Vida, the electric two-wheeler brand of Hero MotoCorp, said on Wednesday that it is introducing a slew of value-added services for customers buying its EV portfolio, in an attempt to court more customers as electric two-wheelers face stiff competition not only between legacy and pure-play EV brands, but also from ICE two-wheelers as well, amid reduced GST rates, as the festive season begins.

Vida has introduced a comprehensive extended warranty package offering coverage up to five years or 75,000 kilometres. Alongside this, a dedicated battery warranty is available for up to five years or 60,000 kilometres, in conjunction with the option of an extended battery warranty. “This coverage safeguards riders against unexpected expenses from battery degradation or performance issues, even under diverse weather and usage conditions,” it said in a statement.

In order to assuage the biggest concerns of EV buyers—their confidence in resale value—Vida announced it now offers an assured buyback plan for its electric two-wheelers. Under this plan, customers can return their Vida scooter and receive up to 67.5% of the original effective ex-showroom price. “This transparent and hassle-free exit option makes upgrading or transitioning smoother, while also reinforcing trust in the scooter’s long-term worth,” Vida added.

A 24/7 roadside assistance service has also been introduced for Vida riders that will cover issues such as flat tyres, discharged battery, and mechanical faults. This nationwide service offers on-demand support and towing, available 24/7, regardless of the time or location.

Electric two-wheeler manufacturers have been offering a bevvy of offers to lure customers. Ola Electric has introduced a festive campaign, 'Ola Celebrates India,' which introduced prices starting at ₹49,999 for its S1 scooters and Roadster X motorcycles. The first day rush saw several eager customers logging in simultaneously to secure their vehicles during the limited-time Muhurat slot, with the day’s inventory sold out within five minutes. The Ola Muhurat Mahotsav will run till October 1, with new slots for limited units opening each day at special Muhurat times.

Apart from stiff competition from legacy incumbents and entrants in the electric two-wheeler industry, they also face competition from ICE counterparts that now have the added benefit of a reduction in GST. Two-wheelers with engine capacities of less than 350cc have seen their GST rates reduced from 28% to 18% under the new tax structure, with the aim of providing greater access to mobility for young people, rural residents, and gig economy workers.

However, the GST for electric vehicles has remained unchanged. “While the GST cut may push premiumisation from economy to executive vehicles, it will also attract first-time buyers as the on-road price of entry-level motorcycles will fall from ₹70,000 to ₹63,000,” HSBC said in a note earlier this month. However, growth in electric two-wheelers will stagnate due to the decline in value proposition, the note reads as a caveat.