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:
- High upfront costs and limited financing options: Women typically pay higher down payments (32% of the purchase price, compared to 26% for men), often due to low financial literacy or limited or no credit history.
- Driver training and licensing hurdles: Only 6.3% of driving licenses in India are held by women (as of March 2020). Few women receive formal driving lessons—just 2%, compared to 8% of men—with most relying on family members for training. Licensing processes are often complicated and costly, with many paying 2.5–2.7 times the prescribed fees due to reliance on agents.
- Insufficient charging infrastructure: Audits of Delhi and Chennai revealed that only 46% and 64% of charging points, respectively, were operational. Additionally, 65% of Delhi’s charging points were rated as “poor” or “very poor,” with many located in unsafe or poorly lit areas, discouraging women from using them.
- Limited knowledge and support: Women are less familiar with the mechanical workings of E2Ws and are less aware of financing options, discounts, and deals available to EV drivers.
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:
- Research and data collection: Conduct research on gendered differences in E2W usage and publish annual data on EV registrations by gender.
- Gender-Equitable Transition Roadmap: Develop strategies to ensure that the shift to electric mobility benefits women equally.
- Charging Infrastructure: Implement gender-sensitive guidelines for charging stations, prioritizing safety, lighting, and accessibility.
State and City-Level Strategies:
- Policy Revision: Update state EV policies to include gender-responsive strategies.
- Institutional Support: Provide training programs, financing assistance, and other resources tailored to women’s needs, especially for those using E2Ws commercially.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Ensure charging stations are safe, well-lit, and located in communal areas to increase women’s confidence in using E2Ws.
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.