Electric scooters and bikes need insurance just like petrol vehicles, but there are important differences. This guide explains how EV two-wheeler insurance works in India — third-party premiums by motor wattage, how the battery is treated in your IDV, what battery cover does and does not include, and why no PUC is required.
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IRDAI treats electric two-wheelers as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, so third-party (TP) insurance is mandatory for every EV registered in India — riding without it attracts the same ₹2,000 first-offence fine as a petrol bike. IRDAI created EV-specific TP bands based on motor output in kilowatts rather than engine cc.
These 2024-25 rates mirror the petrol bands by capacity. See the full two-wheeler TP premium list for comparison.
For integrated-battery models like the Ola S1, Ather 450X, TVS iQube and Bajaj Chetak, the battery is included in the IDV and the standard depreciation schedule applies to the full price. Under a comprehensive policy, battery damage from accidents, fire, flood or theft is covered like any other part (subject to depreciation unless you hold zero depreciation). What is not covered is gradual battery capacity degradation from ageing — that is treated as wear and tear and remains a manufacturer-warranty matter.
Zero depreciation is strongly recommended in the first three to five years, since it pays the full replacement cost of the battery and electrical parts — the most expensive components on an EV. Roadside assistance is also valuable given charging-infrastructure gaps. For the wider picture, read the two-wheeler insurance guide and know the bike insurance claim process before you need it.
The third-party component is similar, as EV rates are set by IRDAI at levels comparable to petrol bikes by wattage band. The own-damage component is typically higher because the IDV is higher due to battery cost, though growing competition among insurers is making EV premiums more competitive.
Damage to the vehicle itself from a charging-related incident, such as an electrical surge harming the scooter's charging circuit or battery, is typically covered under the own-damage component of a comprehensive policy. Damage to the charging equipment or your home wiring is not covered under the bike policy.
No. Electric vehicles produce no exhaust emissions and are exempt from the PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate requirement under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Traffic police cannot fine you for not having a PUC for an electric two-wheeler.
For integrated-battery EVs, the battery is included in the IDV and covered under a comprehensive policy against accidental damage, fire, flood and theft. Battery capacity degradation from ageing is not covered — that is a manufacturer warranty matter, not an insurance one.
Yes. Like any vehicle insurance, it is transferable to the new owner. The seller must endorse the policy in the buyer's name within 14 days of the transfer by submitting the RC transfer documents and a request letter to the insurer. The third-party component transfers automatically with the vehicle.