Delhi Electric Cycle Subsidy: The time to buy is NOW!!!
The tectonic shift of consumer preference from internal combustion-based transport to EVs is gaining momentum worldwide. Many nations have already announced their intention to go all-electric within the next few years. In terms of units sold, the switch to EVs is led by the electric cycles. But what is fueling the exponential rise in the popularity of electric bicycles as a preferred choice for urban transport?
People are turning climate-conscious, and petroleum is increasingly being seen as a dirty fuel, courtesy of the large-scale pollution and environmental damage it causes. Cities around the world have witnessed a drop in the air quality index(AQI), and this is causing a public health crisis. Governments are trying to tackle the issue by banning ICE-based vehicles on some public roads, or attempting to limit the number of days that they ply in a week. Cities like Delhi have begun declaring school holidays, and enforcing an “odd and even” regulation that attempts to halve the amount of ICE-based vehicular traffic, on days with particularly bad AQI. But all of these are mitigative measures. In order to effectively tackle the problem from the root, entities like the Delhi government are trying to incentivise the adoption of EVs like e-cycles and e-scooters by providing subsidies. And it has been wildly successful! Riders in Delhi can claim an electric vehicle subsidy of Rs 5,000 per kWh of battery capacity with a maximum limit of Rs 30,000.
Electric bicycles have traditionally been more expensive than regular manual cycles due to the added cost of battery units and sophisticated electric drivetrains. But with the new subsidies, they are now on par with regular premium cycles. When compared spec-to-spec though, ecycles pack in a whole lot more value. For example, Pune-based startup Emotorad has recently announced that thanks to the subsidies offered by the government of Delhi, the effective price of some of the most popular electric bicycles of their range have seen a dramatic reduction. The rapidly growing EV maker’s folding cycle, Doodle is available at a steal-deal of ₹34,999. That’s a discount of ₹15,000. It’s not surprising to see why more and more riders are biting the bullet and switching to electric.
The lack of emissions makes such premium electric bicycles great for the environment, and it introduces the opportunity for people to get some much-needed exercise, imperative for a healthy lifestyle. You can ride them in full electric mode, with varying levels of pedal assist, or even in full manual mode, making them a great mode of urban transport for commuters of all ages. Thanks to their removable, long-lasting batteries, they can be charged absolutely anywhere, via any household outlet, which means they are not limited by the minuscule rapid charging network that other EVs are totally dependent on in India. Another driving factor for electric cycle sales is that riders need no license to operate these sprightly electric runabouts, as they are electronically limited to a speed of 25km/hr.
In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle, governments of other regions like Chandigarh and Telangana are now emulating Delhi’s EV subsidy model. This is encouraging for cyclists all over the country who hope that it will lead to the creation of more bicycle lanes, greatly aiding in the decongestion of our cities, and improving safety. In fact, people pedalling to work on bike lanes are more likely to beat traffic jams than their colleagues who drive cars. E-cycles being so compact are also hilariously easy to park and store, so users are unlikely to struggle to find a vacant spot near their workplace or home.
The interest shown towards this movement, especially among the urban youth is very promising, and there have been a slew of new entrants like Emotorad in the market trying to cater to the growing demand for premium electric cycles. They promise a reimagined future where electric mobility is mainstream. The new energy (quite literally!) and the innovations they bring to the segment, in terms of innovative frame styles and components, is well received by riders, who want their choice of ride to reflect their individuality, style and purpose. All in all, the industry seems truly poised for the electric revolution and government initiatives like the subsidies announced by Delhi and other regions is a fantastic first step.
How to Apply?
Step 1: Users can go to the official EV Delhi portal
Step 2: On the Electric Vehicle Delhi portal, Click ‘Log In’
Step 3: Enter the username and password as provided by your dealer
Step 4: Carefully fill out the details required for the subsidy claim process.
Step 5: Check for the confirmation SMS
Step 6: The subsidy amount will be transferred directly to your bank account