Here is a summary of the article in 400 words:
A recent study by J.D. Power found that Indian two-wheeler owners report an increase in quality issues as their vehicles rack up more miles. The study, titled 2025 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study, found that owners who have ridden more than 2,500 km in the first six months reported 9 additional problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) compared to those who have ridden less. Electric scooters were found to have the highest increase in reported problems, with 98 PP100, compared to 53 PP100 across other segments.
The study identified several areas of concern, including brakes, lights, electricals, and fit-finish, particularly in high-mileage electric scooters. This raises concerns about the long-term reliability of electric scooters and may impact future buying decisions. Pronab Gorai, engagement director at Differential in Singapore, noted that while initial satisfaction is high, quicker wear and tear raises concerns about durability.
The study also found that engine-related issues, electrical problems, and braking concerns topped the charts, with an overall initial quality rating of 86 PP100 for 2025. Despite the rising problem count, 58% of customers reported that their vehicles performed better than expected, an improvement from last year’s 44%.
In terms of reliability, several models and brands stood out, including:
* Scooter Economy: TVS Jupiter (75 PP100)
* Scooter Executive: Honda Dio 125 (50 PP100)
* Motorcycle Economy: TVS Radeon (54 PP100)
* Motorcycle Executive: Hero Super Splendor XTEC & Honda Shine 125 (72 PP100)
* Motorcycle Upper Executive: TVS Apache RTR 160 2V (53 PP100)
* Scooter EV: Bajaj Chetak (45 PP100)
Royal Enfield led in overall brand rankings with 68 PP100, showcasing its focus on build quality and reliability. The study’s findings highlight the importance of sustained quality beyond the showroom floor, emphasizing that automakers must address long-term durability to maintain customer trust.
Ultimately, the study suggests that the honeymoon phase for new two-wheelers is getting shorter, and early wear and tear could dent brand loyalty. Electric scooters, in particular, need to step up their game to match customer expectations. For now, TVS, Honda, Bajaj, and Royal Enfield seem to have cracked the quality code better than others.