Ahoy Bikes launched an electroluminescent-technology-based bike, which enhances the safety of riders and aspirational value.

The new technology uses an electroluminescent paint-like coating system, which emits light when an electric current is passed through it, increasing the bike’s visibility through many types of atmospheric conditions such as dark fog, snow, and smoke. “In India, one of the major concerns of cyclists is safety, especially when the visibility is low. Second, most people do not find any aspirational value with their bicycles, unlike motorcycles and cars. There are very few people who own a bicycle with pride. The new bicycle will also appeal to young kids and encourage them to take physical activities,” said Abhishek Mitra, Director, Ahoy Bikes.

The company had started working on electroluminescent technology during the lockdown. It had joined hands with the US-based company Lumilor. The main task for the company was to make the electroluminescent-technology affordable for Indian consumers. “We have been working on the technology to get the cost down and bring it in the affordability range. This is the first electroluminescent bicycle, the production model that has been launched on a mass scale project,” Mitra said. A wide range of Luminous bikes will be available at an affordable price range. The prices begin at INR 20,000 onwards.

The company also manufactures all-terrain bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, kids bikes and balance bikes.

Like other bicycle companies, Ahoy is also experiencing a surge in demand post COVID. According to him, the demand for bicycles has surged between 300 percent to 350 percent post-COVID due to growing health consciousness and adaptation of social distancing and gyms closure.

According to the All-India Cycles Manufacturers Association, the bicycle industry was growing at 5-7 percent every year, but it is now expected to grow at 15-20 percent because of the coronavirus pandemic, led by a surge in first-time users.

As per the industry data, India is the second-largest manufacturer and the third consumer of bicycles globally. India manufacturers 22 million bicycles every year, with an annual turnover of INR 7,000 crore. According to industry numbers, 22 million cycles were sold in 2018-19, and 18 million were sold in 2019-20.

Talking about growing trends from bicyclists, Mitra pointed out that Indian consumers are looking for the product’s right value. “Customers want quality products. They are ready to spend a little bit more where they can find value in the products. We are giving the best of the class quality bikes with the best of class components. We are trying to offer different products in the industry so that customers can feel good about the product,” he said.

Ahoy Bikes would also make customisation options available with this new technology for cyclists willing to customise their existing bicycles.

Indian consumers are also largely influenced by international brands in terms of weight, features and performance. According to him, different bicyclist enthusiasts have other choices, and the company targets the mid-premium segment and consumers who want to upgrade their basic bicycles.

The company also sees itself entering the safety gear segment, but not soon. “Yes, we have plans to get into bicycle safety gear business, but let’s see when we can utilise them,” he added.

Ahoy has around 200 dealers in its network across the country, mainly concentrating in the North and West regions. Ahoy aims to heighten the number of dealers to 350 in FY21-22 with an increasing focus on the south region.

As for its product strategy, Ahoy also intends to attract dealers through its distinctive products instead of ramping up dealer numbers. “We do not want to push our products to the dealers. We are trying to create products that differentiate ourselves in the market and create a pull factor. And the new electroluminescent-technology-based bikes is an example of it,” he said.

Tractions on the e-commerce portal have surged, especially after COVID surge. However, Mitra thinks buying a bicycle online is yet not a convenient mode for consumers. “Buying a bicycle online is easy. But getting it assembled and serviced is a challenge. You get the bicycle’s delivery in a semi-assembled state and, to assemble it, you need to find a professional mechanic for whom you will have to pay. Even the dealer from which you can get the bicycle assembled will not be pleased about your online purchase. Let me say that too. Maybe he will charge you more. So deliberately, we are not getting into e-commerce, but we are trying to get into omnichannel sales. Consumers can visit our website and get to know about the products and buy them from the website or from the nearest dealer. If a consumer buys from the website, we deliver the product through our dealer only in a fully assembled state. That’s how we promote our dealers as well,” explained the Ahoy Director.

Ahoy entered the bicycle manufacturing business in 2018. However, the company has been in the industry for over three decades supplying components from plastic moulded and PVC components to OEMs. The component manufacturing business it shelved in 2016-17 and started a bicycle making factory in Delhi NCR 2018, and the Ahoy brand was launched. The knowledge of the bicycle component business has helped Ahoy to expand its current business rapidly.

“The biggest advantage was for us was a network of OEMs, suppliers and vendors across the country we have built over the years. We had supplied the components to OEMs and dealers, procured raw materials vendors over three decades, and created our credibility. Those three decades in the bicycle component business helped us to understand the industry deeply. Being a component maker, we visited various factories from OEMs, suppliers, and vendors. They shared their knowledge and experience about the business, which would have been impossible if we had been only into bicycle manufacturing. We also understood the pain points of the suppliers, vendors and consumers, and that’s where our products find values,” he said.

Ahoy has no plans to export bicycles in the near future. Electric motor-driven bicycles are gaining popularity in India. He also sees the future as e-mobility but added the company does not have any plans to manufacture e-bicycles. “As of now, we are focusing our energies on building, you know, this particular kind of products which are different for different from what other people are offering,” he said.

The company has a production capacity of producing 20,000 units per month. The current challenge for Ahoy is the supply of components to make bicycles. “Demand for bicycle has gone up exponentially, but the supply chain has gone up haywire. Supply-demand has widened,” he added. (MT)

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Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Hero MotoSports Team Rally at the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur.

Marking a decade of participation in global rally racing, the company announced several strategic initiatives to shape the future of the team.

Hero MotoCorp has renewed its partnership with the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO), the organisers of the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, for another five years.

The company launched a development initiative designed to identify and train young Indian off-road racing talent. The programme will provide a structured two-to-three-year development path, covering riding technique, navigation and physical conditioning.

Furthermore, the company has signed 18-year-old Shlok Ghorpade, a national supercross racer from Maharashtra to its team. He has begun training with FIM World Rally-Raid Champion Ross Branch and is preparing for an intensive race simulation programme in Morocco.

Founded in 2016, Hero MotoSports Team Rally was established to test technology in demanding conditions and elevate India's standing in international motorsport. Over the past decade, the team has competed in the Dakar Rally and the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, securing multiple podium finishes.

Dr Pawan Munjal, Executive Chairman, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Over the past decade, Hero MotoSports Team Rally has evolved from a bold ambition into a globally respected rally racing team, proudly representing India on the world stage. This milestone celebrates our past achievements while firmly defining our vision for the future.”

“The renewal of our partnership with ASO strengthens our long-term commitment to global rally racing. Furthermore, the India’s Next Dakar Hero program reflects our deep belief that India possesses immense untapped motosports talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured. By welcoming Shlok Ghorpade to the team, we aim to build a sustainable pathway for homegrown Indian riders to compete and excel at the highest levels of the sport,” he added,

The event featured a showcase of the team's Dakar machines and a performance by its riders, including Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo and Michael Docherty.

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Aprilia India, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has introduced the 2026 Special Edition Tuono 457, paying homage to the heritage of the 2006 Tuono 1000R. Available in Mamba Black and Puma Grey, the model is priced at INR 399,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra) and is available for pre-booking at select showrooms.

The special edition retains the 457cc parallel-twin engine, producing 47.6 hp (35 kW) and 43.5 Nm of torque. Key technical features include an aluminium chassis, ride-by-wire throttle, multi-level traction control and a TFT digital instrument cluster.

Aprilia has introduced a suite of enhancements focused on ergonomics and daily usability, including an elevated handlebar, which is now repositioned to provide an upright posture, reducing rider strain.

A smoked-finish aero flyscreen designed to reduce wind fatigue, adjustable brake lever for customisation to suit rider hand size, improving braking modulation. Recalibrated suspension that is now a softer initial stroke to absorb road imperfections, with preload adjustability at both ends. Upgraded Saddle featuring high-resilience foam to dampen vibrations.

Diego Graffi, Chairman and Managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles, said, "The Special Edition Tuono 457 has been developed with a clear focus on enhancing rider comfort and everyday usability while preserving the high performance, precision and character that define Aprilia motorcycles. With the plethora of enhancements like the aerodynamic flyscreen, revised suspension setup, upgraded saddle, raised handlebar position and adjustable brake lever, the motorcycle is more comfortable and confidence-inspiring across urban rides and longer journeys."

"The new Mamba Black and Puma Grey liveries add an even stronger visual identity, making this a distinctive expression of Aprilia’s naked DNA. At the attractive pricing we are launching it, we believe this is most value-for-money naked twin cylinder mid-performance motorcycle available to Indian riders. With its segment-defining 47.6 hp twin-cylinder engine, electronic ride-by-wire throttle, and multi-level traction control, the Special Edition Tuono 457 firmly re-establishes itself as the absolute technical benchmark for the naked segment," he added.

Aprilia offers a 4-year or 48,000 km warranty on the motorcycle. Optional accessories include a passenger seat cover, USB socket, TPMS, quick shifter and fork sliders.

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Chennai-headquartered two-wheeler and three-wheeler major TVS Motor Company celebrated World Motorcycle Day by organising a nationwide ride focused on road safety and responsible riding practices. The initiative involved more than 1,000 riders across 17 Indian cities.

The event drew participants from the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG) and the TVS Ronin riding communities. The safety awareness campaign focused on the use of protective riding gear, adherence to traffic regulations, responsible urban and highway riding behaviour and respect for public spaces & local communities.

The event coincided with the ongoing 20-year anniversary of the TVS Apache brand, which has sold over 6.5 million units, over 500,000 registered members in the TVS Apache Owners Group (AOG).

The primary flagship ride for the nationwide movement was hosted in Bengaluru, gathering more than 100 customers for curated riding experiences and interactions with the TVS AOG and TVS Ronin CULT communities.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said, "Motorcycling today is about far more than travelling from one destination to another - it is a way of life shaped by freedom, discipline, responsibility and camaraderie. It was inspiring to see riders across India come together to celebrate the spirit of riding while demonstrating that true motorcycling begins with respect for the road, for fellow riders and for the communities we ride through. This year’s World Motorcycle Day celebration is especially meaningful as we continue to commemorate two decades of TVS Apache - a brand born from our racing DNA and today embraced by over 6 million customers globally. Over the years, TVS Apache and TVS Ronin have evolved beyond motorcycles to become communities that bring together passionate riders through performance, experiences and a shared love for motorcycling. Through initiatives like these, we remain committed to building a stronger riding culture and creating experiences that make every ride safe, responsible and memorable".

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The Indian two-wheeler industry is projected to achieve a moderate wholesale volume growth of 3–5 percent in FY2027, according to the latest sector update by credit rating agency ICRA.

While the sector enters the new fiscal year on a strong footing, the pace of growth is expected to normalise due to macroeconomic factors, a high base effect and geopolitical uncertainties.

Despite a more conservative outlook for the upcoming fiscal year, the industry continues to demonstrate baseline resilience, backed by healthy retail momentum and expanding international footprints.

The company stated that data from May 2026 highlights robust near-term demand dynamics across domestic and international channels. Domestic wholesales clocked 15.7 percent YoY growth, reaching 1.9 million units in May 2026. This volume was primarily driven by improved affordability stemming from GST 2.0 reforms and advanced consumer buying ahead of announced price hikes by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

On the other hand, retail sales maintained a steady upward trajectory, expanding 7.5 percent YoY during the month. Retail demand was supported by seasonal marriage season purchases and a highly diversified product mix spanning entry-level commuter options and aspirational premium models.

Exports surged 31.3 percent YoY in May 2026, which follows a strong performance in FY2026, where overall exports expanded by 23.3 percent, driven by expanding OEM product portfolios and a broader global acceptance of Indian two-wheeler brands.

The electric two-wheeler (E2W) market continues to outpace the broader internal combustion engine (ICE) segments in terms of growth velocity with EV penetration touching 8.9 percent (172,148 units) in May 2026, up 71.7 percent YoY.

This sharp rise in volume reflects improving ecosystem support, such as charging infrastructure expansion, and a structural shift in consumer acceptance toward electric mobility alternatives.

ICRA's moderate 3–5 percent growth projection for FY2027 balances several conflicting operational variables. Tailwinds includes sustained demand from ongoing GST rationalisation benefits and strong vehicle replacement demand from urban and semi-urban fleets.

On the other hand, growth could be constrained by extreme heatwaves that temporarily lower showroom footfalls, localised supply constraints for specific high-demand models and inflation-driven vehicle price adjustments.

Furthermore, a potentially weak or disrupted monsoon season triggered by El Niño patterns presents a risk to rural purchasing power.  Lastly, ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia remain a critical monitorable, as further escalation could destabilise global shipping lanes, disrupt manufacturing supply chains and increase raw material cost structures.

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