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Why are electric scooters, mopeds and rickshaws booming?

More than fifty per cent of the two-wheelers in India are already electric. Why has the transition to more climate-friendly vehicles been so swift and what can we learn from it?

Delhi’s roads are being taken over by electric mopeds, scooters and rickshaws. More than fifty per cent of two- and three-wheelers are already electric, and the market is expected to continue growing. It’s good news for the fight against climate change. Why has the transition to green vehicles been so swift in India and what can the rest of the world learn from it?

Graihagh Jackson speaks to reporter Sushmita Pathak, who’s been chatting to those who’ve made the switch to electric as well as those who haven’t.

Akshima Ghate from the RMI Foundation and Louise Ribet of C40 cities explain why these small vehicles are so popular and what countries like India and others gain from encouraging electric uptake. From better air quality and healthier children to energy security and manufacturing expertise, there are many benefits beyond mitigating climate change.

Got a comment or a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com or whatsapp us on +44 8000 321 721

Presenter: Graihagh Jackson
Producer: Ben Cooper
Researcher: Octavia Woodward
Production Co-Ordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Engineer: Tom Brignell
Editors: Sophie Eastaugh and Simon Watts

Got a question you’d like us to answer? Send an email to: TheClimateQuestion@bbc.com

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27 minutes

Last on

Wed 9 Jul 2025 19:06GMT

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