Across small towns and semi-urban centres in India, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way people move. In Bankura — a district known for its terracotta temples and Diher beel wetlands rather than cutting-edge technology — electric two-wheelers are rapidly replacing petrol-powered scooters as the daily ride of choice. At Bankura EV Care, walk-ins for electric scooter test rides have more than tripled over the past twelve months, and the reasons are as practical as they are environmental.
The economics are hard to ignore. With petrol prices hovering around INR 108 per litre in West Bengal, a daily 30-kilometre commute on a conventional scooter costs approximately INR 80-100 per day. The same distance on an electric scooter like the Ola S1 Pro or TVS iQube costs roughly INR 8-12 in electricity — a saving of nearly 90%. Over a year, that translates to savings of INR 25,000 to INR 30,000, which is a substantial amount for families in tier-3 towns. Add to that the near-elimination of oil changes, clutch plate replacements, and engine servicing, and the total cost of ownership drops dramatically compared to ICE vehicles.
Government incentives have further accelerated this shift. Under the FAME III subsidy scheme launched in late 2025, buyers of qualifying electric two-wheelers can avail subsidies of up to INR 25,000, bringing the effective price of entry-level electric scooters to around INR 80,000 — nearly at par with popular 110cc petrol scooters. The West Bengal state government has also waived road tax and registration fees for EVs purchased through 2027, adding another INR 5,000-8,000 in savings at the point of purchase.
At Bankura EV Care, the showroom currently stocks and services three of the most popular electric two-wheeler brands in India: Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and TVS iQube. Each brand caters to a slightly different buyer profile. The Ola S1 Pro appeals to younger riders with its app-connected features and aggressive pricing. The Ather 450X attracts tech-savvy commuters who value build quality and the Ather Grid fast-charging network. The TVS iQube, meanwhile, has found a loyal following among families who trust the TVS legacy of reliability and after-sales support. All three brands are available for test rides seven days a week at the Bankura showroom.
Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Ramesh Tudu, a school teacher from Onda who purchased an Ola S1 Air six months ago, reports saving over INR 2,000 per month on fuel alone. "I was sceptical about range, but 100 kilometres on a single charge is more than enough for my daily school run and errands," he says. Priya Das, a nurse at Bankura Sammilani Medical College, switched to a TVS iQube after her Honda Activa required a costly engine overhaul. "The iQube is smoother, quieter, and I charge it overnight at home — no more petrol station queues," she adds. Stories like these are becoming the norm rather than the exception, and they signal a fundamental change in how rural and semi-urban India thinks about personal mobility.