooter is equipped with a Combined Braking System (CBS). Look for telescopic suspension in the front and dual shock absorbers in the rear to handle uneven terrains. Additionally, don't forget to verify whether the electric scooter can support a recommended weight capacity of 150 kg, including your weight and any additional weight you may carry
Not Researching the Brand Thoroughly
Don't rush when making your decision about the right electric scooter. It's always a wise idea to consider an Indian brand. This choice can alleviate your concerns about the safety and reliability of electric scooters while also making you eligible for various subsidies and tax incentives. The government has introduced FAME II subsidy, which provides a subsidy of Rs. 10,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery or up to 15% of the electric scooter's cost, with the maximum subsidy of INR 22,500. If you are in Delhi, Gujarat, or Rajasthan, you may be eligible for additional benefits. All of this contributes to making your electric scooter purchase more affordable.
If you choose non-Indian brands, you may not be able to avail the government subsidies as per Indian government guidelines. Additionally, select a brand that prioritizes customer support and satisfaction. This ensures that any doubts or queries you may have are promptly resolved, preventing you from being unnecessarily frustrated by minor issues
Skipping the Test Ride
This might seem insignificant to some of you but it is essential before buying an electric scooter. The test ride is crucial. It's your opportunity to see if the scooter lives up to the advertised specs and features. Test the speed, acceleration, and brakes. Does it reach its top speed? How fast does it accelerate? Also, check if the brakes provide a strong grip and if it has a long or short braking distance. If you plan to ride on hills, test the scooter's performance on slopes. Assess overall comfort and ride quality – is it stable? Can it carry a lot of weight? Moreover, do you feel safe riding it? These questions provide a comprehensive understanding of the scooter's performance during your test ride.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, making an informed choice while avoiding these common mistakes is crucial. Understanding your specific needs, selecting the right battery technology, prioritizing safety and build quality, researching brands, and taking a test ride to assess the scooter's build quality, appearance, and overall feel are all factors to consider while buying any electric scooter.
