When India launched its first electric scooter in 2018, few could have predicted the quiet shift it would begin—not in the bustling metros of Mumbai or Delhi, but in a far-flung, hilly corner of the Northeast: Mizoram.
It all began when Ather Energy opened pre-orders for its first two models in India, the Ather 340 and the more powerful Ather 450, in June 2018. These scooters, priced at just over ₹1 lakh ($1,490) and ₹1.25 lakh ($1,862.75) respectively, were initially only available in Bengaluru. Their commercial debut followed multiple delays, with co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta originally promising the Ather 340 would be on roads by the end of 2016. However, setbacks in sourcing parts and building components from scratch meant mass production took much longer than planned.
Fast forward to July 1, 2024, Mizoram had registered 316,385 internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—and just 477 electric vehicles (EVs), accounting for a mere 0.15% of the state’s total. But despite this slow uptake, things are beginning to change.
In the Mizoram Electric Vehicle Policy 2024, the state government emphasised the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, citing a World Health Organization study that found 14 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities were in India. The policy described the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) as essential for an energy-secure future and a cleaner environment, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on climate action.
As part of its targets, the government aimed to facilitate the adoption of approximately 56,250 EVs over the policy period, offering limited incentives to early adopters. This transition was projected to save around 4,050,000 lakh kilolitres of fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,350,000 kilograms per day—or more than 388,800 lakh metric tons annually.
The policy reiterated Mizoram’s commitment to contributing toward a clean, green environment and a more energy-secure India. To achieve this, the government pledged to push for faster and broader adoption of EVs, backed by infrastructure development and regulatory support.
The Mizoram Electric Vehicle Policy 2024, effective from September 10, 2023, also set a more immediate goal: “To facilitate adoption of at least 5% EVs in the State by 2029 and to support the setting up of robust infrastructure including adequate power supply, a network of charging points, favourable power tariffs, and service centres.”
But the launch of the policy wasn’t without controversy. A major point of contention was the exemption of EVs from Aizawl’s long-standing odd-even traffic rule, which previously limited vehicles to alternate days of use based on license plates. The new rule allowed EVs to ply every day—while fossil-fuel vehicles remained restricted.
Other proposed benefits included priority vehicle registration and designated parking spaces for EVs in select areas of the capital. The measures were designed to incentivize adoption, particularly of electric scooters, which have proven ideal for the city’s steep and narrow roads.
But the backlash came swiftly. Many citizens took to social media to express frustration, arguing that the policy unfairly favoured EV owners and disrupted established traffic norms. As a result, some policy provisions, including the EV traffic exemptions, were not implemented.
Despite the early criticisms and skepticism about how well EVs would perform on Mizoram’s hilly terrain, electric scooters have quietly gained popularity—and much of it has to do with a challenge that has long plagued the landlocked state: fuel shortages.
Mizoram relies on a single national highway through Assam for fuel transport. During monsoons or border tensions, fuel supply lines are often disrupted, leading to weeks-long shortages. For example, since July 19, 2025, the Mizoram Tipper Association has been protesting against dangerous road conditions, refusing to operate along the highway.
This has led to severe fuel scarcity across the state, forcing residents to buy expensive, poor-quality black-market petrol—or turn to alternatives.
This crisis has turned Mizoram into a fertile ground for electric scooters.
On September 27, 2023, the first Ather electric scooter showroom opened in Aizawl. Prior to that, owners had to import their scooters from Guwahati. One of the first customers at the new showroom was Bambi Laldinpuii, a teacher, and her husband RPA Ralte, a music producer and singer.
The couple vlogged their experience on their YouTube channel and say they have no regrets. “The main factor was saving on petrol. Lining up for fuel was so time-consuming,” said Laldinpuii. “We use the scooter every day to take our kids to school and back. Also, the fact that it doesn’t make noise was a huge plus. Our houses are so close together in Aizawl. I was tired of noisy bikes and Bullets waking the children up.”
The recent fuel shortage, she said, only validated their decision: “Even now, we can go wherever we need without worrying about fuel. Otherwise, it would have been a challenge just getting our children to school.”
Alexander Lalrempuia, a government employee and fellow EV owner, echoed these sentiments. “We bought it mainly for the daily fuel savings. But another reason is the constant fuel crisis in Mizoram,” he said. He added that ease of maintenance was another plus: “There’s no need for engine oil changes or carburetor checks. Servicing is hassle-free. And as someone who cares about the environment, I feel like I’m making a small contribution by causing less pollution.”
Charging infrastructure remains a challenge. Public charging stations are still scarce, and most users rely on home charging.
Lalhmangaiha, another recent buyer who picked up a TVS iQube, initially purchased the scooter for his wife but now uses it more than his fuel-powered Bullet. “I’ve always wanted to own one since EVs were launched. Using a vehicle that doesn’t create air or sound pollution makes us more progressive. This is how I contribute to our land,” he said. He also emphasized the recurring fuel crisis: “We no longer worry about running out of petrol. We use the EV more than the bike now.”
Lalnunmawia, who rides a Bajaj Chetak, also cited the fuel crisis and the opportunity to save money and time as key reasons behind his decision.
Many traditional scooter owners are now reconsidering. David Lalramchhana, a school administrator, admitted: “Mizoram hasn’t had electric scooters long enough to judge their durability—we’ll need five to eight more years to know for sure. But right now, with the fuel crisis, it’s become something everyone wants.”
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