Government Subsidies for Electric Scooters in India: How to Apply and Save Big
Electric scooters still cost more upfront than petrol scooters in India. But government incentives both from the Centre and individual states significantly reduce the effective price.
In 2025, even though the FAME-II scheme has scaled down, many state-level benefits are rising. Smart buyers who understand the system correctly can easily save ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 or more on their EV scooter purchase.
1. How Central Government Incentives Work for Electric Scooters
FAME-II Scheme Overview (2025 Status)
The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) scheme started in 2019 and continues with some modifications in 2025.
It provides financial support to EV manufacturers passed on as discounts to you when you buy.
Focus:
- High-speed two-wheelers (over 40 km/h).
- Good real-world range (at least 80-100 km).
Current FAME-II Subsidy Rates (2025)
- ₹5,000 per kWh of usable battery capacity.
- Capped at 15% of ex-showroom price (lowered in the latest update).
This means scooters with bigger batteries (like 3-4 kWh) get higher subsidies.
Eligibility Conditions for FAME-II
- Scooter must be FAME-approved listed on the government portal.
- Must meet minimum speed, range, and efficiency standards.
- Manufacturer must be registered under the scheme.
Scooters like Ola S1 Pro Gen 2, Vida V1 Pro, Ather 450X Gen 3 are generally FAME-certified.
2. How State Government Incentives Work for EV Scooters (2025)
Several states offer extra benefits beyond FAME-II:
| State | Extra State Subsidy (2025) | Road Tax Waiver | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Up to ₹10,000 | 100% exemption | Additional city-level bonuses in Mumbai, Pune |
| Gujarat | Up to ₹20,000 | Full exemption | No registration charges |
| Delhi | Up to ₹5,500 | Full exemption | Scrappage bonus if replacing old petrol vehicle |
| Karnataka | Subsidy based on battery size | Full exemption | Simple online registration process |
| Tamil Nadu | Phase-wise subsidy rollout | Full exemption | Possible delays in subsidy payout |
| Telangana | Fresh EV policy 2025 | Full exemption | Delivery fleet incentives |
| Uttar Pradesh | No direct cash subsidy | Road tax waived | Free registration for EVs |
These benefits stack on top of central subsidies, offering bigger overall savings.
3. How to Check If Your Electric Scooter Is Eligible for Subsidies
- Visit the official FAME-II portal: https://heavyindustries.gov.in/fame-ii
- Check if your scooter model appears in the approved models list.
- Confirm with your dealer if the state subsidy also applies at your location.
Important: Don’t rely only on dealer claims always cross-verify the model’s eligibility yourself.
4. How the Subsidy Is Applied During Electric Scooter Purchase (No Direct Claim)
- The dealer applies the central subsidy discount directly at the time of sale.
- Your ex-showroom price should reflect the reduced amount.
- The dealer handles paperwork with the government for reimbursement later.
When you check your invoice:
- Verify that the subsidy amount matches the latest government rate.
- Request a breakdown if discounts seem unclear (some dealers mix their own offers).
5. How to Apply for State Subsidies Separately (If Required)
In some states (like Delhi and Gujarat), even after dealer discount:
- You must submit documents online to claim extra cash-back into your bank account.
Documents typically required:
- Invoice copy
- Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)
- Bank account details
- Aadhaar or valid ID proof
- Valid insurance copy
Submission happens on respective state EV portals (like Delhi EV Portal, Gujarat GEDA Portal). Subsidy disbursement typically takes 4-12 weeks after successful application.
6. Mistakes That Cause EV Scooter Subsidy Rejection or Delay
- Buying scooters that are not FAME-II certified but expecting a discount.
- Missing critical paperwork like invoice, registration, insurance copy.
- Submitting wrong or incomplete documents online.
- Assuming state subsidy will be automatic some states still need rider follow-up.
7. Maximize Electric Scooter Savings
- Always confirm FAME-II approval and state eligibility before booking.
- Check invoice carefully at delivery to ensure correct subsidy is applied.
- Submit any required documents yourself quickly if your state needs it.
- Track your application status online for faster subsidy payouts.
Using government incentives wisely can save you the cost of first-year insurance, charger installation, or extra accessories with minimal effort. Buying an EV scooter in India today is all about understanding your subsidy rights.
