Electric Bike

Electric bikes, also known as E-bikes, are becoming very popular in India. They run on electricity instead of petrol, which makes them eco-friendly and cost-effective. ET introduced India’s first electric two-wheelers in 2006 under the brand name YObykes. On the contrary, the most recently launched EV bike in India is the Ultraviolette F77.

The electric bike uses an electric motor for movement from one place to another. It is operated by a rechargeable battery, not by using petrol or diesel. These vehicles do not throw out any unhealthy gases, so they also keep the air clean. E-bikes are ideal for people who prefer cheap and eco-friendly transport. They are the best for small daily commutes and are recommended for riders wanting to save money on running and maintenance costs.

Benefits of Electric Bike

Electric bikes are a great option for many reasons. They don’t use fuel, so they don’t cause air pollution, which makes them eco-friendly. Unlike petrol bikes, they are very quiet and help reduce noise pollution. 

Charging an electric bike costs less than filling petrol, which makes them budget-friendly. They also have fewer parts, so they need less servicing and repairs, saving you time and money. Currently, the most value-for-money electric bike is Komaki Ranger, which is priced at Rs. 1.86 Lakh. 

Apart from this, electric motorcycles like Atumobile Atum Version 1.0 don’t need any license because of speeds below 25 kmph. Insurance is also required, with options like third-party or comprehensive. Moreover, the government gives subsidies, and currently, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 provides a subsidy for electric bikes in India. 

It gives Rs 5,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of the battery capacity. The subsidy is limited to 15% of the bike’s factory price, with a maximum of Rs 10,000 per vehicle. These subsidies make electric bikes cheap to buy.

Working Process of Electric Bike

The working process of an electric motorcycle is very simple and neat. It has three main parts, including the battery, the motor, and the controller. The first thing is the battery, which can store electricity and make it available when needed to power the entire bike. Most electric motorcycles, like Revolt RV 400, have lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are light in weight, charge fast, and last for about 5 to 7 years if taken care of properly.

The battery powers makes the bike move through its motor. The motors are in the wheels, known as hub motors, and some use chain or belt drive to have better control.

The controller is like the brain of the bike. It controls how much power goes out from the battery through the motor and produces the speed and performance of the bike. Electric bikes can be used to get quick starts as they have the power given right away. The size of the motor and battery decides the speed as well as the range of an electric motorcycle, and the fastest electric bike in India is the Ultraviolette F77 Mach 2 that goes up to 155 Kmph.

Difference Between Electric Bike and Petrol Bike

Electric bikes are cheaper to run compared to petrol bikes like the TVS Raider 125 and Hunter 350. Charging an EV bike costs much less than filling a petrol tank, which makes them more affordable in the long run. They also need less maintenance since they have fewer parts, so there’s less chance of things breaking down. 

Furthermore, electric motorcycles are also quieter than petrol bikes. They don’t make the loud engine noise, which makes for a more peaceful ride. Usually, petrol bikes have a higher range and can go farther because they have bigger fuel tanks and powerful engines. But EV bikes like Ola Roadster Pro are beasts in delivering range, and its top variant offers 579 km/charge of range.

Charging Options for Electric Bike

There are two main charging options for electric bikes, including home and public charging. In India, most people use to charge their EV bikes at home, which usually takes about 4 to 6 hours. If possible, you can even charge your bike at public charging stations for more convenience.