A Comprehensive Guide to Electric Bike Prices in India

Indian customers have welcomed electric two-wheelers with open arms. In May 2023, the retail sales of electric two-wheelers in India reached a record high of 104,755 units. This marked a remarkable 57% surge compared to April 2023, during which 66,724 units were sold.

With changing consumer demands, rising awareness against climate change, and government initiatives boosting domestic manufacturing, the Indian EV market is growing rapidly. Several players have entered the arena, and customers today have plenty of options to choose from.

If you are looking to buy an electric bike that suits your needs and fits your budget, here is your guide to e-bike prices in India.

EV bikes: An affordable long-term solution

EV bikes can be slightly more expensive than their ignition-motor counterparts. However, the long-term view shows a different story.

Let us understand what makes electric bikes provide greater value-for-money in the long term:

1. Government subsidies: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) subsidy was introduced by the government to boost EV adoption in India. As of June 2023, the subsidy has been reduced to 15% (of the ex-showroom price) from the earlier 40%. Despite the revision, FAME continues to make EV adoption a stronger proposition over that of their ignition-motor counterparts.

2. Low maintenance costs: The cost of maintaining an electric motorcycle is much less than the cost of maintaining a petrol bike. Petrol bikes also need more frequent servicing and have a greater number of mechanical components, which ultimately drives up maintenance costs

3. Resale value: Electric bikes are known for having a higher resale value than standard bikes. A three-year-old EV bike can retain up to 60% of its original value, whereas a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) motor vehicle loses 60% of its initial value during the same period.

EV price categorisation

To understand the range of EV bike prices in India, we can categorise available models into:

• Low-range

Electric two-wheelers in this budget-friendly category can range from INR 40,000 to INR 1 Lakh. Most scooters are in this price segment, with the models in this range being ideally suited for short-distance travel.

• Mid-range

Between the price range of INR 1 Lakh to 2 Lakh lies the mid-range tier of electric bikes. These bikes feature a sporty look, boast better mileage, and promise good performance. Oben Electric’s Oben Rorr also falls in this category and has quickly become one of the most sought-after e-bikes of the year.

• Premium-range

Electric bikes above INR 2 Lakh fall into the premium-range category. These EVs have higher performance and more extended range, but some bikes of these categories also have higher recharge time to keep up with the performance. Furthermore, bike models in this range are generally imported or foreign-made but assembled in India.

How to choose the right bike for your budget

When you buy an EV, you make a long-term investment. So, it is best to consider your options and make an informed decision. Here is how you can select the right electric bike that fits your budget:

1. Determine your need:  Different individuals have different needs when it comes to their bikes. Some require an electric bike for daily commute, while some seek thrilling off-road adventures. Since electric bike prices change with features and performance, the first step should be to narrow down your purchase purpose.

2. Fix a budget range: Once the purpose is decided, construct a maximum and minimum spending range as per your budget. This budget should be built based on your ease of payment while keeping the expected EMIs and your financial obligations in mind.

3. Research: Browse multiple electric bike options for your needs and budget. Look for their reviews, nearest service centres, and features before purchasing.

4.Test drive: The final step before the purchase should be to take a test drive. Most EV bike companies, like Oben Electric, provide the option to take a test drive, which customers can book on the company’s website. A test drive will help you determine whether or not the bike is a good fit for your needs.

Oben Electric bike price in India

Do you believe a mid-range electric bike with power-packed features, good battery backup, and exceptional performance would be right for you? In that case, the Oben Rorr is made for you.

A brainchild of the Bengaluru-based startup Oben Electric, the Oben Rorr - a blend of performance, power, and aesthetics - has quickly gained popularity among EV enthusiasts. The Oben Rorr electric bike price in India starts from INR 1,49,999. This ex-showroom price may slightly differ in locations across the nation. Furthermore, this price is exclusive of state registration charges, insurance charges, lifetime road tax payments, and dealer handling charges.

Oben Electric offers some benefits along with the purchase of the Oben Rorr. These include:

1.  3 years or 50,000 km battery warranty
2.  3 years motor warranty
3.  3 free bike-services

Additionally, several reputed financial institutions offer loan options to customers opting for an EV bike. The monthly EMI will depend on the loan tenure and interest rates offered by the lending institution. Interested customers can finance the purchase by paying around 20% of the bike’s cost as a down payment.

The EV market in India is growing rapidly, and companies are competing to innovate, delight their customers, and serve their unique needs. Currently, you can find electric two-wheelers starting from INR 40,000 to upwards of INR 6 Lakh on the Indian market. Since this is a long-term purchase, you should assess your needs and budget before purchasing an electric bike.

If you have an all-rounder bike with a reasonable price in mind, look no further than the Oben Rorr. Visit the official Oben Electric website and book your ride today!

Why Choose an Electric Bike Over Standard Bikes?

If you are still torn between choosing an e-bike and a standard motorbike, here are some of the advantages that electric motorcycles hold over their standard counterparts:

1. Eco-friendly Alternative: Electric bikes are renowned for their zero-carbon emission. By opting for an EV bike, you will be taking a significant step towards reduced greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately contributing towards fighting climate change and urban pollution.

2. Reduced Operating Costs: E-bikes, as their name suggests, obtain power from electric sources. Unlike fossil fuels, this dependence on renewable energy is not just sustainable in the long run but also easier on the wallet. Additionally, electric bikes have fewer moving parts; this leads to lower maintenance costs and an overall reduction in operating costs.

3. Better Performance : An impressive feature of EVs is their ability to offer instant torque. Unlike standard motorbikes, these vehicles do not require combustion to propel forward. With enough electrical energy, they can reach top speed within seconds. Some top e-bikes, like Oben Rorr, can reach a speed of 0 to 40 km/h in 3 seconds.

4.Noise Reduction : If you think that e-bikes are only contributing towards reducing air pollution, you are in for a surprise. Since these motorcycle have fewer moving parts, their operations are much quieter than petrol bikes. This is a positive contribution towards reducing noise pollution, especially in urban areas.

Factors Affecting Electric Bike Prices in India

E-bike prices in India can seem a bit on the higher end. This is because the following factors affect electric bike prices in India:

1. Battery Technology and Capacity: The type and capacity of the battery are major price determinants. One of the most commonly used chemicals in batteries, Lithium, is reputed for its sensational performance and extended life. However, due to its cyclical nature and surge in demand, Lithium has become an expensive and rare metal to find.

2. Scale of Production: The EV industry is yet to experience a massive boom in sales. While experts anticipate a 46% CAGR growth rate and a market size of about USD 37 billion by 2030, the demand is nowhere near that stage yet. Relatively lower demand is restricting companies from scaling up their production, leading to expensive e-bike prices. 

3. Charging Infrastructure and Technology : A lot of electric bikes today are equipped with fast-charging technology to offer maximum convenience to their users. However, EV charging stations that offer this facility often impose a price to charge your bike.

Some bikes even come with unique charging ports, ensuring that customers are compelled to opt for their unique charger. Furthermore, bikes that come with home-charging setups may also carry a premium price. All of this can inflate the cost of owning an e-bike.

4. Initial Phase : Electric bikes are at their nascent stage of development. Majority of players in this industry are constantly working on advanced R&D processes. Since many companies lack technology, efficiency gains, and innovation in manufacturing processes, the final electric bike prices in India are affected.

Key Features to Consider When Selecting an Electric Motorcycle

Before you begin browsing through electric bike prices in Bangalore, here is a checklist of some of the key features you should be mindful of:

1. Range & Battery Life : Range anxiety is the biggest concern among potential buyers. Many buyers are concerned about a potential scenario in which they may run out of battery and get stranded. While several newly released models offer a 100+ km range on a single charge, it is still advisable to check the range and battery of your chosen e-bike.  

2. Performance & Ride Quality : Power and performance are the heart and soul of any bike, be it standard or electric. So, before you decide on a specific e-bike model, it is mandatory to assess its performance. This includes acceleration, torque, and handling. 

3. After-Sales Service and Warranty : Post-purchase services are as crucial as your e-bike’s specifications. Experts advise checking the manufacturer’s after-sales service network and warranty offers before finalising a deal. For some brands, like the Oben Rorr, electric bike prices may seem slightly high-end, but their dedicated customer service and robust warranty offers make up for it.

4. Safety Features: Brakes are just as important as acceleration. Even if you are satisfied with an EV bike’s power and performance, it is important to take a look at the safety features. Oben Rorr excels in this area, as its Driver Alert System (DAS) protects against potential theft, while the Unified Brake-Assist (UBA) ensures a safe and reliable riding experience.

5. Design and Aesthetics: While functionality is key, the design and aesthetics of the bike are also important. Luckily, the newer range of electric bikes is known for their contemporary design and ergonomic frame build. Make sure to choose a model whose aesthetics appeal to you.