Since the COVID outbreak, the transport scene in India has undergone a major change. In May 2020, a survey conducted with the International Association of Public Transport in India showed that bus service was down by
98 to 99%, compared to the pre-COVID state. Even after the easing of lockdowns, more people are choosing personal mobility over shared mobility. With no vaccine for Corona Virus insight, safety and social distancing are still dominating the choice of transport and hence the spike in demand for personal transportation options like the two-wheeler.
Let us look at the reasons that have made the two-wheeler the preferred choice of transport for many Indians today.
- Concerns about hygiene and infection
In the wake of the pandemic, most Indians have become aware of how easy it is for the coronavirus to get transmitted unless proper social distancing is maintained. And public transport modes like buses, autos or shared taxis can increase the risk of infection as it can be difficult to control crowding in these. Even if there are maximum occupancy rules in place, it might not be profitable for the operators, unless government subsidy is sufficient to resolve that problem. Also, you might not be able to trust the cleanliness of a bus, taxi, or auto, as you do not know who was there before. A
two-wheeler, on the other hand, can enable distancing and keep you safe.
Also Read: Two Wheeler Loans and Their Various Facets - Families are looking at spending lesser
The COVID outbreak has led to job losses and salary cuts for many people all over the country. Small businesses and self-employed professionals have been affected. So, while the average Indian is not too keen to go back to public transport, he or she might not have enough money to buy a car. In such a scenario, buying a bike can make much sense, especially if you take a
2-wheeler loan. Better mileage will add to your cost savings too. Even those belonging to the lower-income group can opt for second-hand or used two-wheelers, to keep costs lower. And the insurance for a two-wheeler is lower than a car’s insurance.
- Two-wheeler loans are affordable and simple
Most financial institutions offer decent
bike loan amounts these days, thereby requiring you to shell out less in the form of down payment. In other words, the loan to value ratio is high for many lenders, making it easy to own a
bike or scooter, even if you are in between jobs. In addition, those with
good credit scores can expect low-interest rates. Tenures are flexible as well, to make repayment easy. And it is possible to
apply for two-wheeler loans online now. So, there is no need to step outside and risk your health. Moreover, the loan processing and approval do not take much time.
Also Read: List of Things to Do and Consider before Buying a Two-Wheeler - It is hassle-free to use and maintain a two-wheeler
Indian roads generally are always full of traffic and lack space. However, maneuvering a two-wheeler or parking it is easy, because of the size and design. Plus, the care and maintenance costs are low, which is ideal if your income flow has taken a hit during the pandemic. You can clean a bike or scooter yourself, by just buying a few cleaning solutions, waxes, lubricants and such. Also, it is possible to ride a robust two-wheeler on different terrains, whether you live in a city, a small town or a village.
- Commutes might become shorter
The pandemic has made it imperative to work from home, wherever possible, and this trend might continue for quite some time to come. Plus, long pleasure trips might be out of question for the sake of safety. So, you might not need to travel long distances and might not want to spend too much money on a car. A two-wheeler will be more cost-effective in this case, especially if you get a
zero down payment bike loan. 
Also Read: All Documents You Need To Apply For A Two-Wheeler Loan Conclusion So, it is easy to see why a bike or scooter is coming up as a preferred transport mode for safety and distancing in a post-COVID world. If you meet the
two-wheeler loan eligibility criteria of most
financial institutions, you can bring home your favourite bike without disturbing your financial stability during these trying times.
