InnerCircle: ‘Electric bicycles should be the starting point in mainstream e-mobility market’, says Chintamani Sardesai, CEO, Nexzu Mobility | Autocar Professional

Electric cycles are gaining popularity with people becoming more cognisant of health benefits, environmental consciousness, technological changes and budget. However, unlike the Western markets, the Indian market is yet to witness a large-scale adoption.

At a time when the automotive industry is pushing for faster adoption of electric vehicles in scooters, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, Nexzu Mobility’s Chief Executive Officer Chintamani Sardesai is advocating for electric cycles to be in the mainstream market.

Mumbai-based Nexzu Mobility, (formerly known as Avan Motors), makes e-cycles that have a pedal as well as a throttle and can offer a riding range of up to 100 km in a single charge.

 “I have been advocating at various levels for electric cycles to be in the mainstream. We always talk about electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or four-wheelers, or a truck or a bus. A cycle is a basic thing. Why not promote electric cycles,” Sardesai said.

Electric cycles are gaining popularity with people becoming more cognisant of health benefits, environmental consciousness, technological changes and budget. However, unlike the Western markets, the Indian market is yet to witness a large-scale adoption. Lack of proper infrastructure, such as dedicated cycle lanes, charging stations, or accessible battery-swapping facilities are the major challenges in the wider adoption of electric cycles in India.

He noted that for the wider adoption of electric cycles, government initiatives have a big role to play. Currently, India does not provide any direct demand incentives for electric cycles or low-speed electric scooters.

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