Covid has stalled many cycles but it has revived the demand for electric bicycles worldwide. In India, its sales (which were stagnant) grew by over two-fold in the last year.

The acceleration has been caused by the growing desire for fitness and personal mobility. With restrictions on movement and access to gyms or sports arenas, people have taken up cycling as an alternative way of exercising. The adoption of cycling as apart of one’s lifestyle is growing across age groups and is proof that the pandemic has changed mindsets. If only the pandemic had waned in India, cycling would get a fresh pedal on World Bicycle Day.

Electric bicycles, aka e-bikes, globally are playing a major role as it helps in meeting the goals of smart cities. It allows the user to commute faster, increases transportation options, contributes towards curbing pollution, enhances road safety by reducing traffic congestion and allows for social distancing. E-bikes are ideal for anyone who craves speed without the mechanical intricacies of a gas-powered machine. A lot of attention is also being given to its design, as one can now find handsome designs with fine finishing and detailing. 

The traditional way of looking at bicycles is that it's either meant for fitness or to travel shorter distances. But not anymore as e-bikes have become the latest craze around the globe. With easy distribution, offline and online, more and more e-bikes are seen on the roads. 

But how is this important for corporations and employers? With improvement in physical fitness, no wastage of time in traffic jams, and reduced frustration from road rages and accidents, comes astronomical improvement in the mental health of workers, thus further improving their efficiency, leading to higher output and reduced leaves due to health issues.

Employers in India have begun to notice the benefits of e-bikes and have started taking the initiative of providing their employees with the same and enjoying the benefits of costs saved and healthy employees. OEM brands working in the e-bikes sector need to join hands together to promote this habit to co-exist within all metropolises to make the impact significant enough on a global scale.

The pedal assistance allows all age groups to travel more easily and longer while giving them the proper daily dose of vitamin D. A typical working professional in an Indian metropolitan city lives within a radius of 10 kilometres from their workspace. However, with the proliferation of motorised vehicles in such cities, and the tacit label of status that is attached to the ownership of a motorised vehicle, our roads are choked with private cars and motorcycles. This has increased the average living expenses by around INR 1.2-1.5 lakh annually if you own a car or INR 30-50 thousand for a motorcycle. Along with this comes numerous problems such as clogged roads, instances of road rage and accidents, all of which have contributed to time wasted on the road and deteriorating mental health. This is also not to mention, the costs of air pollution and CO2 emissions making life in the city bleaker by the day.

Highlighting the Advantages of Electric Bicycles

1. Cycling, as we all know, is one of the best exercises that help in maintaining the body metabolism. For moderate distances like 25–50-kilometre, e-bikes are the best solution.
2. E-bikes are pollution-free. Imagine a scenario where battery-operated automobiles are seen in large numbers on the roads. E-Bikes are surely going to contribute to keeping the environment green!
3. Simple to operate and park – The safety automatic features make e-bikes a hassle-free technology. You do not have to stress about what gear you are in and how to operate the clutch correctly. You only have to execute a little physical effort to drive your e-bike. The fact that you do not have to worry about gas or oil makes it fantastic. They are also easy to park in.
4. Connected mobility enables the fusion of technology with products that make them intelligent. 

Now you need not be Lance Armstrong to get the thrill of riding at an average speed of 25 kilometres per hour. Just own an e-bike and go riding your world! Governments and businesses around the world have come to realise the true benefits of e-biking to work and have worked together in bringing schemes to encourage this habit. The UK government’s scheme of biking to work is one such example, where both parties have come together to subsidise the cost of ownership of e-bikes for their employees. Governments around the world have also cordoned off zones and lanes specifically for cycles and e-bikes, measures that have been adopted by the Kolkata government (which has announced 120 kilometres of cycling lanes in the city).

However, the major challenge facing the industry today is awareness. People are just not aware of e-bikes and their benefits and that’s primarily due to the limited reach. This is the right time to adopt e-mobility for a greener and fitter India.

TVS Motor Company, a leading two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the updated TVS Apache RTR 160 4V at INR 139,000.

The TVS Apache RTR 160 4V is powered by a 159.7cc, oil-cooled, fuel-injected, 4-valve, which produces 17.55 PS at 9,250 rpm and 14.73 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm.

It comes with a segment-first 37mm Upside Down (USD) suspension and three ride modes — Sport, Urban, and Rain, which the company claims enhance control, stability, and adaptability across diverse riding conditions.

Like with most of the new models from the TVS Motor Co’s stable, the Apache RTR 160 4V now comes with TVS SmartXonnect technology, which provides Bluetooth connectivity, providing turn-by-turn navigation, call & SMS alerts, and voice assist.

In terms of design, the refreshed TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s can be had in three colour options – Granite Grey, Matte Black, and Pearl White, which are complemented by sporty, race-inspired graphics, golden-finish USD forks, and red alloy wheels. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to lead the way in engineering and innovation in motorcycles. With that commitment, we are excited to announce the upgrade of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V with cutting-edge features and advanced technology. Built on a rich racing legacy, the TVS Apache Series proudly serves over 5.5 million enthusiasts, making it one of the fastest-growing premium motorcycle brands globally. We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customers by integrating performance, technology, and style. By constantly evolving in our set of offerings, we have set new benchmarks for performance motorcycles in India.”

KAW Veloce Motors Pvt Ltd (KVMPL) has unveiled the Brixton brand of motorcycles (600 cc and 1200 cc) and an e-scooter of the Italian brand Velocifero (VLF) called Tennis in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.

The unveiling of both the machines – the motorcycle with an ICE and the e-scooter with a battery and motor – at the Highland Club on the outskirts of the city took place amid much fanfare.

The Brixton motorcycle and VLF e-scooter – with an angular bodywork overall that is synonymous with Italian design culture and featuring a 2.1kW hub motor, and a range of 130 km – will be offered through the MotoHaus retail channel, the first outlet of which is set to be commissioned in a few days from now in Kolhapur.

Both the two-wheelers – the e-scooter is priced at INR 1,30,000 ex-showroom – are being put together (from a CKD kit) at a plant that is about 12 km from the launch venue as part of the Phase I strategy. To be offered through MotoHaus outlets in cities Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Jaipur, Vapi, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Cochin, Nashik, Nagpur, Surat, Ahmedabad and Vadodara besides Kolhapur, the two vehicle brands are expected to be joined by a third Italian brand and an in-house electric two-wheeler brand at a later date.

Once the Phase I strategy plays out and the Bixton and VLF offerings find a footing in the Indian market, the company will embark on the Phase II strategy that will include a design and development centre at Kolhapur. The strategy will also include a manufacturing plant that can do 25,000 units and enable the engineering of a robust supply chain in terms of localisation.

It is at the Phase II level that investments from Brixton Motorcycles (Austria) and VLF are expected to come into the venture, which is initially supported by the parent company of KAW Veloce.

TVS Motor Company-owned British premium motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles, has announced changes to its leadership structure.

The company has announced Dr. Robert Hentschel, currently CEO, will step back from his role effective immediately. He will transition to a non-executive director role within the company.

On the other hand, Nevijo Mance will join Norton Motorcycles as Executive Director, overseeing all upstream business operations, as part of the new leadership structure.

He will be responsible for product design, development and engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality control, and supply chain management.

In addition, Richard Arnold, who was appointed Executive Director in June 2024, will be responsible for downstream business operations, including marketing, brand management, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, aftersales service, product management, and public relations.

He will also be responsible for enhancing customer experience, expanding Norton’s market reach, and strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets.

Dr Rober had been leading the company since 2021, and has been instrumental in strengthening Norton’s foundations, guiding the company through crucial stages of its growth plan and establishing a strong operational base. He had played a key role in synergistic relationship with parent TVS Motor Company, which has been pivotal in advancing Norton’s progress and setting the stage for future success.

TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global manufacturer of two- and three-wheelers, has announced the date and venue for the fourth edition of its TVS MotoSoul festival. The two-day festival will be held at Vagator, Goa, on 6 and 7 December 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly branding and sustainable practices.

Riding on this year’s theme of ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove’, TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is expected to draw visitors not only from India but also from other countries where the company has a presence. The two-day event promises attractive sessions like culinary experiences, wellness and personal care sessions, bike trips and tricks sessions and community and bonding sessions, as well as live music performances by top artists. The festival will provide attendees with a chance to participate in motorsports including dirt track racing, stunt shows and flat track challenges. Additionally, the attendees will be able to interact with race champions, riding experts and motorcycling legends.

Vimal Sumbly, Head of Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS MotoSoul is a mark of the motorcycling spirit. It celebrates the bond between man and machine. Each edition has not only grown in scale but has also deepened this connection among enthusiasts. Our commitment goes beyond just motorcycles; we are devoted to nurturing a thriving ecosystem of riders. As we gear up for TVS MotoSoul 4.0, we are excited to redefine the journey with extraordinary experiences, all wrapped in a vibrant and colourful theme that captures the free-spirited essence of our community. We are confident that our mission to democratise these experiences will lead to one of the most exhilarating celebrations of riders and their journeys at TVS MotoSoul 4.0.”