Electric Two-and-Three-Wheeler Advantages and Disadvantages

The Global South, comprising countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, faces unique challenges and opportunities in urban transportation. With rapid urbanization, congestion, and environmental concerns on the rise, the adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers has gained momentum as a sustainable mobility solution. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of using two-and-three-wheelers in the Global South, along with examples from the Global North.

One of the most compelling advantages of electric two-and-three-wheelers lies in their environmental impact. These vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly contributing to the reduction of air pollution, a pressing issue in many rapidly growing cities in the Global South. Improved air quality not only enhances public health but also mitigates the adverse effects of climate change. For instance, in cities like Delhi and Bangkok, the adoption of electric rickshaws and scooters has led to noticeable reductions in particulate matter levels and other pollutants. This offers a tangible solution to the region’s air quality crisis.

In addition to environmental benefits, electric two-and-three-wheelers offer cost efficiency compared to conventional vehicles. With lower operational costs due to cheaper electricity and reduced maintenance needs, these vehicles present a compelling economic case. This is especially true in countries with high fuel prices such as Brazil, Nigeria, and India. The cost savings can translate into significant financial relief for consumers, making electric two-and-three-wheelers an attractive option for a broad segment of the population.

Furthermore, the adoption and production of electric two-and-three-wheelers can stimulate local manufacturing and innovation, creating jobs and supporting economic growth. In countries like India, the electric two-wheeler industry has seen rapid growth, with several startups emerging and attracting investments. This development not only drives technological advancements but also positions the Global South as a key player in the global electric vehicle market, highlighting its potential for significant contributions to economic vitality and innovation.

However, the widespread adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers in the Global South faces significant challenges, one of the most notable being the inadequate charging infrastructure. Many cities lack sufficient public charging stations, which limits the range and usability of electric vehicles, leading to ‘range anxiety’ among potential users. This term refers to the fear that a vehicle has insufficient range to reach its destination, deterring people from using electric vehicles. To effectively support the growing fleet of electric two-and-three-wheelers, substantial investments in the development of charging infrastructure are essential.

Moreover, battery technology for electric two-and-three-wheelers is still evolving, which raises concerns about battery lifespan, performance in extreme weather conditions, and recycling. In tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, high temperatures can significantly degrade battery performance and lifespan. This poses durability and reliability challenges for electric vehicles operating in these environments, affecting their practicality. Additionally, the issue of battery disposal and recycling remains a concern, as it is crucial to manage end-of-life batteries in an environmentally friendly manner.

Safety concerns also play a significant role in the adoption of electric two-and-three-wheelers. The rapid proliferation of these vehicles, often outpacing the development of proper regulations and safety standards, has led to an increase in road accidents and fatalities in cities such as Dhaka, Lagos, and Jakarta. To address these safety concerns, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes developing regulatory frameworks tailored to the unique characteristics and requirements of electric two-and-three-wheelers, launching public awareness campaigns to educate users about safe practices, and investing in road infrastructure improvements. Such measures are crucial to ensuring the safe integration of these vehicles into urban traffic systems.

Electric two-wheeler usage patterns: Insights from the Boston Consulting Group survey

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) conducted a survey to understand the usage patterns of electric vehicles. They found that less than 30% of the respondents use electric bicycles a few times a week but not daily. Additionally, another 20% reported using them only occasionally, about once a month. Interestingly, the survey revealed that younger individuals, specifically those between 16 and 29 years old, and middle-aged people, from 30 to 49 years old, are the most frequent users of two-wheeled electric transportation. More specifically, it is young men who predominantly use electric motorcycles and scooters.

Click to expand Frequency of electric vehicles used by country. PEM Motion (2024)

We have already discussed the regions and the most used types of two-wheelers. However, understanding why society prefers these vehicles is even more crucial. The main reasons include the vehicles’ flexibility, their reliability, and the impact of weather conditions. The table below presents the results obtained, along with other reasons for their preference:

![An histogram with different reasons people use electric two-wheelers, including time saving, safety, reliability, and more.]Click to expand Reasons people use electric two-wheelers. PEM Motion (2024)

Navigating barriers: A survey of electric bike barriers in Sacramento

On the other hand, the Institute of Transportation Studies conducted a survey among a small group of men and women who use electric bicycles in Sacramento, California, US. This group identified three main barriers that sometimes make using electric bicycles complex for society: the cost of electric bikes, their weight, and the city’s road infrastructure for transportation.

Cost

If less expensive assembled models are found on the internet, the difference in cost can usually be attributed to shorter battery life or less advanced battery chemistry, resulting in heavier batteries per unit of charge.

Heavyweight

The weight of electric bicycles was identified as a negative factor by all participant groups, especially among women and older respondents who had trouble maneuvering the bicycle when the motor was off. Once the battery depletes, the electric bicycle becomes significantly harder to use as a regular bicycle.

Infrastructure

Participants reported feeling unsafe when sharing the road with cars, often altering their routes to work to minimize interaction with automobiles. Additionally, nearly all respondents indicated a desire for more charging stations for electric bicycles as a crucial infrastructure improvement.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) also surveyed users of light vehicles, such as electric bicycles, and identified the following drawbacks as reasons for their less frequent use of this mode of transportation.

![An histogram with differente reasons people don’t use electric two-wheelers, including insufficient availability of carging stations, price, weather conditions, etc.]Click to expand Reasons people don’t use electric two-wheelers. PEM Motion (2024)

Conclusion

In conclusion, while electric two-and-three-wheelers provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits for the Global South, they also face challenges related to infrastructure limitations, battery technology, and safety concerns. To ensure a sustainable and inclusive transition to electric mobility in the Global South, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and urban planners must collaborate to address these challenges.