Guide
How much does it cost to charge an electric scooter in India?
A simple, step-by-step calculation of electric scooter charging cost per charge, per km and per month, compared with a petrol scooter.
· 5 min read · By the Rapiid EV team
“How much will my electricity bill go up?” is the first question most people ask about an electric scooter. The answer is: less than you think. Here is how to calculate it yourself, step by step.
Step 1: Find the battery size
Battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh is one “unit” on your electricity bill. To find it, multiply the battery voltage by its capacity in amp-hours, then divide by 1,000.
| Battery | Calculation | Energy stored |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion 48V 30Ah | 48 × 30 ÷ 1,000 | 1.44 kWh |
| Lithium-ion 60V 30Ah | 60 × 30 ÷ 1,000 | 1.80 kWh |
| Lead-acid 60V 32Ah | 60 × 32 ÷ 1,000 | 1.92 kWh |
| Lead-acid 60V 34Ah | 60 × 34 ÷ 1,000 | 2.04 kWh |
These are the battery options available on Rapiid EV scooters. Every model takes either type. Lithium-ion gives more range and costs more. Lead-acid costs less and gives less range.
Step 2: Add charging losses
A charger is not 100% efficient. Some energy turns into heat. For lithium-ion, allow about 15% extra. Lead-acid batteries lose more energy while they charge, so allow about 25% extra. A full charge from empty takes about:
- Lithium-ion 48V: 1.44 × 1.15 ≈ 1.7 units
- Lithium-ion 60V: 1.80 × 1.15 ≈ 2.1 units
- Lead-acid 60V 32Ah: 1.92 × 1.25 ≈ 2.4 units
- Lead-acid 60V 34Ah: 2.04 × 1.25 ≈ 2.6 units
Step 3: Multiply by your electricity rate
Home electricity rates in India are usually between ₹5 and ₹9 per unit, depending on your state and your monthly use. We use ₹8 per unit here to be on the safe side. Check your own bill for your rate.
| Battery | Units per charge | Cost per full charge |
|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion 48V 30Ah | 1.7 | about ₹14 |
| Lithium-ion 60V 30Ah | 2.1 | about ₹17 |
| Lead-acid 60V 32Ah | 2.4 | about ₹19 |
| Lead-acid 60V 34Ah | 2.6 | about ₹21 |
Step 4: Cost per kilometre
With the lithium-ion battery, Rapiid EV scooters give 60 to 70 km on a full charge. With the 60V lithium-ion battery and 60 km per charge, that is ₹17 ÷ 60 ≈ 28 paise per km.
A lead-acid battery gives less range per charge, so its cost per km is higher. It is still a small part of the cost of petrol. Ask your dealer for the range of the lead-acid option on the model you like.
Compare with petrol
Take a petrol scooter that gives 45 km per litre, with petrol at about ₹95 per litre. That is ₹95 ÷ 45 ≈ ₹2.11 per km.
For a rider who travels 30 km a day (900 km a month):
| Petrol scooter | Rapiid EV (60V lithium-ion) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per km | ₹2.11 | ₹0.28 |
| Cost per month | about ₹1,900 | about ₹255 |
| Cost per year | about ₹22,800 | about ₹3,060 |
That is a saving of about ₹1,650 per month, or close to ₹20,000 per year, on fuel alone. You also save on engine oil and engine servicing.
Try your own numbers with the savings calculator on our home page.
Tips to get the most range
- Keep tyres at the correct pressure. Soft tyres reduce range.
- Use the lower speed mode in traffic. Hard acceleration uses more energy.
- Do not overload the scooter. Stay within the rated load capacity.
- Charge in a cool, shaded place and use only the charger supplied with your scooter.
- Do not leave the battery empty for many days. Top it up regularly.
Notes
The figures above are estimates for planning. Real-world cost depends on your electricity tariff, riding style, load, road conditions and battery age.