Electric Scooter Woes: Buyers Beware of Hidden Costs and Battery Headaches

• Electric scooter sales surged post-COVID-19, driven by eco-friendly claims and rising petrol prices, with many companies entering the market.
• A major issue is battery performance: reduced mileage, increased charging times, and batteries not charging to full capacity often appear within 6 months.
• Hidden costs include expensive battery replacements (₹10,000-₹30,000) and monthly fees for app-based services, which companies often don't disclose upfront.
• Lack of service centers, specialized tools, and software license expirations lead to vehicles breaking down and costly, mandatory updates.
• Many EVs, especially those not requiring registration, are built with poor quality, leading to frequent breakdowns and unresponsive customer service.

Why It Matters: Electric scooters come with significant hidden costs, battery issues, and poor after-sales support, making them a risky purchase.