Top Electric Scooters in India Under ₹50,000 (2020 Edition)

India's electric scooter market in the late 2010s and early 2020s offered budget-conscious buyers limited but growing options under ₹50,000, balancing affordability with basic electric mobility functionality. Understanding which electric scooters competed in this ultra-budget segment during this formative period, what compromises buyers accepted at these price points, and how the market has evolved helps contextualize India's electric two-wheeler revolution and appreciate improvements in affordability and features over subsequent years.

Popular Models Under ₹50,000

Avon E Scoot 504

Priced at approximately ₹45,000, with a maximum speed of 24 km/hr and a range of up to 65 kilometres per charge:

• Price: ₹45,000 (affordable entry point)
• Speed: 24 km/hr maximum
• Range: 65 km per charge
• Market position: Budget-friendly option
• Best for: Cost-conscious first-time EV buyers

Komaki X One

Priced between ₹35,999 and ₹59,999, offering Bluetooth connectivity, digital speedometer, and can travel between 85 to 100 kilometres on a single charge:

• Price range: ₹35,999 - ₹59,999
• Features: Bluetooth connectivity, digital speedometer
• Range: 85-100 km per charge
• Technology: Smart features at budget price
• Best for: Tech-conscious budget buyers

Hero Electric Cruz

Available for ₹37,390, achieving speeds of up to 25 km/hr with a range of 70 kilometres per charge:

• Price: ₹37,390
• Brand: Hero Electric's established reputation
• Speed: 25 km/hr maximum
• Range: 70 km per charge
• Best for: Buyers trusting established brands

Ujaas eGO LA

Priced around ₹39,880 with a battery range of up to 75 kilometres per charge and a charge time of seven to eight hours:

• Price: ₹39,880
• Range: 75 km per charge
• Charging time: 7-8 hours
• Performance: Adequate for daily commutes
• Best for: Budget buyers prioritizing range

Tunwal Mini Sports 63

Priced at approximately ₹49,990, with a charging time of about four to five hours, travels up to 65 kilometres on a single charge, and can reach speeds of up to 25 km/hr:

• Price: ₹49,990 (upper end of segment)
• Charging time: 4-5 hours (faster than competitors)
• Range: 65 km per charge
• Speed: 25 km/hr maximum
• Best for: Buyers wanting faster charging

Key Features of Budget Segment

Range Capabilities

Electric scooters in this price range typically offer a range of 50 to 70 kilometers per charge:

• Minimum range: 50 km in segment
• Typical range: 60-75 km
• Maximum range: 85-100 km (Komaki X One)
• Real-world variance: Conditions affect actual range
• Adequate for: Short to medium urban commutes

Charging Times

Charging times usually range between 6 to 8 hours:

• Faster charging: 4-5 hours (Tunwal Mini Sports)
• Standard charging: 6-8 hours typical
• Overnight convenience: Charge while sleeping
• Home charging: Standard 220V outlets
• Battery type: Lead-acid common in budget segment

Speed Capabilities

• Typical speed: 24-25 km/hr
• Legal compliance: Under low-speed EV limits
• No license requirement: Simplified registration
• City-appropriate: Adequate for urban traffic
• Safety consideration: Manageable for new riders

Technology Features

Basic Features (Most Models)

• Simple analog or basic digital displays
• Basic lighting systems
• Drum brakes front and rear
• Steel or basic alloy frames
• Simple mechanical components

Advanced Features (Select Models)

• Komaki X One: Bluetooth connectivity
• Digital speedometers: Better information display
• USB charging ports: Mobile device charging
• Anti-theft alarms: Basic security

Compromises in Budget Segment

Performance Limitations

• Lower top speeds (24-25 km/hr)
• Modest acceleration
• Limited hill climbing capability
• Basic motor power (250-400W typical)
• No performance modes

Component Quality

• Lead-acid batteries (heavier, shorter lifespan)
• Basic suspension or none
• Simple braking systems
• Basic lighting
• Limited weather sealing

Features and Convenience

• No smartphone connectivity (except select models)
• Basic instrumentation
• Limited storage space
• No advanced safety features
• Minimal convenience features

Battery Technology in Budget Segment

Lead-Acid Batteries (Common)

• Advantages: Lower initial cost
• Disadvantages: Heavier weight, shorter lifespan
• Replacement cycle: 1-2 years typical
• Replacement cost: ₹5,000-10,000
• Performance: Adequate but limited

Lithium-Ion (Rare in Segment)

• Advantages: Lighter, longer lifespan, better performance
• Disadvantages: Higher cost pushes above ₹50,000
• Emerging: Gradually becoming affordable

Target Customers

• First-time EV buyers: Exploring electric mobility
• Budget-conscious consumers: Minimizing upfront cost
• Short-distance commuters: Limited daily travel
• Urban riders: Flat terrain, city streets
• Cost-focused families: Basic transportation needs

Operating Economics

Running Costs

• Electricity: ₹0.50-1 per km
• Maintenance: Minimal compared to petrol
• Battery replacement: Significant periodic expense
• Insurance: Lower than ICE scooters
• Registration: Often waived

Total Cost of Ownership

• Purchase price: ₹35,000-50,000
• Battery replacement (2 years): ₹5,000-10,000
• Minimal servicing: ₹2,000-3,000 annually
• Electricity: ₹500-1,000 annually (10 km daily)
• 5-year TCO significantly lower than petrol

Government Support

FAME Scheme

• FAME I and early FAME II benefits
• Subsidies reduced effective purchase price
• Varied by state and period
• Boosted adoption in budget segment

State Incentives

• Road tax waivers
• Registration fee exemptions
• Additional purchase subsidies in some states
• Combined benefits made scooters more affordable

Service and Support Challenges

• Limited dealer networks: Service accessibility issues
• Parts availability: Sometimes problematic
• Technician training: Limited EV expertise
• Warranty coverage: Variable quality
• Company stability: Some manufacturers discontinued

Market Evolution Since 2020

Improvements in Recent Years

• Lithium-ion batteries more common
• Better features at similar prices
• Improved range and performance
• Enhanced reliability
• Stronger dealer networks
• Better build quality

Current Under-₹50,000 Options

• More capable models available
• Better value for money
• Established brands entering segment
• Technology improvements
• Enhanced safety features

Lessons from 2020 Budget Segment

What Worked

• Made electric mobility accessible
• Demonstrated cost savings vs petrol
• Built consumer awareness
• Established market viability
• Proved concept for short-range use

What Needed Improvement

• Battery technology and lifespan
• Build quality and durability
• Service network accessibility
• Performance capabilities
• Features and convenience

Alternative Approaches

While the budget segment focused on minimizing upfront costs with basic features, innovative approaches addressed specific challenges. Solutions like swappable battery systems, though not common in India's ₹50,000 segment, represented forward-thinking approaches to charging accessibility and range limitations that plagued early budget electric scooters.

Making Your Decision (Historical Context)

India's electric scooters under ₹50,000 in the 2020 period offered accessible entry points to electric mobility with models like Hero Electric Cruz at ₹37,390, Ujaas eGO LA at ₹39,880, and Avon E Scoot 504 at ₹45,000. These budget options delivered 50-75 km range at speeds of 24-25 km/hr, adequate for short urban commutes while requiring significant compromises in features, performance, and battery technology.

The segment established electric two-wheelers as viable transportation alternatives for budget-conscious Indian consumers, proving economic advantages over petrol while highlighting areas needing improvement. Subsequent years brought substantial advances in battery technology, features, and reliability at similar price points, demonstrating how rapidly India's electric scooter market matured from these formative budget offerings into today's more capable and sophisticated options.