Compare petrol and electric scooters over the same kilometres and ownership period. Separate energy cost, routine service, tyres, insurance, registration, finance, battery replacement, charging equipment, downtime and resale.
Energy cost
Petrol cost is kilometres divided by km/litre multiplied by the current fuel price. EV cost is wall kWh used multiplied by the tariff. Include charging losses and measure Wh/km over your route. Traffic, speed, hills and pillion load affect both vehicles.
Maintenance and downtime
EVs have fewer engine fluids and combustion components, but still need tyres, brakes, bearings, suspension, lights, wiring, controller and battery care. A petrol vehicle has oil, filters, belts or chains, engine tune-ups and exhaust-related parts. Local parts and technician access can outweigh a theoretical maintenance advantage.
Total ownership worksheet
Use: purchase price + finance cost + energy + scheduled service + repairs + tyres + insurance/registration + charging equipment + expected battery replacement − resale value. Run a low, central and high battery-life scenario. The result is a range, not a promise.
For a Bangladesh buyer, support, written warranty and replacement availability deserve the same attention as the first-year fuel saving.