Penetration of Two-Wheelers
On a base of around 28mn vehicles on Indian roads and around 175mn households, there were only 160 motorized two-wheelers per thousand households in FY98.
Scooters - originated in Italy and were designed for ladies, particularly nuns. It has no bar in the front and the engine and wheels are covered for the convenience of women riders. In India, Bajaj Auto started scooter manufacturing in 1972 in collaboration with Piaggio, Italy. With the passage of time, scooters have taken considerable position in domestic transport as they are considered as rugged yet safe family vehicle.
This perception was due to a larger board area, which can be used to carry groceries and a better carrying capacity, which helps in driving three adults on the vehicle. But the scooters suffered from poor aesthetics, low fuel efficiency and difficulty in driving.
The introduction of ABS body along with variometric transmission by Kinetic Honda changed the perception leading to a shift in demand from moped users like youngsters and working women.
Motorcycle - the name is evolved from motorised cycle. A motorcycle has an engine, wheels and chain exposed. Moreover, it is chain driven. Two-stroke motorcycles are positioned as power bikes by making use of their high power delivery to cater the young generation. Four-stroke motorcycle is positioned as fuel-efficient and environment friendly vehicle.
Mopeds - the motorcycle with pedals is the entry-level two-wheeler. Mopeds are the cheapest category of two wheelers, having low power compared to scooters and motorcycles. Mopeds are most popular amongst college students, ladies and low-income households. These vehicles cost in the range of Rs12,000 and onwards. Mopeds are predominantly used for small distance transportation. Mopeds are also used as the second vehicle in the family along with car or scooter/motorcycle.
On a base of around 28mn vehicles on Indian roads and around 175mn households, there were only 160 motorized two-wheelers per thousand households in FY98.
Scooters - originated in Italy and were designed for ladies, particularly nuns. It has no bar in the front and the engine and wheels are covered for the convenience of women riders. In India, Bajaj Auto started scooter manufacturing in 1972 in collaboration with Piaggio, Italy. With the passage of time, scooters have taken considerable position in domestic transport as they are considered as rugged yet safe family vehicle.
This perception was due to a larger board area, which can be used to carry groceries and a better carrying capacity, which helps in driving three adults on the vehicle. But the scooters suffered from poor aesthetics, low fuel efficiency and difficulty in driving.
The introduction of ABS body along with variometric transmission by Kinetic Honda changed the perception leading to a shift in demand from moped users like youngsters and working women.
Motorcycle - the name is evolved from motorised cycle. A motorcycle has an engine, wheels and chain exposed. Moreover, it is chain driven. Two-stroke motorcycles are positioned as power bikes by making use of their high power delivery to cater the young generation. Four-stroke motorcycle is positioned as fuel-efficient and environment friendly vehicle.
Mopeds - the motorcycle with pedals is the entry-level two-wheeler. Mopeds are the cheapest category of two wheelers, having low power compared to scooters and motorcycles. Mopeds are most popular amongst college students, ladies and low-income households. These vehicles cost in the range of Rs12,000 and onwards. Mopeds are predominantly used for small distance transportation. Mopeds are also used as the second vehicle in the family along with car or scooter/motorcycle.