E-scooters: Cool, eco-friendly and legal for 16-year-olds

Rampant underage driving is a major problem in most cities across India. School and college going kids derive a dangerous thrill from speeding through the roads on their cars. To curb the menace, the government made electric scooters legally usable by 16- to 18-year-olds. But the trend of e-scooters has caught on only over the last year with increased production and reduced costs. We have listed some of the biggest factors fuelling this trend below. 

E-scooters are legal 
The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989 to enable 16–18-year-olds to drive e-scooters. They can ride 50 cc vehicles that can go up to 70 km per hour. Heavier, faster vehicles are allowed once they cross 18.   

E-scooters can raise road safety   
A valid license for the rider and licence plate for the vehicle are mandatory to drive the e-scooter. A 16- or 17-year-old gets valuable exposure on road signage, traffic signal and driving rules in the licensing process. They also have to wear ISI approved helmets. Despite stern action by police against speeding youngsters and parents in accident cases, underage car driving remains a safety issue on Indian roads. E-scooters can ensure a safer, legalised ride, where kids won’t be able to rise above 70 km per hour anyway.  

E-scooters are less expensive  
Compared to a car or bike payment, or even taking public transit on a daily basis, buying an electric scooter can save much more. Firstly, it costs less. And then maintenance costs are very low. Keeping the batteries charged and the tyres pumped are all that is needed. There is no other overhead such as petrol, gas, emission certificate, or the heavy maintenance needed for cars.  

E-scooters are eco friendly  
The Indian government aims to be an all-electric nation by 2030. E-scooters take under age drivers towards that future. Besides, traveling by an e-scooter is far healthier than being stuck in city traffic on Indian roads inside an AC car, or with the windows down and the polluted air billowing in. E-scooters are good for the environment, and good for the rider.