The Ather-Bounce program will be operational exclusively in Bangalore
Ather Energy has entered into an alliance with Bounce, a self drive bike rental firm, for ‘Peer to Peer’ scooter sharing program in a bid to promote use of electric vehicles. Travelling by public transport at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic is not advised and owning a vehicle and using it for a limited period of time put added pressure on the buyer. This is where the new Peer to Peer scooter sharing system comes into effect.
‘Peer to Peer’ (P2P) scooter sharing program, called ‘Scooter Hero’ is specially introduced and permits individuals to rent out their vehicles during the lockdown period. The tie up with Ather Energy will allow customers to buy the Ather 450 on Bounce website and lease it out on the same platform.
This will ensure that the new Ather 450 owners can monetize the idle time of the vehicle and at the same time earn added income. For the Ather 450 scooter to be listed on the Bounce website it would need a commercial permit under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Ather is the first brand to enter into this agreement with Bounce so as to offer their products under this scheme. Customers would need to book their Ather 450 via the Bounce platform. Upon delivery, the vehicle will be commercially registered and Bounce customers would be able to rent out the vehicle either on an hourly or daily basis.
Owners will be remunerated by Bounce once their scooter is returned. The cost of the Ather 450 along with commercial registration is Rs.1.15 lakhs as against Rs.1.13 lakhs when used for private purposes. This added cost goes towards commercial permit, registration, insurance, taxes and is under the FAME II subsidy of the Government of India.
Under the FAME II scheme, buyers receive a benefit of Rs.26,732. The Ather 450 comes in with a portable charger and 5 year comprehensive insurance. Booking of the Ather 450 can be done via the Bounce website at a booking amount of Rs.499.
Ather Energy has also introduced post purchase plans specially for the sharing model. This includes a service and maintenance plan to address issues of added wear and tear the bike could be subjected to under the sharing scheme. Ather 450 receives connected features. Hence keeping tabs on the bike and ensuring its safety is possible via the Ather mobile app. The scooters can be charged for free at any of the 38 Ather Grid points for upto one year and can also be charged via a 5A plug point.
