Electric scooters are becoming more common on Indian roads, and many people are switching from petrol to electric for better savings and lower maintenance. But not everyone wants to spend ₹1 lakh or more on a quality electric scooter.
Yes, there are e-scooters available in the ₹40,000–₹50,000 range, but when it comes to performance, battery life, and long-term reliability, many of the better-known EV models still fall closer to the ₹1 lakh mark.
Interestingly, there’s now an alternative that some people are exploring — retrofitting. Instead of buying a new electric scooty, you can now convert your existing petrol-powered scooter into an electric one.
What Is Retrofitting, and Who’s Doing It?
Retrofitting means removing the petrol engine from your scooty and replacing it with an electric motor and battery. This process is completely legal in India — as long as it’s done using parts certified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) and follows proper RTO procedures.
One of the startups offering this service is Starya Mobility, based in Bengaluru. They currently provide scooter retrofitting services for select models and handle the entire process — including RTO approval and documentation — to ensure everything is road-legal.
Which Scooters Can Be Converted?
As of now, Starya Mobility supports the following models for conversion:
- Honda Activa
- Suzuki Access
They’re also in the process of getting government approvals for:
- TVS Jupiter
- Honda Dio
Other models may be added later, depending on demand and regulatory clearances.
Pricing
There are two main pricing options, depending on whether you want to own the battery or rent it.
Option 1: Buy the Full Kit (Battery + Motor)
In this option, you pay once and own the complete setup — both the motor and the battery.
- Basic Kit – ₹59,000: Offers lower top speed and limited range. Suitable for short daily rides.
- High-Performance Kit – ₹89,000: Delivers higher top speed, quicker acceleration, and longer battery range.
Key points:
- No monthly payments.
- Battery replacement, after its lifespan, is your responsibility.
Option 2: Buy the Kit, Rent the Battery
Here, you purchase only the motor and installation, and rent the battery separately.
- Upfront cost: ₹35,000–₹40,000 for the conversion kit (motor + controller + installation).
- Battery rental: ₹800 to ₹1,500 per month, depending on usage.
- Total initial cost: Around ₹65,000 including first month’s battery.
Key points:
- Lower initial cost compared to buying the full kit.
- Battery maintenance and future replacement are handled by the provider.
- Monthly rental charges continue as long as you use the battery.
Why Would Someone Convert Instead of Buying New?
It’s true — some electric scooters now start at ₹50,000–₹60,000. So why would someone spend a similar amount to convert their old petrol scooty?
Here are some real reasons people are choosing retrofitting:
- They already trust their current scooty
They’ve been riding it for years, it’s comfortable, and still in good shape. - Avoiding the hassle of resale
Selling an old petrol scooty today doesn’t fetch much, and buyers are becoming rare. - Retrofitting is better for the environment
Instead of sending a usable scooty to scrap, retrofitting keeps it running — just cleaner. - Performance is competitive
The ₹89,000 conversion kit offers performance similar to or better than some factory-made EVs, including a top speed of 80 km/h and 0–40 km/h pickup in under 4 seconds. - Long-term cost savings
Once converted, the running cost drops to a fraction of petrol — especially if you own the battery.
That said, if someone is looking for a completely new design, new features, or just wants a fresh start, buying a new e-scooter might still make more sense. It really depends on the individual’s needs.
What Happens After Conversion?
Starya Mobility offers ongoing support after conversion, including:
- Routine health checkups
- 2-year/24,000 km warranty on the motor
- 30-month/30,000 km warranty on the battery
- A mobile app to track battery and vehicle status
- RTO paperwork assistance
So it’s not just a one-time job — there’s structured support after conversion too.
Availability
Right now, Starya Mobility operates only in Bengaluru. All conversions are handled at their facility there. However, they’ve mentioned plans to expand to other cities in the near future, based on demand.
Final Thoughts by DailyWheels
Retrofitting a petrol scooty into an electric one may not be a mainstream option yet, but it’s definitely a working one. It gives a new life to older vehicles, cuts running costs, and helps reduce pollution — all without having to buy something brand new.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who already own a good-condition scooty and don’t want to scrap it, conversion could be a practical middle path.
At DailyWheels, we believe it’s important to explore all evolving options in the world of personal mobility — and this is one of them.
