India’s rapidly expanding quick-commerce and food-delivery sectors are creating a new customer segment for electric two-wheeler manufacturers, according to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report. These delivery riders require vehicles that offer affordability, speed, manoeuvrability and reliability for intensive daily operations.
‘Trip Maximizers’ Emerge as a Key Customer Segment
BCG’s report, Electric in Charge: How India’s Electric Two-Wheelers Are Moving into the Mainstream, identifies full-time delivery riders as “Trip Maximizers”. These riders typically cover 400–500 km per week, making them a potential growth opportunity for electric scooter manufacturers.
India’s quick-commerce market expanded from approximately $750 million in 2022 to $8 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of around 120%.
According to the report, the key preferences of these riders include:
- Affordability: 72% consider it their top priority.
- Speed: 55% prioritise faster travel.
- Manoeuvrability: 50% value ease of handling.
- Vehicle preference: 66% use scooters, while 85% typically travel alone.
Electric Two-Wheeler Adoption Gains Momentum
Electric scooter penetration in India increased from 16.8% in FY24 to 24.1% in FY27 year-to-date through August 2026. Overall electric two-wheeler penetration rose from 5.5% to 9.9% over the same period, according to BCG.
The report also identifies another commercial rider segment, called “Industrious”, which prioritises load capacity and storage for delivery and logistics operations.
Product Design Must Match Rider Requirements
BCG suggests manufacturers should develop products tailored to specific customer needs rather than relying solely on price and vehicle category. For high-utilisation delivery riders, priorities include:
- Longer battery life and dependable range.
- Durability for intensive daily usage.
- Convenient servicing and warranty support.
- Reliable insurance and resale or exchange options.
Conclusion
India’s quick-commerce expansion presents an emerging opportunity for electric two-wheeler makers. Manufacturers that combine affordability, reliability and purpose-built designs could be better positioned to serve commercial riders and support wider EV adoption.
