Electric Scooter Insurance in India (2026): What's Covered, What's Not & How to Save ₹3,000 on Your Premium

Published by VIDA

Read Time: 1 min 30 sec

Date: 22nd July 26

Many riders wonder: do electric scooters need insurance? Over 60% of two-wheeler riders in India ride without valid third-party insurance, despite it being legally required, which is a risky choice. Electric scooter insurance includes a proposed 15% IRDAI discount for EV owners, improving affordability.

This guide explains coverage, costs, exclusions, and ways to reduce premiums.

Is electric scooter insurance mandatory in India?

Yes. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all vehicles on public roads must have valid insurance. Only low-speed electric bikes with a power output under 250W and a top speed of 25 km/h are exempt. Most electric scooters, including VIDA EVooters with a 6 kW peak motor, exceed this limit.

What happens if insurance is skipped?

The first offence under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, includes a ₹2,000 fine and up to 3 months' imprisonment. Repeat offence attracts a ₹4,000 fine. It also increases financial and safety risks.

Types of electric scooter insurance in India

Two main policy types exist under electric scooter insurance in India. Understanding them helps avoid confusion at claim time.

Third-party insurance (mandatory minimum)

• Covers damage or injury caused to others, not the scooter

• IRDAI sets premiums based on motor capacity

• For 3 kW to 7 kW electric two-wheelers, the proposed annual rate is ₹607

• A five-year policy is usually collected upfront at purchase

Comprehensive insurance (recommended)

• Adds own-damage cover over third-party insurance

• Covers theft, accidents, fire, and natural disasters

• Annual premiums typically range from ₹1,200 to ₹4,000+, depending on IDV

• 18% GST applies to premiums

What's covered under electric scooter insurance?

A comprehensive policy typically includes:

• Third-party liability up to ₹7.5 lakhs for death, injury, or property damage

• Own-damage cover for accidents, theft, fire, and natural calamities

• Personal accident cover up to ₹15 lakhs for the owner-driver

What's NOT covered by electric scooter insurance

Standard IRDAI exclusions typically include:

• Illegal activity damage, including riding under the influence

• Wear and tear

• Mechanical or electrical breakdowns

• Damage outside India

Important: Battery damage is usually excluded from standard policies. A battery protection add-on is recommended as the battery is the most expensive component.

How much does electric scooter insurance cost in India?

Here's a quick breakdown of proposed third-party premium rates for electric two-wheelers:

Electric two-wheelers also qualify for a proposed 15% IRDAI discount. 

What is IDV and why does it matter?

IDV (Insured Declared Value) is the scooter's current value after depreciation. 

IRDAI's depreciation schedule for two-wheelers:

It determines the maximum claim payout in case of theft or total loss. IRDAI treats a vehicle as a total loss when repair costs exceed 75% of its IDV. 

7 proven ways to save ₹3,000+ on your electric scooter insurance premium

1. Build NCB: up to 50% discount after 5 claim-free years

2. Skip minor claims: pay small repairs to protect NCB

3. Port policy: switch insurers without losing NCB

4. Choose a voluntary deductible: lowers the premium by sharing claim costs

5. Use pay-as-you-drive plans: lower mileage means lower premium

6. Install anti-theft devices: may unlock extra discounts

7. Use EV benefit: proposed 15% IRDAI discount on electric two-wheelers

Essential add-on covers for electric scooters

Standard add-ons worth considering for EV owners include:

• Battery protection

• Motor cover

• Charger protection

• Roadside assistance

• Zero depreciation

• NCB protector

• Personal accident cover (top-up if needed)

• Consumables cover (nuts, bolts, fluids, etc.)

• Return to invoice cover (new vehicle value payout in total loss/theft cases)

How to buy electric scooter insurance online in 5 minutes

Visit an insurer or aggregator, enter registration number, select policy and add-ons, pay online, and download the insurance policy instantly. A DigiLocker copy is valid for traffic checks; no printout is needed.

Making a claim: what VIDA scooter owners need to know

Document the scene with photographs and file an FIR if required. Notify the insurer immediately via the app or helpline, and use cashless garages for quicker claims processing.

Warranty covers manufacturing defects, while insurance covers accidental damage. Renew your insurance on time to avoid losing NCB after 90 days.

Conclusion

Electric scooter insurance does not need to be expensive or confusing. Pick the right policy type, build your NCB, and choose add-ons that match your actual riding conditions. If you are exploring your next electric scooter, browse the full VIDA range to find a model that fits your commute, then get insured before your first ride.

FAQs

1. Is electric scooter insurance mandatory in India?

Yes. Under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all registered motor vehicles, including electric scooters, must carry at least third-party insurance. Only low-speed electric bicycles (below 250 W, top speed ≤25 km/h) are exempt. Riding without insurance can lead to a fine of up to ₹4,000 or imprisonment for up to 3 months.

2. How much does electric scooter insurance cost in India?

The cost depends on your scooter's IDV, the policy type (third-party vs comprehensive), selected add-ons, and your NCB. Electric two-wheelers receive a 15% IRDAI discount on TP premiums. Comprehensive premiums vary by insurer, but online purchases and higher voluntary deductibles help reduce overall costs.

3. Does insurance cover electric scooter battery damage?

Standard comprehensive policies cover battery damage from accidents, fire, or theft. They typically exclude gradual degradation, electrical faults, or water ingress. A Battery Protection add-on addresses these gaps. VIDA also offers an optional Extended Warranty plan that covers degradation below 70% SoH.

4. Can I buy electric scooter insurance online?

Yes. Most major insurers let you purchase and renew policies entirely online. The process takes approximately five minutes: enter your registration details, compare quotes, select your plan, and pay. Your policy document is delivered instantly via email or DigiLocker.

5. What is NCB, and how much can I save?

NCB (No Claim Bonus) is an IRDAI-mandated discount on your OD premium for each claim-free year: 20% after year one, rising to 50% after five years. NCB belongs to you (the policyholder), not the vehicle, and transfers across insurers. It resets to zero if you file a claim or let your policy lapse for more than 90 days.

6. Does my home insurance cover my electric scooter?

No. Home insurance policies cover household contents and the property structure. Motor vehicles require a separate motor insurance policy. Even if your scooter is parked inside your home and suffers damage (for example, from flooding), a motor insurance policy covers it.

7. What's the difference between third-party and comprehensive insurance?

Third-party insurance covers only damage or injury caused to others. Comprehensive insurance adds own-damage protection for your scooter, covering accidents, theft, fire, and natural disasters. For scooters valued at ₹77,590 to ₹1,20,300, comprehensive cover is the practical choice to protect your full investment.

8. What happens if I ride my VIDA scooter without insurance?

Under Section 196 of the Motor Vehicles Act, riding without insurance is punishable: first offence carries a fine of ₹2,000 or imprisonment up to three months (or both). Repeat offences attract a fine of ₹4,000 or imprisonment. You also bear full personal liability for any third-party damage.