High Volume Transport

Vital transport research to ensure accessible, affordable and climate friendly transport for all.

Women on the Move: Empowering India’s Transition to Electric Two-Wheelers

A growing number of women in India are turning to electric two-wheelers (E2Ws) – scooters and e-motorcycles – as a practical, eco-friendly and cost-effective transport solution. Offering an efficient alternative for daily commutes, particularly in urban areas, E2Ws have the potential to transform mobility for women. However, according to The Urban Catalysts’ WE2 research, significant barriers are holding back wider adoption by women.

From limited access to finance and training to unsafe charging infrastructure, these obstacles must be addressed to create a gender-equitable shift to electric mobility. Despite their benefits, E2Ws remain out of reach for many women due to challenges such as:

The WE2 report emphasizes that addressing these barriers requires both systemic change and targeted interventions.

“Women are underrepresented as drivers and delivery workers in India, holding only 6.3% of all driving licenses issued as of March 2020.”

The report lays out actionable recommendations at both the national and state levels to make E2Ws more accessible and appealing to women:

National-Level Actions:

State and City-Level Strategies:

The E2W project culminated in a Call to Action, urging government and private sector stakeholders to create a more inclusive ecosystem for women. By addressing financial, infrastructural, and socio-cultural barriers, India can empower women to adopt electric two-wheelers—benefiting not just individual users, but also advancing the country’s environmental goals.