Paper Contents
Abstract
Electric mobility is emerging as a major direction for Indias transportation future. Government policy documents and industry reports frequently promote electric vehicles as cleaner and more affordable alternatives to conventional fuel-based vehicles 1. Among these options, e-scooters are expected to play a larger role than electric cars because they match the economic background of a large section of Indian households 2. An e-scooter costs less, occupies less space and can be charged at home, making it more practical for everyday mobility needs across the country 3.National EV charging infrastructure guidelines recommend that public charging stations be available every 3 kilometres in cities and every 25 kilometres along major highways 4. If this guideline is implemented as planned, a long-distance journey such as Delhi to Jaipur should be achievable without any difficulty for an e-scooter rider.However, policy statements do not always translate into real-world experience. A successful electric journey depends on the availability, visibility and reliability of charging stations along the route 5. If chargers are missing, located too far apart or not functioning properly, even a well-designed e-scooter cannot ensure a confident travel experience. This difference between what is promised on paper and what is experienced on the road becomes a critical issue for the future of electric mobility in India.For a product design student, this situation is not just a transportation problem. It is a real opportunity to analyse how existing products and systems fail and how design can improve them. A missing charging point can lead to ideas for portable power units. Limited charging information can inspire improved dashboard navigation systems. Inadequate comfort along long rides can lead to ergonomic seat design, weather protection elements and improved shock absorption systems tailored for Indian road conditions without increasing cost 67. Each problem acts as a reference point for a new design direction.This study treats the DelhiJaipur corridor as a practical testing environment where policies, infrastructure limitations and user needs intersect. By comparing the policy expectations with on-ground observations, this work aims to identify the design challenges faced by long-distance e-scooter users and translate them into product design opportunities, contributing to the evolving landscape of electric mobility in India.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Adarshini Ariana R, Aditya Raj. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
