The gearless scooter, which is now popularly called a “scooterette”, is now proving to be a hit among new-age women. From the trendy Sania Mirza zooming away to the bubbly Priyanka Chopra saying, “Why should boys have all the fun?” manufacturers are now trying new marketing strategies to tap the growing demand in this sector.
With a variety of models available in the market today, the gearless scooter market has seen a sharp rise in the past few years. According to a report, around 60 per cent of the gearless two-wheelers are purchased by girls and housewives, who are opting for these handy vehicles. Ravneet Singh, a college professor, says, “I have been travelling on my TVS Scooty for the past three years, and I think it is a very useful mode of commuting for women. Unlike geared bikes and scooters, you don’t have to keep kicking the bike. All you need to do is just press a button, which is so convenient.”
The chic and lightweight bikes equipped with smart technology are specially designed to make commutation easy for young women. Prachi Shrivastava, an engineering student, says, “My friends and I have really cool two-wheelers in bright girlie colours like pink, red, metallic blue, and it’s fun to go for long rides with friends. I think it is really a comfortable ride, since it is an auto-gear vehicle and easy to drive. With proper servicing and care, it can go smoothly for years.”
For working women, gearless scooters are a boon. Navneet Kurl, a bank employee, says, “I recently bought a Hero Honda Pleasure and learnt how to ride it in just two days. Since I have to travel across the city for meetings, I find it very easy to commute now and I don’t have to depend on auto rickshaws.”