A guide to picking the best long-range electric scooter in India!

Since the advent of electric scooters in the Indian market, riders have been using it for all kinds of daily transportation needs. Everyday commute to work? Check. Exploring the city? Check. Riding to college? Check. Long drive from Bangalore to Coorg? Uh-oh. Let’s rent a car.

Electric scooters are not our first choice when it comes to longer rides. And this perception has something to do with the scooters of the past. Earlier, electric scooters were known to have a range of just a few kilometers, so taking them out of the city was considered too risky. But things have changed massively. Long-range electric scooters are now built to make every ride efficient wrt range, economical, and comfortable. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best long-range electric scooter in India.

Factors to consider when picking your long range electric scooter:

Electric scooters have seen a steep advancement in technology. With new battery systems and constant upgrades, picking the right long-range electric scooter can be overwhelming. That’s why, we’ve narrowed it down to a few important factors to consider: 

1. Battery Capacity & Technology: A better and larger battery means longer range. That’s a thumb rule. Any electric scooter that’s made with lithium-ion batteries will have a great battery capacity and hence, better range. All Ather scooters are made of lithium-ion batteries and come with various battery capacities ranging from 2.9 kWh to 3.7 kWh to suit every commute need.
2. Motor Power: Another thumb rule: better power means effective battery usage. In other words, your electric scooter can ride at top speed for longer distances. When buying a long-range electric scooter, pay close attention to its engine power.
3. Riding Modes: Electric scooters come with various ride modes according to the speed you prefer to ride and various riding scenarios. For example 450 X comes with 5 ride modes- Eco, Ride, Sport, Warp and SmartEco. Using the right mode in various traffic conditions and by maintaining a good riding behaviour, one can achieve a better range.
4. Total Cost Of Ownership (TCO): TCO is a metric to gauge which kind of scooter is most cost effective. TCO is the purchase price of a scooter plus the costs of operation - including fuel, maintenance, warranty. For petrol scooters, the upfront purchase price is just an initial cost, it’s not its TCO because it doesn’t include fuel, maintenance etc. Over the period of ownership, the fuel cost ends up surpassing the purchase price in case of petrol scooters. This makes the TCO of a petrol scooter much higher than electric scooters. Infact, one can avail various state and government subsidies while purchasing electric scooters which makes them even more economical to own in the long run.
5. Weight and Load: Loads slow down most vehicles. For a long-range electric scooter that load includes the weight of the rider plus any additional cargo like luggage. But the Ather Rizta is one of the few long-range electric scooters that provides 34L boot space and can still ride at 80km/hr for 159 kms (IDC range) on a single charge!
6. Connected Features: Long distance travel means endless navigation, toggling music, and receiving and rejecting calls. All this multitasking while riding can make commuting look like juggling show, where ones safety is at high stakes. That’s why, it’s better to look for long-range electric scooters with smart, connected features like the Ather Rizta and Ather 450 Series. These electric scooters come with features like Google Maps navigation, bluetooth enabled Call & Music control, WhatsApp on Dash, Share live location so you are safe and comfortable throughout your ride.

Benefits of having a long-range electric scooter

Travel. Travel. More Travel! Long-range electric scooters feed the traveller’s soul. They’re super comfortable. They fit anywhere, be it narrow roads or bigger highways. They’re extremely economical and great for the environment. But even if you are an occasional traveller, an electric scooter is still the right choice for you.

Here are some benefits to consider: 

1. Extended Travel Range: Allows for longer trips without the need for frequent recharging, ideal for weekend adventures as well as daily commutes.
2. Cost-Efficiency: Best long-range electric scooters in India are fuel efficient and extremely economical for longer rides.
3. Eco-travel: Long-range electric scooters give a new lens to eco-travel, minimising carbon emissions and contributing to greener cities.
4. Versatility: Long-range electric scooters come with various ride modes, making it easy to explore diverse terrains and routes.
5. Faster Charging Times: Electric scooters with long-range have powerful batteries with fast charging times so it minimises downtime and maximises riding time!
6. Storage: A few electric scooters come with bigger boot spaces like the Ather Rizta with 34L boot, which allows for longer trips without the worry of more luggage.
7. High Safety: Modern day electric scooters have advanced safety features like tow and theft alert, share live location and skid control that make riding very safe even on Indian roads.
8. Connected Features: Ather electric scooters are equipped with smart connected features like Google Maps navigation, call and music control, Auto-reply on SMS and more. So one can have a hassle-free ride experience.

Guide to maintaining your long-range electric scooter

For your long-range electric scooter to last long, here are some maintenance tips: 

1. Optimise Riding Style: Your riding style impacts the range of your electric scooter. Maintain a steady and moderate speed throughout your ride to conserve battery power and extend the range. Gradually, decelerating can make a noticeable difference
2. Weight and Load: The range of the scooter can be influenced by the weight it bears, whether it's the rider or any extra items. To boost efficiency and extend the scooter's range, trim down unnecessary weight. When feasible, refrain from lugging heavy backpacks or excessive luggage.

In conclusion, long-range electric scooters can transform the way we travel and ride! There is no reason to stay within the city limits, when we have a ride so economical and eco-conscious.