Que: What personal experiences or observations motivated you and your co-founders to launch VIR Mobility?

Ans: Growing up, we saw how cycles were once central to India’s daily life – from students to working professionals – but gradually lost their place in urban mobility. At the same time, rapid urbanisation, rising fuel costs, and climate concerns created a clear need for sustainable alternatives. As first-generation entrepreneurs and engineers, my co-founders and I wanted to reimagine the cycle for today’s India – not just as a nostalgic product, but as a smart, aspirational, and affordable electric mobility solution. VIR Mobility was born from this vision.

Que: What are the key design and engineering choices that make the VIR BIKE unique in India’s e-cycle market?

Ans: VIR BIKE is designed with the principle of ‘Ride Without Compromise.’ Unlike many entry-level e-cycles that force users to trade off comfort or performance, we focus on delivering:
• Type-C connectors for seamless wire integration across components, reducing errors and improving durability.
• Lightweight, anti-corrosive aluminum frames with ergonomics suited for long commutes and diverse Indian terrains.
• Flexible battery systems designed for both easy swapping and intercharging.
• Smart displays with real-time speed, range, and error-code indications.
• Enhanced comfort features such as ergonomic seating and extendable stands that differentiate us in retail stores.
• A balance of affordability with premium features, including larger wheels, air suspension options, and integrated batteries in advanced models.

Que: How does your in-house R&D process ensure that products are truly built for Indian road and weather conditions?

Ans: Our R&D is completely in-house, with a test–iterate–improve cycle rooted in actual rider feedback. We run field tests on potholes, water-logged roads, steep inclines, and even high-temperature conditions to ensure reliability. Components like motors, brakes, and batteries are stress-tested for dust, heat, and heavy usage. This hands-on, India-first approach ensures that our e-cycles are not adapted from European designs but engineered specifically for India.

Que: With 90 percent of your components sourced locally, what has been the biggest challenge in achieving this level of localisation?

Ans: The biggest challenge has been maintaining quality consistency at scale. While India has a strong manufacturing base, many component suppliers were not initially accustomed to the precision standards required for e-mobility products. We worked closely with them – co-developing processes, setting strict benchmarks, and even training vendor teams – to ensure every part met global standards. It was a longer route, but it aligned with our vision of self-reliance and cost efficiency. In a fast-evolving industry, keeping our benchmarks high is what truly sets us apart from others.

Que: Have you explored partnerships with public transport authorities or private mobility players to promote multimodal commuting?

Ans: Yes, we strongly believe e-cycles are the ideal ‘first and last-mile connectors.’ We are exploring collaborations with metro authorities and co-living spaces where VIR Bikes can seamlessly integrate into daily commuting. On the private side, we are in discussions with college campuses and corporate hubs looking for greener fleet solutions. The larger vision is to position VIR not just in homes, but as part of public-driven yet privately adopted mobility ecosystems.

Que: What new features, models, or services can customers expect from VIR Mobility in the next 12–18 months?

Ans: Customers can look forward to:
• Two new VIR BIKE models, expanding both entry-level accessibility and premium design.
• Smart connectivity features, integrating e-cycles with mobile apps for tracking, diagnostics, and security.
• A folding e-cycle variant designed for urban portability and storage convenience.
• Expansion of our after-sales service network and innovative financing options to make e-cycles easier to own.
• Most importantly, a continued commitment to making e-cycles aspirational yet affordable for Indian consumers.