Think electric bikes are just a futuristic concept? Not anymore – they are here, they are real, and they have been zooming past traffic and petrol pumps daily. And now’s the time to switch from petrol to electric bikes.
But how do you choose the best electric bike for yourself? Where to begin? Do not worry – We have got your back. In this blog, we will take you through a complete guide to help understand electric bikes better, what the buzz is all about, why they are gaining popularity and what to look for before buying one for yourself.
Indians' love for two-wheelers is no secret, especially for bikes. From childhood dreams to beating city traffic as an adult, bikes are our go-to ride. And now, with the rapid increase in petrol prices and a growing push for eco-friendly alternatives, electric bikes are turning heads.
In the last few years, more and more people are adopting electric bikes. With Government Policies, improved charging infrastructure, and the growing presence of brands like Revolt Motors have made the transition easier (and cooler) to go electric.
So, what makes an electric bike a serious contender against its petrol-powered cousins? Let’s break it down:
So, what makes an electric bike a serious contender against its petrol-powered cousins? Let’s break it down:
The love of bikes stems from the thrill, the power, the sound and the so-called “freedom” of petrol motorcycles.
But let’s be honest, how do you feel when you see your favourite petrol bike juicing your hard-earned money just for a few kms, the maintenance cost draining your wallet and the heat of the engine when you are juggling in traffic? Not so great, right?
And this is where the electric bikes are a game changer, it’s not just another option but the need of the hour!
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Electric Bike (Revolt RV400) | Petrol Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Running Cost | ₹0.13/km approx. | ₹2-3/km approx. |
| Maintenance | Low | High (engine wear, oil) |
| Emissions | Zero | High |
| Performance (Torque) | Instant | Gradual |
| Noise | Silent ride | Loud engine noise |
| Government Subsidies | Available | Not applicable |
| Smart Features | Yes | No |
The takeaway? Switching to an electric bike would be the smartest riding decision your future self would thank you for.
With the popularity of electric bikes, they are also not limited to a few models. Today, electric bikes are available to cater to each rider’s needs, from practical commutes to high-performance rides. Thus, before you switch, you need to consider a few things:
In India, electric bikes range from 100 km to 330 km per charge. So, look for a bike that suits your daily travel needs. An average Indian commuter travels 50 km daily on a bike; the RV400, offering a range up to 150 km, would be a good option to consider to meet your daily travel needs. A rule of thumb: Always go for a range that covers 1.5 times your usual ride.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that electric bikes cannot match up to petrol bikes regarding speed or power. Electric bikes offer instant torque and acceleration. Electric motorcycles, like the Revolt RV400, can easily hit a top speed of up to 85 km/h, sufficient for city rides and occasional sprints.
Electric bikes come in various models with different battery capacities and speeds. Choose a model that best suits your riding style and use, whether for urban commuting, highway cruising at high speeds, or off-road riding.
Revolt RV400 has a battery capacity of 3.24 KWH and motor power of 2.8 kW with a top speed of 85 kmph, which is sufficient even for highway cruising. It also provides 3 smart riding modes to choose from according to your mood and mileage goals.
Always consider the type of battery used in electric bikes. Lithium-ion batteries are the most reliable and safest batteries available on the market. Electric bikes, like the Revolt RV400, have 2.2 KWH Li-ion batteries, which are sourced from CAT-L, the same company that makes Tesla cells, stating the battery quality used. Also, consider the charging time required to charge your bike’s battery. If you require a quick turnaround, the fast charger is the option, with battery charging to 80% in just 80 minutes.
Also, you must consider the charging convenience for easy charging. Revolt electric bikes have a removable battery that you can easily take out and charge at the convenience of your home, office, or café, or any normal 15a household socket.
Electric bikes might initially seem expensive, but the government has introduced many policies and incentives to drive consumers towards electric vehicles. Plus, if you look in the longer run, your electric bike will pay for itself with every km travelled. Petrol bikes, though with an initial lower price, call for additional maintenance and petrol costs. Electric bikes require no petrol and less maintenance, thus more savings in the long run.
Several states even provide relief from EV road tax charges to their citizens.
This is often not thought about so much, but one should always consider the warranty provided by a brand over their vehicle, plus whether after-sales support is provided or not. Revolt RV400 has over 3 years/40,000 KM warranty on their battery, whichever comes first. Plus, a 2-year warranty on the charger. A reliable brand would always provide good warranty coverage and after-sales support.
Talking about tech, electric bikes are in a league of their own. Though some petrol bikes are coming up with basic digital displays, they still can’t beat the smart features provided in electric bikes. Take the Revolt RV400, for example, it offers smart features like Geo-Fencing, real-time tracking, custom sound options, battery diagnostics and alerts, over-the-air updates and app integration for keyless operation.
So, with today’s tech-savvy era, not having the convenience, data, and control at your fingertips would make you seem far behind modern times.
The battery in an electric bike is mounted low; thus, with a low centre of gravity, handling an electric bike is easier than handling a petrol bike. The handling feels more stable, offering superior ride dynamics. In addition, you can never deny how smooth and responsive an electric bike feels, with no clutch or gears to worry about, no engine rumbles, no vibrations – just pure, silent power.
Revolt RV400 electric bike provides regenerative braking, which helps recharge the battery each time you hit the brake. Electric bikes also provide smart riding modes so you can choose a ride according to your mood and mileage goals.
Pro Tip: Always visit showrooms and take a test ride of your favourite models. Check for comfortable seating, handling in traffic or uneven road conditions. You can book an RV400 test ride.
People ride electric bikes not just for their travel needs but also to reboot their system, remove the tension, and feel its thrill and freedom. So, before choosing your first electric bike in India, consider your purpose, riding style and budget. Select your first ride, which is easy to handle with a model that is reliable, easy to handle, serves your purpose, and builds your confidence.
