A couple of years ago, McKinsey conducted a revealing survey on electric two-wheeler buying behavior, and since then, the shift toward online discovery and decision-making has only accelerated. The survey found that 85 percent of EV buyers begin their purchase journey online, 50 percent are willing to buy a two-wheeler fully online, and 80 percent still want at least one physical touchpoint before completing the purchase. These findings point to how buyers are increasingly digital in the way they discover, evaluate, and decide on electric two-wheelers.
Choosing the right electric scooter can be difficult. Online EV marketplaces are emerging as a primary starting point for consumers navigating the category, for the following reasons:
- Easy discovery: Online EV marketplaces simplify discovery by bringing together scooters from multiple brands, price segments, and performance categories in one place. Instead of navigating individual brand websites or relying on limited local options, buyers can quickly scan the market, shortlist models, and understand what is available across different budgets and use cases.
- Greater trust through independent information: Because most online marketplaces are not tied to a single manufacturer, they are better positioned to present information more objectively. Verified specifications, expert reviews, and user feedback help buyers assess range claims, battery chemistry, warranties, and service readiness without relying solely on brand marketing. This independent layer of information is especially important for first-time EV buyers.
- Simpler and more meaningful comparisons: Electric scooters introduce decision variables that are unfamiliar to many consumers, including charging time, battery degradation, running costs, and long-term ownership economics. Online marketplaces reduce this complexity through side-by-side comparisons, filters, expert insights, and cost-of-ownership calculators. These tools help buyers understand trade-offs clearly rather than making decisions based only on headline price or advertised range.
- Equal access regardless of location: By operating at a regional or national level, online EV marketplaces give buyers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities access to the same information as consumers in major metros. Even when test rides or purchases happen offline, discovery and evaluation are no longer constrained by geography. This broader access supports the spread of EV adoption beyond large urban centers.
- Supporting a hybrid buying journey: The McKinsey findings underline an important reality. While buyers are increasingly comfortable researching and shortlisting online, many still seek some form of physical reassurance before committing. Online marketplaces support this hybrid journey by handling discovery, education, and comparison digitally, while enabling smooth transitions to offline touchpoints such as test rides, dealer visits, or local service interactions when required.
Here are 5 marketplaces making life easier:
- BikeDekho provides electric scooter discovery through reviews, comparisons, user inputs, and dealer connections.
- BikeWale offers specifications, pricing tools, reviews, and comparisons to help buyers evaluate electric scooters across brands.
- 91Wheels focuses on reviews, comparisons, and up-to-date specifications across bikes, scooters, and electric vehicles.
- Lilypad is a dedicated electric two-wheeler marketplace that aggregates multiple EV brands and supports buyers through discovery and test ride access. Among the platforms listed, it uniquely combines online research with offline home demonstrations.
- Droom extends its digital automobile marketplace to electric scooters, offering discovery, comparison, financing, and delivery support.
Conclusion
Online EV marketplaces are becoming the default entry point for electric scooter purchases. By simplifying discovery, improving access to information, enabling clearer comparisons, and supporting increasingly digital buyer journeys, they reduce friction in a complex and fast-evolving market. As electric two-wheelers continue to scale, platforms that align closely with how consumers research and decide will play an important role in shaping EV adoption in India.
