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Learn Financial Freedom Step by Step
On June 22, 2023, I purchased an electric scooter for Rs. 43,050, expecting it to be a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to petrol vehicles. Over the past 20 months, I have used the scooter for my daily 10 km commute, covering approximately 6,000 to 6,500 km in total. However, during this period, I faced unexpected maintenance costs, especially for battery replacement and repairs.
Apart from expenses, one major issue was speed. My electric scooter has a maximum speed of 23 km/h, which made commuting slower compared to a petrol scooter that can easily reach 60 km/h.
This article breaks down my total expenses, compares them with a petrol scooter, and provides insights on whether an electric scooter is a good investment.
Maintenance and Repair Costs of My Electric Scooter
One of the biggest concerns with electric scooters is battery life and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of the costs I incurred over the past 20 months:
- Battery Replacement (4 batteries): Rs. 10,000
- One-time Repair: Rs. 3,500
- Charger Replacement (twice): Rs. 2,400
- Total Maintenance Cost: Rs. 15,900
Apart from the initial cost of Rs. 43,050, I had to spend another Rs. 15,900, making the total ownership cost Rs. 58,950 within 20 months.
Comparison with a Petrol Scooter
To understand whether my electric scooter is more economical, let’s compare it with a petrol scooter.
1. Petrol Costs for a Petrol Scooter
A petrol scooter typically gives an average mileage of 40 km per liter. Assuming the petrol price is Rs. 100 per liter, my total travel of 6,500 km would require:
6,500 km ÷ 40 km per liter = 162.5 liters of petrol
162.5 liters × Rs. 100 = Rs. 16,250 (fuel cost)
2. Charging Costs for the Electric Scooter
An electric scooter battery generally consumes 2.5 units per charge, and I assume around 250 charges for my 6,500 km usage. With an electricity rate of Rs. 8 per unit, the charging cost would be:
2.5 units × 250 charges × Rs. 8 = Rs. 5,000 (electricity cost)
Adding this to my maintenance costs of Rs. 15,900, the total expense for my electric scooter becomes Rs. 20,900 over 20 months.
3. Additional Maintenance Costs for a Petrol Scooter
Apart from fuel costs, a petrol scooter also requires regular maintenance. Here’s an estimate of maintenance expenses over 6,500 km:
- Engine oil change (every 2,500 km, Rs. 400 per change): Rs. 800
- Servicing (Rs. 500 per service, every 3,000 km): Rs. 1,000
- Other minor repairs (spark plug, air filter, etc.): Rs. 700
- Total Maintenance Cost for Petrol Scooter: Rs. 2,500
Thus, the total cost of owning a petrol scooter for 6,500 km would be:
- Fuel cost: Rs. 16,250
- Maintenance cost: Rs. 2,500
- Total cost: Rs. 18,750
Final Cost Comparison
| Vehicle Type | Fuel/Charging Cost | Maintenance Cost | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Scooter | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 15,900 | Rs. 20,900 |
| Petrol Scooter | Rs. 16,250 | Rs. 2,500 | Rs. 18,750 |
Even though electric scooters have lower fuel (charging) costs, their battery replacements and repairs make them slightly more expensive than petrol scooters in my case.
Speed and Performance Comparison
- Electric Scooter Speed: 23 km/h (max)
- Petrol Scooter Speed: 60 km/h (easily)
One of the biggest disadvantages of my electric scooter was speed. It felt too slow for longer distances. On open roads, a petrol scooter could cover 10 km in just 10 minutes, while my electric scooter took around 25 minutes.
If time is important for your daily commute, a petrol scooter is the clear winner.
Lessons Learned: Should You Buy an Electric Scooter?
- Battery Life is a Major Concern: If your scooter’s battery lasts less than 2 years, replacement costs will be high.
- Running Costs are Low, But Maintenance Can Be Expensive: Charging is cheaper than petrol, but unexpected repairs and battery replacements add up.
- Best for Short-Term Use: If you plan to use the scooter for only 2-3 years, a petrol scooter might be more economical.
- Speed is a Big Issue: If you need to travel fast, a petrol scooter is a much better option.
- Government Subsidies & Warranty Matter: Choosing a scooter with government subsidies and a long battery warranty can reduce costs.
- Resale Value is Lower: Selling an electric scooter after 2-3 years might not fetch a good resale price compared to petrol scooters.
Final Verdict: Which is a Better Choice?
If you are looking for long-term savings, a petrol scooter might still be a better choice because of its lower maintenance, higher speed, and reliability.
However, if battery technology improves and batteries last 4-5 years without replacement, electric scooters could become a better deal in the future.
For now, if your daily usage is high, and speed is a concern, a petrol scooter is the better option.
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