Q) What was the inspiration behind Yulu?

Amit Gupta: Ideally, Yulu was my brain-child, but Yulu holds the position of being the largest e-mobility player in India today only because of our dream team, which came along with the other co-founders who have their own expertise in technology, operations, and EV ecosystem to enhance the product offering further, so that the commuters have a great experience. The impact of air pollution and traffic congestion on the environment was a worrying trend that we commonly wanted to address through technology.

Our vision is to decongest urban traffic by providing a highly scalable, affordable, efficient, and clean mode for the first and last mile connectivity and short distance commute. The future of mobility is safe, smart, shared, sustainable, and small and electric vehicles have a big role in this transition. Hence, the idea of smaller and efficient clean energy vehicles was an obvious route that we chose.

Q) How was the Miracle conceived?

Amit Gupta: After launching the Yulu Move, we found that the average distance travelled by bicycle was two km and Yulu bicycles were mostly not used by people who had to ride between three and five km. There were several explanations for this: it was too hot, the trip was too long, they didn’t want to cycle so much, or they wanted a quicker way of commuting.

That’s when the team began thinking about a product on electric mobility. Yulu launched its electric scooter – Yulu Miracle – in Bangalore in 2019. Yulu’s vision is to provide shared, smart and sustainable urban e-mobility solution which is seamlessly integrated with public transport with an objective to drastically reduce congestion and pollution and improve economic productivity. Our mobility solutions are special; they are created for shared economy and solo-ridership.

Q) How does Yulu Business Model caters to the issues in Indian EV Ecosystem faces?

Amit Gupta:

Solved for Battery Charging Infrastructure:

Yulu has solved the ‘chicken and egg’ problem faced by the electric vehicle ecosystem in India, where the lack of charging infrastructure influences the advent of EVs, and vice versa. The company has created a unique battery-swapping network by placing its proprietary IoT-enabled charging box (Yulu Max) at hundreds of mom-n-pop stores across its operational areas. Yulu’s on-ground Ops team is able to locate the nearest Yulu Max which has charged batteries using a dedicated app for the Ops team. The same app shows the set of vehicles that have a battery-charge level below a defined threshold along with their real-time location. This method is low cost and highly scalable.

Solved for Parking Infrastructure:

Unlike China, Indian cities don’t have the infrastructure for parking of shared mobility vehicles. Yulu has solved this problem by working with cities, corporates and citizens who have given access to prime real estate to create Yulu Zones. Most of these spots have been given to Yulu in kind to help build sustainable mobility for the cities in a collaborative manner. Yulu has been able to replicate this model in every city it operates.

Solved for the Safety of the Assets:

Yulu Miracle has a theft rate of less than one percent, which is significantly lower than global ride-sharing platforms. This is attributable to Yulu’s operational model of drop off at designated Yulu Zones and a human network of local informers and ‘well-wishers’ who tip off its Ops team in case of any potential abuse or theft incident. Further, as the Yulu Miracle was designed specifically for shared mobility, it has no ‘standard’ parts which could be used in other bikes in the market, so there is economic value for someone stealing them. Additionally, Yulu has deployed a team of ‘bike-marshals’ who ensure strong consequence-management actions when they catch someone doing wrong with its fleet.

Solved for High Durability:

Yulu Miracle has been built keeping in mind the convenience of users on Indian roads, ease of maintenance for the on-ground Ops team and durability to be used in a shared mobility model. The minimal use of plastic parts and regular proactive maintenance activities have ensured that the Miracles are in good working condition at all times. The first batch of Miracles deployed in Bangalore, which have been on the road for over seven months, has shown no sign of a reduction in asset quality.

Q) Can we expect any newer models in your range?

Amit Gupta: We have two models deployed on road, while we are working on a few hybrid and high-speed models. (MT)

TVS Motor Company, a leading manufacturer of two-wheelers and three-wheelers, has introduced the updated TVS Apache RR310, its flagship offering in the premium sports motorcycle category.

The 2025 edition is now compliant to the OBD-2B norms with prices starting at INR 277,999 (ex-showroom India). As part of 20th anniversary commemoration of the TVS Apache series, the TVS Apache RR 310 now gets segment-first Sequential TSL and Cornering Drag Torque Control (RT-DSC). It also features Launch Control (RT-DSC), Gen-2 Race Computer with Multi Language Support and 8 Spoke Alloy Wheels.

Available in two variants with three BTO customisation options, the Apache RR 310 continues to build upon TVS Racing’s pedigree.

The Apache RR 310 is powered by a refined reverse-inclined DOHC engine, which produces 38 PS at 9,800 rpm and a peak torque of 29 Nm at 7,900 rpm.

Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, "Since its debut in 2017, the TVS Apache RR 310 has emerged as a formidable force in the super-premium sport motorcycle segment, redefining performance benchmarks through its race-bred DNA. Rooted in over 43 years of TVS Racing heritage, it embodies our relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. The latest evolution of the RR 310 integrates cutting-edge technologies such as segment-first: sequential turn signal lamps (TSL), Launch Control and Drag Torque Control – reinforcing our leadership in rider-focused advancements. The new BTO Race Replica colourway pays tribute to our record-breaking TVS Asia One Make Championship legacy. With this latest avatar, the Apache RR 310 not only pushes the boundaries of track performance but also elevates everyday rideability – delivering a thrilling yet refined experience that appeals to both spirited racers and discerning enthusiasts.”

Bengaluru-headquartered electric vehicle company Ultraviolette Automotive (Ultraviolette) has announced a latest strategic alliance with MotoMondo, as its official importer and distributor for the United Kingdom and the Benelux region, which includes Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

This announcement is part of Ultravilotte’s ambition to expand its presence in the global market, especially the European region. As part of the understanding, the company will introduce the F77 MACH 2 Recon in the region for an introductory price of GBP 8,499 till 30 June 2025, post which the price will increase to GBP 9,399.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said“We are thrilled to partner with MotoMondo to bring the Ultraviolette experience to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. This partnership represents a significant milestone in our global journey as we expand the Ultraviolette brand beyond India into some of the world's most mature and discerning motorcycling markets. MotoMondo’s proven expertise in establishing and growing premium motorcycle brands across Europe makes them the perfect partner to represent Ultraviolette in these key regions. Their deep understanding of the market, combined with a passion for innovation and motorcycling culture, ensures that the Ultraviolette ecosystem-from product experience to aftersales support, will be world-class from day one. This is just the beginning, and we’re incredibly excited about the road ahead.”

Jan Ykema, Managing Director, MotoMondo, added, “We are proud to bring Ultraviolette, the most advanced electric motorcycle brand of the world, to the United Kingdom and Benelux region. Their technology is unprecedented, and we have only just seen the beginning! Ultraviolette will disrupt the current motorcycle market by offering a real alternative for all combustion engines.”

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), one of the country's leading two-wheeler manufacturers, has launched the OBD2B-compliant Dio 125 scooter at INR 96,749 (ex-showroom Pune).

The new Dio 125 gets refreshed colour scheme and graphics, 4.2-inch TFT display with mileage indicator, trip meter, eco indicator and range (distance to empty). Furthermore, it is compatible with Honda RoadSync app for providing navigation and call/message alerts, Smart key and a USB Type-C charging port.

Mechanically, the Dio 125 remains unchanged and continues to be powered by a 123.92cc, single-cylinder PGM-Fi engine, which produces 6.11 kW of power and 10.5 Nm of torque.

It will be available in two variants, DLX and H-Smart, with five colour options on sale.

Tsutsumu Otani, Managing Director, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “For over 21 years, the Dio has been an iconic name in the Indian market, standing as a symbol of style, performance, and trust. It has consistently been the first choice for customers looking for a trendy and reliable moto-scooter. With the launch of the new OBD2B Dio 125, we are excited to take forward its iconic legacy, keeping the core concept of moto-scooter intact, with added value and excitement for our customers.”

Yogesh Mathur, Director, Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “We are ecstatic to introduce the new OBD2B version of Dio 125 – a scooter that has resonated with young India for years. With its refreshed graphics, advanced TFT display, and enhanced connectivity features, the new Dio 125 is designed to meet the evolving aspirations of today’s customers. True to its tagline, ‘Dio Wanna Have Fun?’, this moto scooter has always been a popular choice among India's younger generation, and this update will further strengthen its position in the segment.”

Suzuki Motorcycle India (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan has partnered Flipkart to introduce digital buying experience for its customers.

From 15 April 2025, potential customers in eight Indian states – Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya and Mizoram will be able to book Suzuki scooters and motorcycles on Flipkart. To begin with customers will have options to purchase the Avenis scooter and GIXXER, GIXXER SF, GIXXER 250, GIXXER SF 250 and V-Strom SX motorcycles online.

Deepak Mutreja, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India, said, “As more customers now prefer digital platforms for their purchases, we are committed to meeting them where they are. By associating with Flipkart, we are leveraging the growing digital ecosystem to offer customers a convenient and trusted platform to explore and buy Suzuki two-wheelers. We believe this move will further strengthen our reach and customer engagement in the Indian market.”

Sujith S Agashe, Senior Director, Electronics at Flipkart, said, “At Flipkart, we are constantly working to enhance our customer journey offering greater convenience and choice, backed by Flipkart’s trusted digital ecosystem. Our partnership with Suzuki Motorcycle India is a testament to this commitment, as we enable customers across the country to explore and book premium two-wheelers from the comfort of their homes. We are excited to bring greater convenience and choice to today’s digitally savvy consumers.”