How Electric Scooters Improve AQI in Indian Cities
Published by VIDA
Read Time: 3 min 30 sec
Date: 22nd Dec 25
Air Quality Index in India is no longer a technical term. It has become a visible, undeniable part of urban life. In cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, residents can see the change in the air when haze lingers for days, visibility drops, outdoor activities pause and even short commutes feel heavier on the lungs.
Previously, the Air Quality Index, which ranges from 0 to 500, was checked only occasionally. Today, it plays a meaningful role in how people plan their day, from scheduling outdoor activities to adjusting their commuting patterns.
Understanding AQI and the Pollutants Behind It
AQI level reflects the combined impact of several pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and ammonia. These pollutants come from a wide mix of everyday urban activities such as construction dust, industrial operations, household heating and seasonal emissions.
As Indian cities continue to grow, these multiple contributors naturally influence the overall air quality. Since there are already many unavoidable sources in our environment, people increasingly look for ways to reduce the overall load through mindful choices in different aspects of their lifestyle.
Why Winter Air Quality Worsens Every Year
Indian cities experience notably poor air in the winter months due to several overlapping factors.
Temperature inversions trap polluted air close to the surface. Cold, dense air stays near the ground while warmer air sits above it, acting like a lid that prevents upward movement and dispersion.
Several other factors further worsen the air quality index:
- Wind speeds reduce significantly, causing pollutants to remain suspended for longer periods.
- Energy usage for heating increases, adding further emissions from domestic and industrial activity.
- Seasonal agricultural burning contributes to particulate matter that can travel across long distances.
- Geography also matters. Cities located in flatter plains with limited airflow naturally retain pollutants more easily.
Together, these conditions create the recurring winter smog cycle that many Indian cities face every year.
Effects of Air Pollution on Everyday Mobility
High air quality index affects how people travel just as much as it affects daily routines.
- Visibility Drops and Commutes Slow Down
Smog reduces visibility, encouraging commuters to travel more cautiously. This can lead to slower movement, longer travel times and, in some cases, increased risk of accidents.
- Exposure to Pollutants Increases
Whether travelling on two wheels, using public transport or sitting inside a closed vehicle, commuters breathe in more particulate matter during high AQI levels. More time spent on the road naturally increases exposure.
- Commuting Becomes Challenging for Sensitive Groups
Children, older adults and individuals with respiratory concerns may find outdoor commutes increasingly uncomfortable on poor AQI days.
- Travel Decisions Change
People adjust how and when they travel. Some choose shorter routes, others shift their timings, and many explore cleaner mobility options that feel more comfortable during high pollution periods.
This is where electric mobility becomes especially meaningful.
Electric Mobility Offering a Cleaner Way Forward
Electric mobility offers riders a means of transportation that reduces the city's air pollution by eliminating another emission source.
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them naturally aligned with efforts to support cleaner air. In densely populated urban environments where two-wheelers are central to daily transportation, electric scooters offer a practical and impactful alternative.
With India’s rapidly growing zero-emissions scooter adoption, expanding charging networks and strong policy support, clean mobility has become more accessible than ever. Electric two-wheelers are no longer a future concept. They are a convenient, everyday choice for commuters who want to enjoy cleaner travel without changing their lifestyle.
Impact of AQI on Electric Vehicles
High AQI level often arrives with colder winter temperatures, which can naturally influence how EVs perform. Batteries may operate less efficiently, and certain functions may draw slightly more energy. Even so, the VIDA VX2 Go, VX2 Plus and VX2 Go 3.4kWh remain steady performers because of their advanced battery management system.
In colder conditions, riders may notice temporary changes such as less responsive electronics or slightly stiffer body panels and tyres, but these settle as temperatures rise. VIDA’s bright LED lights also maintain strong visibility in smog and haze, keeping commutes confident and clear.
Why EV is a smarter choice // VIDA’s Commitment to Smarter Urban Mobility
VIDA electric scooters are engineered to meet the real riding needs of Indian commuters while contributing positively to urban environments.
- Powerful and Efficient Performance
The VIDA VX2 Go 3.4kWh is equipped with a 6 kW motor that delivers instant 25 Nm torque for smooth acceleration, even in stop-and-go traffic.
- Regenerative Braking for Efficient Riding
VIDA’s regenerative braking system recovers energy during deceleration and sends it back to the battery. This makes the ride more efficient and extends range during daily commuting.
- Long Range for Complete City Coverage
With certified ranges reaching up to 142 km, VIDA Go 3.4kWh makes daily travel across the city effortless and emission-free.
- Convenient Removable Batteries
Riders can charge VIDA batteries anywhere — at home or on the go. This eliminates dependency on fuel stations and makes clean mobility easier than ever.
Together, these features make VIDA an ideal companion for riders seeking lower environmental impact along with comfort, convenience and confidence in every commute.
Mindful Mobility and Riding Smart in High AQI Conditions
Mindful mobility encourages riders to make informed, comfortable and cleaner choices without disrupting their routine.
It motivates commuters to:
• Choose electric two-wheelers for short city commutes
• Select routes with lower congestion
• Travel during hours with better air quality
• Combine errands to reduce unnecessary trips
• Use real-time AQI data to plan outdoor travel
With smooth performance, smart connectivity, removable batteries and efficient energy use, VIDA naturally complements these mindful mobility habits.
Change Begins with Every Ride // Steady Steps Toward a Cleaner Future
Many factors beyond individual control, including weather, geography and urban density, shape air pollution. However, mobility does not need to add to the load.
By choosing electric scooters, riders gain the ability to support cleaner surroundings through an option that fits naturally into their daily life.
With the VIDA range of electric scooters and its growing ecosystem, clean mobility becomes accessible, enjoyable and dependable. Every ride becomes a small but meaningful step toward cleaner air and healthier cities.
Clean air is a shared responsibility. Choosing electric mobility transforms each commute into a contribution to a brighter and better tomorrow.