Electric Scooter Subsidy in India in 2026: Schemes & Benefits

Long story short: Understand electric scooter and motorcycle subsidies in India for 2026, including current PM E-DRIVE rules, eligibility, state-level benefits, subsidy calculations and the claim process. EMPS 2024 is covered only as a historical scheme.

This guide explains the main PM E-DRIVE incentive for electric scooters and motorcycles, and how to find out if you can get extra state-level benefits. Before you estimate your savings, make sure you’re eligible, check what support is available, and understand how to claim it.

PM E-DRIVE is the main central scheme now supporting electric scooters and motorcycles. EMPS 2024 was a short-term program from 1 April to 30 September 2024, and its benefits are now part of PM E-DRIVE. You might also get state-level benefits, depending on your state’s current policy.

Key Takeaways

1. Central Incentive: Under the current PM E-DRIVE rules, an electric two-wheeler must have an ex-factory price of no more than ₹1.5 lakh and meet the other scheme requirements to qualify. The incentive is the lowest of ₹2,500 per kWh of eligible battery capacity, ₹5,000 per vehicle, or 15% of its ex-factory price. The electric two-wheeler incentive period runs until 31 March 2028, subject to the applicable scheme conditions. Earlier rates and EMPS 2024 are explained in the historical sections below.
2. State-Level Benefits: Check your state’s current official policy separately for purchase incentives, road-tax relief and any scrapping benefits. Do not include a benefit in your expected savings until you have verified its availability, eligibility conditions, purchase window and claim process.
3. Subsidy Eligibility: The electric two-wheeler must be new, and its specific model or variant must be approved under PM E-DRIVE. The vehicle must be manufactured and registered within the validity period of its applicable scheme eligibility certificate. Individual buyers must complete Aadhaar authentication linked to their mobile number. Only one EV of a specific category per individual qualifies for the incentive.
4. Process: The authorised dealer facilitates the central incentive for an eligible purchase. Complete the required Aadhaar authentication and e-voucher formalities, and check that the incentive is reflected in your purchase invoice. Check any separate state-level application requirements under your state’s current policy.
5. Purpose and Duration: PM E-DRIVE supports cleaner transport and domestic EV manufacturing. The incentive period for eligible electric two-wheelers has been extended to 31 March 2028 through an amendment dated 10 August 2026. Purchases must still satisfy the applicable scheme conditions.

Why Is There A Subsidy For Electric Scooters And Motorcycles In India ?

The primary objective of subsidies for electric scooters and motorcycles in India is to accelerate the adoption of cleaner, more environmentally friendly transportation. Here are the main reasons for these subsidies:

1. Climate Change Mitigation And Air Quality Improvement

1. Reducing transport-related air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions is one reason for supporting the adoption of electric scooters and motorcycles.
2. Subsidies lower the upfront purchase cost of eligible electric vehicles (EVs), helping make the switch from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles more affordable.

2. Energy Security And Fossil Fuel Reduction

1. India depends a lot on imported oil for transport fuel.
2. Promoting electric two-wheelers reduces oil imports, which strengthens India’s energy security and supports the economy.
3. Electric vehicles also help use renewable energy in transport.

3. Building Domestic Manufacturing And Innovation

1. These subsidies are designed to encourage local manufacturing of electric vehicles, including making batteries, motors, and assembling the vehicles.
2. By linking subsidies to the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP), the government encourages technology growth, creates jobs, and supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

4. Affordability And Market Development

1. When comparing an electric two-wheeler with a petrol model, check the actual purchase prices rather than assuming which one costs more upfront. Include only confirmed incentives in your comparison.
2. Subsidies help close the price gap, making electric vehicles more affordable for more people and supporting market growth.
3. Early buyers supported by subsidies help boost production, lower costs as more are made, and push new ideas.

5. Supporting Electric Mobility Policy

1. Electric two-wheeler incentives form part of India’s broader efforts to promote electric mobility.
2. FAME I, FAME II and EMPS 2024 are historical programmes. For current electric two-wheeler incentive information, refer to the PM E-DRIVE sections of this guide.

Subsidies for electric scooters and motorcycles in India help more people choose clean transportation, support local industry, and make green vehicles more affordable.

What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Get A Subsidy On An Electric Scooter And Bike In India?

To get a subsidy on an electric scooter or bike in India, you must meet these requirements:

1. Buy your scooter or bike from a seller or maker approved by the Ministry of Heavy Industries under the current subsidy plan.
2. The electric two-wheeler must have an ex-factory price of ₹1.5 lakh or less to qualify for the PM E-DRIVE incentive. This limit applies to the ex-factory price, not the advertised ex-showroom or on-road price. Ask the authorised dealer to confirm the exact model’s eligible ex-factory price and approval status before purchasing.
3. The exact model or variant must use an eligible advanced battery, meet the applicable PM E-DRIVE technical and performance requirements, and have valid scheme approval. Confirm eligibility through its official approval entry rather than relying only on advertised range or top speed.
4. The vehicle must meet the applicable registration requirements for the central PM E-DRIVE incentive. If you also seek a state-level benefit, check that state’s registration and eligibility conditions separately.
5. Individual buyers must complete the required Aadhaar authentication linked to their mobile number. Check any additional buyer requirements separately under the applicable scheme guidelines and state policy.
6. Only one EV of a specific category per individual qualifies for the incentive. Do not treat electric scooters and electric motorcycles as separate subsidy categories; both are electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws).
7. Each mobile number can be used only once for incentive purposes under PM E-DRIVE.
8. Government departments and agencies cannot receive subsidies for these vehicles.
9. The vehicle must be new and must be manufactured and registered within the validity period of its applicable scheme eligibility certificate, as well as satisfy the scheme’s applicable deadlines.
10. Used or resold electric two-wheelers are not eligible for the incentive. Only the original purchase of a qualifying new vehicle is eligible. This does not mean every buyer must be a first-time EV owner; individuals must also meet the separate rule limiting incentives to one EV in a specific category per person.

How To Get A Subsidy On An Electric Scooter Or Motorcycle In India?

Follow these steps to check eligibility and complete the central incentive process for an electric scooter or motorcycle.

1. Choose An Eligible Electric Two-wheeler Model

1. Choose the exact electric scooter or motorcycle model and variant you intend to purchase, and check its approval entry on the official PM E-DRIVE model list.
2. Confirm that the exact model or variant uses an eligible advanced battery, meets the applicable technical and performance requirements, and has valid PM E-DRIVE approval for the relevant manufacturing and registration dates.

2. Purchase From An Authorised Dealer Or Oem

1. Purchase your electric scooter or motorcycle through an authorised dealer participating in the PM E-DRIVE incentive process.
2. You can only get the subsidy if you buy through authorised channels. This helps prevent misuse.

3. Be An Eligible Buyer

1. Confirm that you meet the applicable PM E-DRIVE buyer requirements and can complete the required Aadhaar-based identity authentication. If you are also seeking a state-level benefit, check that state’s buyer eligibility conditions separately.
2. Make sure you haven’t already claimed a subsidy for another electric two-wheeler in this category.
3. Vehicles purchased by government departments or agencies are not eligible for the incentive. This exclusion does not automatically apply to government employees buying an electric two-wheeler in their personal capacity; they must meet the applicable buyer and vehicle eligibility requirements.

4. Complete Rto Registration

1. Complete the applicable vehicle-registration formalities for your new electric scooter or motorcycle. Check any additional registration conditions for a state-level benefit separately.
2. If your state gives extra subsidies, sign up on the official EV portal as your state directs.

5. Subsidy Applied At Point Of Purchase

1. For an eligible purchase, check that the applicable central incentive is clearly reflected as a reduction in your purchase invoice.
2. The dealer facilitates the central incentive process, but you must complete the required identity verification. At the time of purchase, the PM E-DRIVE portal generates an Aadhaar face-authenticated e-voucher and sends a download link to your registered mobile number. Any state-level incentive may require a separate application under that state’s rules.

6. Documentation

1. Complete the required Aadhaar-based authentication for the central PM E-DRIVE incentive. Ask the authorised dealer which additional identity and address documents you need for your purchase and whether any separate state-level application is required.
2. Check that your purchase invoice and registration documents are correct and complete.

7. Verification And Confirmation

1. Sign the generated e-voucher and submit it to the dealer. The dealer must also sign and upload it to the PM E-DRIVE portal. The manufacturer uses the completed voucher to claim reimbursement of the central incentive; the buyer does not submit the manufacturer’s reimbursement claim.

Following these steps does not by itself confirm eligibility for the central incentive. Before purchasing, ask the authorised dealer to confirm that your specific vehicle and buyer details satisfy the applicable PM E-DRIVE requirements. Check any state-level benefit separately under the state’s current policy.

What Is Emps 2024 And Pm E-drive For Electric Scooters And Motorcycles In India?

EMPS 2024 was a temporary central incentive programme for eligible electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. It ended on 30 September 2024 and was subsumed into PM E-DRIVE, which began on 1 October 2024. PM E-DRIVE covers eligible registered electric scooters and motorcycles, alongside other specified electric vehicle categories and charging infrastructure.

Emps 2024

1. EMPS 2024 initially ran from 1 April to 31 July 2024 with an outlay of ₹500 crore. It was extended by two months, until 30 September 2024, and its outlay was increased to ₹778 crore. The total implementation period was six months.
2. EMPS 2024 supported eligible electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, subject to its vehicle-category and ownership requirements.
3. EMPS 2024 required eligible vehicles to use advanced batteries and satisfy the scheme’s applicable technical requirements.
4. The subsidy was set at ₹5,000 per kWh, with a maximum of ₹10,000 per vehicle or 15% of the ex-factory price, whichever is lower.
5. The scheme required vehicles to meet the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) rules. This helped boost local manufacturing and supply chains, supporting the growth of India’s EV industry.

Pm E-drive Scheme

1. PM E-DRIVE began on 1 October 2024. Its original implementation period ran until 31 March 2026, but an amendment dated 10 August 2026 extended the incentive period for eligible electric two-wheelers to 31 March 2028.
2. The current PM E-DRIVE allocation table lists a total scheme outlay of ₹11,900 crore across vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, testing-agency upgrades and administration. Within this total, ₹2,767 crore is allocated to support up to 45,79,120 electric two-wheelers.
3. Historical Rates: The electric two-wheeler incentive was ₹5,000 per kWh during FY 2024-25 and ₹2,500 per kWh during FY 2025-26, subject to the applicable per-vehicle and ex-factory price caps. For a current purchase, refer to the “How is the electric two-wheeler subsidy calculated?” section rather than treating these earlier financial-year periods as the current scheme timeline.
4. For electric two-wheelers, use the current incentive rate and caps explained in the subsidy calculation section below. Do not use the historical EMPS 2024 limits to estimate the benefit for a current purchase.
5. It operates nationwide, targeting reduced fossil fuel use and carbon emissions.

EMPS 2024 is included here as historical background. For a current purchase, use the PM E-DRIVE eligibility requirements and incentive calculation explained in this guide, rather than the earlier EMPS rates.

What Is The Timeline Of Emps 2024 And Pm E-drive Electric Scooter & Bike Subsidy Scheme In India?

This timeline summarises the key milestones of EMPS 2024 and PM E-DRIVE for electric scooters and motorcycles, including the August 2026 amendment extending the electric two-wheeler incentive period to 31 March 2028.

Emps 2024 Scheme Timeline

Launch: April 1, 2024

After FAME II ended, EMPS 2024 was introduced as a temporary subsidy program to continue supporting electric two-wheelers.

Initial Duration: April 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024 (4 Months)

EMPS 2024 began with an outlay of ₹500 crore. It was later extended through 30 September 2024, with the outlay increased to ₹778 crore.

Extension: August 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 (extended By 2 Months)

EMPS 2024 was extended by two months, and its total outlay increased to ₹778 crore. The revised target was 5,60,789 electric vehicles: 5,00,080 electric two-wheelers and 60,709 electric three-wheelers. Support remained subject to the scheme’s funding and category-wise vehicle limits.

Subsidy Rates

₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity
Maximum subsidy: ₹10,000 per vehicle or 15% of ex-factory price.

The EMPS scheme ended on September 30, 2024. On the very next day, October 1, 2024, the PM E-DRIVE scheme began, providing a direct continuation of the subsidy program under a new structure.

Pm E-drive Scheme Timeline

Launch: October 1, 2024

PM E-DRIVE took over from EMPS as the new scheme. It offers broader subsidies and more infrastructure support than the previous program.

Fy 2024-25 Period: October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025

Subsidy rate for electric two-wheelers: ₹5,000 per kWh, up to ₹10,000 per vehicle or 15% of the ex-factory price.

Fy 2025-26 Period: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

The subsidy rate dropped to ₹2,500 per kWh, capped at ₹5,000 or 15% of the ex-factory price.

Budget And Targets

The current official allocation table lists a total PM E-DRIVE outlay of ₹11,900 crore across vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, testing-agency upgrades and administration. Within this total, ₹2,767 crore is allocated to support up to 45,79,120 electric two-wheelers. These are programme allocations and support limits, not the number of vehicles already subsidised.

Electric Two-wheeler Extension: 10 August 2026

An amendment dated 10 August 2026 extended the PM E-DRIVE incentive period for eligible electric two-wheelers to 31 March 2028. The earlier deadline of 31 March 2026 is therefore no longer the current terminal date for electric scooters and motorcycles covered by the scheme. Other vehicle categories have separate provisions and deadlines.

What Is The Subsidy Structure Of Emps 2024 And Pm E-drive For Electric Scooters And Motorcycles In India?

The table below summarises historical subsidy phases under EMPS 2024 and PM E-DRIVE. Its financial-year dates, budgets and targets describe those earlier phases and should not be read as the current scheme duration or allocation. Refer to the current subsidy calculation and scheme updates above before estimating your purchase benefit.

How Is The Electric Two-wheeler Subsidy Calculated?

For an eligible electric two-wheeler, the central PM E-DRIVE incentive is the lowest of these three amounts:

1. ₹2,500 multiplied by the eligible battery capacity in kWh.
2. ₹5,000 per vehicle.
3. 15% of the vehicle’s ex-factory price.

Example: A Scooter With A 3 Kwh Battery

Assume an approved electric scooter has an eligible battery capacity of 3 kWh and an ex-factory price of ₹1,00,000.

The lowest amount is ₹5,000, so the estimated central subsidy is ₹5,000—not ₹7,500. A larger battery does not increase the central incentive beyond the applicable cap.

This is an illustrative calculation, not confirmation of eligibility. The exact model, purchase and registration dates, buyer eligibility and other scheme conditions must qualify. Any verified state-level benefit should be calculated separately.

Which Electric Two-wheeler Models Are Approved Under Pm E-drive In India?

You can find the official list of approved two-wheeler models for the PM E-DRIVE scheme in India at https://pmedrive.heavyindustries.gov.in/models. Here’s how to make the most of this portal:

1. Access the Page: First, go to the website. When you open the link in your browser, you’ll see the complete list of electric vehicle models approved under the PM E-DRIVE subsidy scheme. From here, you can explore more details on the portal.
2. Review the Approval Table: The page lists manufacturers, model names, variants, vehicle segments and approval validity dates. Use these details to identify the exact model or variant you intend to purchase.
3. Filter the Model List: Select the manufacturer from the “Select OEM” menu, choose “e-2W” from the “Select Segment” menu, and click “Search”. Check the “Active” and “Expired” listings, then locate the exact model and variant you intend to purchase.
4. Model Details: Click “View” in the “Details” column for the exact model or variant you want to inspect. Check its technical specifications and approval validity dates.
5. Verify the Exact Model and Variant: Match the manufacturer, model name and variant of your intended purchase with the official PM E-DRIVE listing. Check its status and the “Valid From” and “Valid Up To” dates. Do not assume that every scooter or variant from an approved manufacturer qualifies. Ask the authorised dealer to confirm that the approval covers your specific vehicle and the applicable transaction dates; model approval alone does not establish buyer or purchase eligibility.
6. Save a Reference: Bookmark the official model approval page. If you save a screenshot or printout of your chosen model’s entry, record the date you checked it. Recheck the live listing before purchasing rather than relying solely on a saved copy.

Notes

1. Buyers can verify if the electric two-wheeler they want to purchase is eligible for a government subsidy.
2. Dealers and Manufacturers can check the approval status of models they sell or manufacture.

Faq About Electric Scooter & Bike Subsidy In India

1. What Is The Current Central Subsidy Scheme For Electric Scooters And Motorcycles In India?

PM E-DRIVE is the current central incentive scheme for eligible electric scooters and motorcycles. The electric two-wheeler incentive period has been extended to 31 March 2028. EMPS 2024 ended on 30 September 2024 and was subsumed into PM E-DRIVE; it is not a separate option for new purchases.

2. How Much Central Subsidy Can I Get On An Electric Scooter In India?

Under the current PM E-DRIVE rules, eligible electric two-wheelers receive ₹2,500 per kWh of battery capacity, capped at ₹5,000 per vehicle or 15% of the ex-factory price, whichever is lower. Any state-level purchase incentive is separate and depends on the applicable state policy, eligibility conditions and availability.

3. Who Is Eligible For The Central Electric Two-wheeler Incentive?

Eligible registered electric two-wheelers may qualify whether privately owned, corporate-owned or used commercially. Individual buyers must complete the required Aadhaar authentication, and only one EV per category per individual qualifies for the incentive. The vehicle must satisfy the applicable model approval, manufacturing, registration and scheme conditions. Vehicles purchased by central or state government departments or government agencies are excluded.

4. How Do I Claim The Electric Scooter Subsidy In India?

The authorised dealer facilitates the central PM E-DRIVE incentive for an eligible purchase. You must complete the required Aadhaar-based identity verification, and the scheme portal generates a face-authenticated e-voucher at the time of purchase. Complete the voucher formalities with the dealer and check that the central incentive is clearly reflected in your purchase invoice. State-level incentives may require a separate application, depending on the applicable state policy.

5. Can I Get Both Central And State Benefits On An Electric Scooter?

You may qualify for both the central PM E-DRIVE incentive and a separate state-level benefit, but this is not automatic. Check whether your state’s current policy allows you to combine them and whether your vehicle, buyer category, purchase date, and registration meet the conditions. Confirm purchase incentives and road-tax benefits separately, and do not count an expired or proposed benefit in your expected savings.

6. Do I Qualify For A Subsidy If I Purchase A Used Or Second-hand Electric Scooter?

No. The central PM E-DRIVE incentive applies to qualifying new vehicles, not purchases of used or second-hand electric scooters or motorcycles.

7. Are All Electric Scooter Models Eligible For Subsidies?

No. The exact model or variant must be approved under PM E-DRIVE, use an eligible advanced battery and meet the applicable technical requirements. The buyer and the individual vehicle must also satisfy the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

8. What Documents Are Needed To Avail The Subsidy?

Individual buyers must complete the required Aadhaar-based authentication for the central PM E-DRIVE incentive. Check that your purchase invoice and vehicle registration details are correct, and complete the required e-voucher formalities with the authorised dealer. Ask the dealer about any additional documents, and check the requirements for a separate state-level application independently.

9. Is The Subsidy Amount Fixed Or Does It Vary?

Subsidy amounts vary with battery size (in kWh) and ex-factory price caps. They can differ depending on state incentives and policy revisions.

10. Are Electric Scooter And Motorcycle Subsidies Available After March 2026?

Yes. The PM E-DRIVE incentive period for eligible electric two-wheelers has been extended to 31 March 2028 through an amendment dated 10 August 2026. Buyers and vehicles must still meet the applicable scheme conditions. This extension should not be assumed to apply to every other vehicle category.

11. What Do People Mean By The “pm Modi Electric Scooter Scheme”?

“PM Modi electric scooter scheme” is an informal description, not the official name of PM E-DRIVE. For the central electric two-wheeler incentive discussed in this guide, the official scheme name is PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE). It supports purchases of eligible electric scooters and motorcycles subject to the applicable vehicle, buyer and scheme conditions; it is not a promise of a free scooter.

12. Can A Buyer Apply For The Pm E-drive Incentive Online Independently?

No, not as an independent buyer-submitted reimbursement claim. The buyer, authorised dealer and manufacturer have different roles in the central incentive process.

The buyer receives the central incentive as a reduction in the purchase price, rather than through an independent application for reimbursement into their bank account. State-level benefits may have a separate application process.

13. Does An Electric Scooter Subsidy Mean I Get The Scooter Free?

No. The PM E-DRIVE electric two-wheeler incentive reduces the purchase price of an eligible scooter or motorcycle; it does not provide the vehicle free of charge. You must pay the remaining purchase amount and applicable charges. A programme offering free scooters would be a separate benefit with its own official notification, eligibility conditions and application process. Do not treat an advertisement for a “free scooty yojana” as a PM E-DRIVE benefit without checking the relevant government notification.

Sources

1. Ministry of Heavy Industries — PM E-DRIVE official portal: current allocation table and electric two-wheeler extension notice
2. Ministry of Heavy Industries — PM E-DRIVE scheme notifications and amendments, including the e-2W timeline and outlay amendment dated 10 August 2026
3. Ministry of Heavy Industries — PM E-DRIVE operational guidelines dated 30 September 2024; read together with subsequent amendments
4. Ministry of Heavy Industries — official PM E-DRIVE model and variant approval list
5. Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Heavy Industries — EMPS 2024 extension, revised ₹778 crore outlay and revised vehicle targets
6. Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Heavy Industries — EMPS 2024 implementation and domestic-manufacturing requirements
7. PM E-DRIVE operational guidelines, sections 2.12 and 7.3: upfront purchase-price reduction and passing the incentive to the buyer

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Conclusion

This guide covers the current PM E-DRIVE incentives for electric scooters and motorcycles, how to claim them, and how to check for state-level benefits. EMPS 2024 is mentioned only for background.

If you have questions, email us at bikeleagueindia@gmail.com, leave a comment, or contact us on social media. We’re here to help.