KOCHI: The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has closed down three showrooms for sale of electric scooters by illegally increasing the motor capacity. The action is taken following an enquiry by MVD focused on electric scooters. It is estimated that the state has lost more than Rs 100 crore of tax through the sale of electric scooters with increased capacity. The MVD said that a state-wide inspection will be conducted.

Only 250 watts of motor capacity is allowed for electric scooters that does not require registration. The speed limit should not exceed 25 kmph and weight should be within 60 kg. But MVD found out that these scooters are equipped with motors with a capacity of more than 1000 watts and can go at a speed of more than 40 kmph.

Electric scooters are priced between Rs 67,000 and Rs 1.56 lakh. The road tax on these is five percent. E-scooters which are cheap are sold with increased motor capacity and taxes need to not be paid due to less power.

180 types of electric scooters are on sale in the country. They have showrooms across Kerala. They increase the motor capacity on scooters to boost sale.