Micromobility refers to small, low-speed vehicles intended for personal use and includes station-based bikeshare systems, dockless bikeshare systems, electric-assist bikeshare, and electric scooters.

An efficient alternative for urban commuting. In recent years, micromobility has become an excellent commuting alternative for urban environments, capable of navigating current challenges such as traffic congestion in densely populated cities, the need to reduce CO 2  emissions, and the lack of parking spaces.

Electric cycles (e-bikes) effectively fulfil the core purpose of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles in personal mobility and transportation by offering a sustainable, efficient, and cost- effective alternative for daily commuting. They replace the need for fossil-fuel-dependent vehicles, particularly for short to medium-distance trips, while offering advantages in traffic navigation, operating costs, and environmental impact.

In India, these Micromobility vehicles are categorized as Low-Speed Micromobility Vehicles (No License/Registration Needed): If the vehicle has a maximum speed of 25 km/h or less and a motor power of 250W or less, it is generally exempt from RTO registration and does not require a driver license. These are often classified as non-motorized vehicles.

The Key Details for Low-Speed Vehicles

 1) Minimum Age: Even for low-speed models, the minimum age for driving is generally 16 years.

2)  Safety: While registration is not mandatory, helmets are strongly recommended (and mandatory in some states/areas).

3) Insurance: No Third-party insurance is required for Micromobility vehicles, but it is highly
recommended for safety and theft protection.

Firstly, commercially viable and less maintenance comparing to ICE vehicles. Secondly, as it is a slow speed Vehicle, probability of accidents and risks is less. Thirdly, as it does not require LICENCE and being less weight, children and Senior Citizens can also drive it.

The time for charging a battery of MICROMOBILITY vehicle will be roughly between 3.5 to 4 hours from 0 to 100 percent. But on frequent usages it can be charged like a smartphone, where we don’t want to let it to zero or 100 percent. A mild usage between 20 percent to 90 percent is much advisable.

The life of a micromobility vehicle, like an e-scooter or e-bike, varies significantly but generally lasts 1 to 5 years, with shared fleet scooters often on the lower end (1-3 years due to heavy use and battery degradation) and personal ownership extending to 5+ years with good care, although batteries often need replacement within 1-3 years, impacting overall lifespan. Factors like usage intensity, maintenance, battery health, and operating conditions (especially for shared services) heavily influence longevity.

Yes, micromobility vehicles (electric scooters, e-bikes, and e-mopeds) have resaleable value, but it is highly variable and often lower than traditional petrol-powered vehicles. While they have fewer moving parts and lower maintenance costs, their resale value is heavily dependent on the health and lifespan of the battery, which can make them harder to value than conventional
vehicles.

To have a micromobility vehicle (such as an e-scooter or e-bike) in every home is not currently a universal legal mandate, it is being heavily pushed by urban planners, governments, and sustainability initiatives as a necessary solution to modern urban challenges. The mandate stems from a necessity to rapidly transition away from fossil fuel-based transportation as it favours a solution for Solving the Last-Mile Problem, Drastic Reduction in Urban Traffic Congestion, Urgent Environmental and Air Quality Goals, High Cost of Vehicle Ownership and Parking, Improving Public Health and Lifestyle. These factors shall drive policies in many cities to prioritize the possession or ready access to a, micromobility vehicle a mandatedor, strongly encouraged.