Budget Electric vs ICE Motorcycles: Which Costs Less To Run?

The biggest advantage of owning an electric motorcycle or scooter is their super-low running cost. For example, the running cost of the Oben Rorr EZ is Rs 18.90 per 100 km, and Rs 283.50 per 1500 km. How we came to this figure we'll discuss below, but yes, their running cost is shockingly low. However, popular ICE commuter motorcycles like the Bajaj Platina, Hero Splendor, and Honda Shine are highly economical, and also their yearly maintenance cost is lower than Rs 1000. So, the question which arises is: out of the two powertrains, which makes more sense? Let's learn - and in the meantime, make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.

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Electric Motorcycles

n Calendar Year 2024, 1.14 million electric two-wheelers were sold in India. Yes, you read that correctly. This marks a 33% increase over CY2023 and clearly indicates that the EV revolution in India is being led by two-wheelers - motorcycles and scooters rather than four-wheelers, which are still largely dominated by ICE-powered vehicles. This staggering growth is influenced by the incredibly low running costs of battery-powered two-wheelers. While they do cost more upfront compared to regular ICE two-wheelers, the ongoing expenses are bare-minimum. In fact, once purchased, owners are practically spending nothing on running costs compared to their petrol-powered counterparts.

For instance, let's take the example of the Oben Rorr EZ - a commuter electric motorcycle with sporty looks. It starts at Rs 90,000 (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 1.20 lakh (ex-showroom). The base variant gets a 2.6 kWh battery pack, with a claimed range of 110 km. It produces 10 hp and 52 Nm of torque, and the top speed is 95 km/h. The last point about its specifications is that it takes 45 minutes to fully charge. Now, talking about running costs in New Delhi - electricity costs Rs 8 per kWh. So, to fully charge the 2.6 kWh battery, it only costs Rs 20.80. That gives you 110 km of range, which means the running cost is just Rs 18 per 100 km.

ICE Motorcycle

An simple ICE commuter motorcyle in India starts at Rs 66,900 (Honda Shine) and even the most updated simple bike like Hero Splendor Plus with OBD-2B compliance costs somewhere around Rs 78,000. These motorcycles are extremely cheap to maintain and their fuel efficiency is also through the roof - easily they can achieve mileage of 70 to 75 km/l and achieving even more isn't surpring. Also, any normal mechanic can fix them, plus even if you take them to authorized service centers - the bill won't exceed Rs 1000 or 1200.

Also, they're very easy to ride and are considered the backbone of gig workers, as they use them the most. Now, let's take the example of the Hero Splendor +, which achieves a fuel efficiency of 70 kmpl, to find out its running cost. In New Delhi, the price of Petrol is Rs 94.77 per litre, and Splendor fuel tank is of 9.8 Litres. Now, to fill it up the cost will come as Rs 928. On this basis, let's break it down.

Which Cost Less To Run?

Even if you consider the long run or short run, electric motorcycles or scooters are way more cheaper to run, and the graph is there to confirm that. There is no two ways about it, and this is clearly the reason why these bikes have now completely taken over the big cities - where from two-wheeler taxi to food delivery guys and even corporate employees have switched to it. So, if you want to save money, then EV bikes makes more sense than ICE bikes.

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