Best EV Bikes & Scooters Under ₹1 Lakh – With Charging Costs
A practical, human-style guide to the smartest budget EVs in India—prices, range, and what you’ll actually pay to charge them.
Petrol prices creep up. Parking isn’t cheap. And if you’ve stared at your monthly fuel bill thinking, “there has to be a better way,” you’re not wrong.
Budget EV scooters and bikes—under ₹1 lakh—are where practicality meets peace of mind. They’re easy to run, simple to charge, and honestly, they make you feel kind of smart: “I’m saving money and I don’t smell like petrol.”
Why EVs Under ₹1 Lakh Make Sense
Not everyone wants to spend superbike money on a daily commuter. This segment shines because it’s simple and efficient.
- Affordable: Student budgets, first-job salaries, family errands—covered.
- Cheap to run: Home electricity = pocket change compared to petrol.
- Subsidy benefits: Central/state support still helps keep sticker prices low.
- Future-proof: Charging infra is only getting better, not worse.
Bottom line: you stop budgeting for fuel—and start budgeting for goals.
How Charging Costs Are Calculated (The 10-Second Math)
Here’s the quick formula you’ll use again and again:
Battery Capacity (kWh) × Electricity Rate (₹/kWh) = Cost per Full Charge
Example: 2 kWh battery × ₹8 = ₹16 per full charge. If range is 100 km, your running cost is ~₹0.16/km.
Compare that with a petrol bike doing ~40 km per litre at ₹100/litre: ~₹2.5/km. EVs are ~15× cheaper to run.
Top EV Scooters Under ₹1 Lakh (At a Glance)
| Model | Price (₹) | Range (km) | Battery (kWh) | Charging Cost* (₹) | Approx Cost/km | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ola S1 X | 79,999 | 91 | 2.0 | 15–16 | ~0.16 | 85 km/h |
| Ather 450S | 89,999 | 115 | 2.9 | ~23 | ~0.20 | 90 km/h |
| TVS iQube (Base) | 94,999 | 100 | 2.2 | ~18 | ~0.18 | 78 km/h |
| Hero Electric Optima CX | 84,000 | 85 | 2.0 | ~16 | ~0.18 | 55 km/h |
| Ampere Magnus EX | 89,900 | 121 | 2.3 | ~20 | ~0.16 | 53 km/h |
*Charging cost assumes ₹8/kWh home electricity. Adjust for your state tariff.
Ola S1 X — budget friendly, app-happy
Price: ₹79,999 • Range: 91 km • Battery: 2 kWh • Top speed: 85 km/h • Charge: ₹15–16
Fun design, app features, and a service network expanding city by city. A sweet spot for first-time EV buyers.
Ather 450S — sporty & polished
Price: ₹89,999 • Range: 115 km • Battery: 2.9 kWh • Top speed: 90 km/h • Charge: ~₹23
Known for its punchy ride and clean UI. If you like your scooter to feel “techy,” this one gets it right.
TVS iQube (Base) — reliable daily driver
Price: ₹94,999 • Range: 100 km • Battery: 2.2 kWh • Top speed: 78 km/h • Charge: ~₹18
TVS brings comfort + service reach. If after-sales support is your priority, iQube is a safe bet.
Hero Electric Optima CX — simple and sensible
Price: ₹84,000 • Range: 85 km • Battery: 2 kWh • Top speed: 55 km/h • Charge: ~₹16
Wallet-friendly and built for short city hops. No drama—just gets you there.
Ampere Magnus EX — range for days
Price: ₹89,900 • Range: 121 km • Battery: 2.3 kWh • Top speed: 53 km/h • Charge: ~₹20
If your commute is longer than average, Magnus EX stretches that distance without stretching the budget.
Best EV Bike Under ₹1 Lakh
Want the motorcycle vibe on a budget? There’s one name that consistently pops up.
| Model | Price (₹) | Range (km) | Battery (kWh) | Charging Cost (₹) | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revolt RV400 (Base Plan) | 99,999 | 150 | 3.24 | ~25–28 | 85 km/h |
It looks and feels like a proper bike, comes with playful AI sound profiles (if you miss engine noise), and still keeps running costs tiny.
Real-Life Savings: Petrol vs EV
If you ride ~40 km daily, here’s how the math shakes out.
| Vehicle Type | Monthly Running Cost | Yearly Cost | 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol Bike | ~₹2,500 | ~₹30,000 | ~₹1,50,000 |
| EV Scooter/Bike | ~₹400 | ~₹4,800 | ~₹24,000 |
Savings: Over five years you save ~₹1.2 lakh—basically the cost of the scooter itself.
Pros & Cons of Budget EVs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low running cost | Lower top speed vs petrol bikes |
| Affordable purchase price | Charging time (usually 3–5 hours) |
| Subsidy + easy home charging | Range planning for long trips |
| Quiet, smooth city rides | Battery lifespan (typically 3–5 years) |
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
- Subsidy: Check current central + state benefits for your PIN code.
- Charging: Home socket access? Any public chargers on your route?
- Service: Brand service center within reasonable distance.
- Battery warranty: Aim for 3–5 years; read the fine print.
- Range vs routine: Map your weekly km; pick a scooter with 2–3× that per charge.
FAQs
How long does it take to charge an EV scooter?
Typically 3–5 hours from a standard home socket (5A). Faster options exist on premium models, but for this price band, home charging is the norm.
How long will the battery last?
Usually 3–5 years or around 1,000 cycles. Treat the battery well (avoid 0% often, don’t leave it at 100% for days) and it lasts longer.
Is insurance mandatory for EVs?
Yes. Third-party cover is required in India. Many insurers now offer EV-specific plans including battery protection.
What if my electricity tariff is higher?
Just plug your rate into the formula: Battery kWh × ₹/kWh. Even at ₹12/kWh, most scooters still run under ₹0.30/km—far cheaper than petrol.