China’s Hellobike, Ant, and CATL Team Up to Reboot Urban Mobility with Robotaxis

In a bold stride toward redefining urban transportation, China's Hellobike has teamed up with Ant Group and CATL to launch a dedicated robotaxi venture. With an investment of over 3 billion yuan (approximately $417 million), this collaboration aims to go beyond autonomous vehicles, laying the foundation for a green, intelligent, and deeply integrated mobility ecosystem.

Founded in 2016 by Han Mei, Jiang Wei, Li Kaizhu, and Yang Lei, Hellobike—officially Hello TransTech—has rapidly evolved from a modest bike-sharing startup into a shared mobility powerhouse. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company initially caught attention with its focus on accessible and scalable bike services. Its acquisition by Youon Bike in 2017 didn’t slow its pace; instead, Hellobike expanded into e-bikes, carpooling, and ride-hailing—building the operational backbone that now supports its robotaxi ambitions.

So, what’s behind this high-octane trio?

• Hellobike contributes its deep operational know-how and user-facing mobility infrastructure.
• Ant Group injects cutting-edge digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and carbon credit tracking into the venture.
• CATL, the battery titan, powers the vision with its advanced energy solutions—including sodium-ion batteries and battery-swap innovation.

Their combined goal is a smart “vehicle-battery-cloud” system aimed at slashing 150,000 tons of carbon emissions annually while increasing operational efficiency by 30%. The first phase includes deploying 100,000 electric vehicles and 500 intelligent battery-swap cabinets across 20 cities, including Shanghai and Chengdu.

This isn’t just another autonomous driving experiment—it’s a blueprint for how fintech, clean energy, and shared mobility can converge to create scalable solutions for 21st-century cities. For markets like India watching from afar, the Hellobike model might offer inspiration for how homegrown mobility players and tech giants could team up to catalyze similar change.

Introducing India’s 1st Ever Magnesium Bicycle from Stryder Cycles, A Tata International Subsidiary

CONTINO range available on Amazon & the official website, offering discounts of up to 30%.

Stryder Cycles, a subsidiary of Tata International, introduces the CONTINO range of high-end alloy bicycles. The new CONTINO range brings eight new-models with a variety of multi-speed options like Mountain Bikes, Fat Bikes, BMX, and High-performance City Bikes. This innovative line-up also includes India's first-ever Magnesium bicycle 27.5 T Galactic.

Introduction to India's First Magnesium Bicycle

The innovative CONTINO range includes the 27.5T Galactic, India's first Magnesium bicycle, which seamlessly blends lightweight properties with advanced engineering to deliver a smooth and exciting riding experience. Magnesium frames not only enhance agility and manoeuvrability but also demonstrate remarkable durability in the demanding conditions of off-road cycling. Furthermore, the inherent vibration-dampening qualities of magnesium contribute significantly to a more comfortable ride for cyclists.

Rahul Gupta, Business Head said, “Stryder Cycles is committed to improve the cycling experience for its customers. With the launch of this new range, we introduce a new era of cycling technology, combining cutting-edge materials and design to revolutionize the premium bicycle market in India.”

Discover CONTINO: Premium Alloy Bicycles with Advanced Features

The CONTINO range features meticulously engineered lightweight alloy bicycles crafted from top-tier materials. Exceptional strength-to-weight ratios empower riders to conquer diverse terrains effortlessly. The latest models from the range raises the standard with unmatched versatility and progressive geometry. These high-end bicycles boast Logan dual disc brakes to ensure impeccable braking performance, delivering the confidence and control needed for both urban commuting and adventurous off-road rides. Additionally, features like Front suspension fork with lock-in lock-out technology guarantee a smooth and comfortable ride, adapting to varying terrains seamlessly. Inclusion of Pro wheel crank wheels and Shimano gear sets further enhances the bicycles' efficiency and precision.

About Stryder Cycle Pvt. Ltd:

Stryder Cycles offer a wide range of Electric and regular bicycles in segments like Alloy bikes, Mountain Bikes (MTB), SLR, Kids and Biking accessories. Stryder bicycles are available at more than 4000 retail outlets across India. Apart from being one of the leading bicycle brands in India, Stryder also has export operations in SAARC, Africa and Middle East countries and has more than four million happy riders across geographies. The brand completed ten years of operations in the year 2020.

Stryder Cycle Pvt. Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata International Ltd. Earlier a part of Tata International, the business was set up with a philanthropic mission of providing quality bicycles to the World Bicycle Relief (Africa). In the year 2009, the products started being retailed in the Indian domestic market under the marquee brand Tata Stryder.

Formed on core values and ethical standards that are part of the Tata Group heritage, we are committed to offer high-quality products and services to help improve the health and lifestyle of our society.

Stryder is the only cycle brand to be awarded the ‘ET Iconic brand of India Award’ by The Economic Times in 2020 and conferred with the ‘India’s most trusted brand’ by Marksman - Zee Business in 2022.

Onefitplus Launches Make in India Premium Bicycles Under Their Brand- Urban Terrain Exclusively Available on Flipkart

• This marks Urban Terrain’s entry into India’s fast-growing and mass scale-innovation segment
• Urban Terrain is an outdoor bicycle brand by OneFitPlus - India’s largest connected fitness company
• Priced between Rs 9,000 -- Rs 15,000, the launch expands Urban Terrain's bicycle portfolio into the mass-premium segment
• The company has witnessed 3x growth in FY2022
• Expects Urban Terrain to clock Rs 100 crore in ARR by FY23

Hyderabad, 2nd Sept 2021: OneFitPlus, India’s largest connected & at-home fitness company, announces the launch of ‘Made in India’ mass-premium bicycle range under its brand – Urban Terrain. With the Urban Terrain Bolt range, the brand expands its portfolio beyond the existing mountain, fat-tire bikes into the mass-premium segment. Urban Terrain Bolt will be available exclusively on Flipkart.

Urban Terrain offers functional and comfortable outdoor bikes with precise technological detailing to offer an ultimate riding experience. The bikes are priced between Rs 9,000 to Rs 15,000 and include pan India installation, diet plans and personal training videos.

Mohit Mathur, Founder & CEO, OneFitPlus, says “We are excited to bring a new range to match the growing demand for cycling in India. Cycling has become a worldwide trend. It ticks all the boxes in the pandemic-inspired fitness laundry list – from social distancing to a need for a healthy fitness regime. We aim to deliver quality coupled with great functionality to promote an active lifestyle amongst our users.”

The company stated that it has witnessed 3x growth in FY2022 and setting up its own manufacturing unit would help provide more value, range and improve demand fill rates.

Founded in 2017, Urban Terrain has a pan India presence, currently offering at-home free installations for over 27,000 pin codes, diet plans to users and has a ride tracking app that is free for all Urban Terrain customers. Recently, OneFitPlus announced Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra as their brand ambassadors who will also be seen promoting the Urban Terrain range of bikes. Urban Terrain expects the cycling business to touch Rs 100 crore ARR (annual revenue rate) next year.

Nikunj Mathur, Vice President Manufacturing, Urban Terrain, says “The Pandemic has brought about a mindset change as customers are looking for fitness options which doesn’t take too much of their time. Cycling as a concept has also become a lifestyle necessity. Urban Terrain caters to health enthusiasts to provide a complete ecosystem of fitness needs. Our bikes have the finest design and endurance quality meant for adventurous biking ensuring a long and durable lifespan with added comfort. With this range, we hope to introduce bicycles as a fitness lifestyle in Tier II & III cities as well.”

According to industry estimates, the bicycle industry is expected to witness a growth of 20% this fiscal, with sales likely to reach 1.45 crore units compared to 1.2 crore units last fiscal. According to a report by KPMG, the Indian bicycle industry’s market size is expected to grow 3x times in the next 10 years, from $1.3 billion in FY19 to $3.51 billion in FY30.

About OneFitPlus

Founded in 2017, OneFitPlus is a Fit-tech company promoting holistic health & wellness. OneFitPlus, one of the early entrants in the Indian connected fitness segment, has emerged as the largest fit tech company that operates with a philosophy of making exercise sports-like and help people achieve their fitness goals in a fun & easy manner. They provide smart home-fitness equipment, live streaming sessions, fitness gaming, nutrition experts and a rewards program to make fitness accessible and enjoyable.

Pandemic Leads to A Bicycle Boom, and Shortage, around World

Fitness junkies locked out of gyms, commuters fearful of public transit, and families going stir crazy inside their homes during the coronavirus pandemic have created a boom in bicycle sales unseen in decades.

In the United States, bicycle aisles at mass merchandisers like Walmart and Target have been swept clean, and independent shops are doing a brisk business and are selling out of affordable “family” bikes.

Bicycle sales over the past two months saw their biggest spike in the US since the oil crisis of the 1970s, said Jay Townley, who analyses cycling industry trends at Human Powered Solutions.

“People quite frankly have panicked, and they're buying bikes like toilet paper,” Townley said, referring to the rush to buy essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer that stores saw at the beginning of the pandemic.

The trend is mirrored around the globe, as cities better known for car-clogged streets, like Manila and Rome, install bike lanes to accommodate surging interest in cycling while public transport remains curtailed.

In London, municipal authorities plan to go further by banning cars from some central thoroughfares.

Bike shop owners in the Philippine capital say demand is stronger than at Christmas.

Financial incentives are boosting sales in Italy, where the government's post-lockdown stimulus last month included a 500-euro ($575) “bici bonus” rebate for up to 60% of the cost of a bike.

But that's if you can get your hands on one. The craze has led to shortages that will take some weeks, maybe months, to resolve, particularly in the US, which relies on China for about 90% of its bicycles, Townley said.

Production there was largely shut down due to the coronavirus and is just resuming.

The bicycle rush kicked off in mid-March around the time countries were shutting their borders, businesses were closing, and stay-at-home orders were being imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus that has infected millions of people and killed more than 450,000.

Sales of adult leisure bikes tripled in April while overall US bike sales, including kids' and electric-assist bicycles, doubled from the year before, according to market research firm NPD Group, which tracks retail bike sales.

It's a far cry from what was anticipated in the US. The $6 billion industry had projected lower sales based on lower volume in 2019 in which punitive tariffs on bicycles produced in China reached 25%.

There are multiple reasons for the pandemic bicycle boom.

Around the world, many workers were looking for an alternative to buses and subways.



People unable to go to their gyms looked for another way to exercise. And shut-in families scrambled to find a way to keep kids active during stay-at-home orders.

“Kids are looking for something to do. They've probably reached the end of the internet by now, so you've got to get out and do something,” said Dave Palese at Gorham Bike and Ski, a Maine shop where there are slim pickings for family-oriented, leisure bikes.

Bar Harbour restaurateur Brian Smith bought a new bike for one of his daughters, a competitive swimmer, who was unable to get into the pool.

On a recent day, he was heading back to his local bike shop to outfit his youngest daughter, who'd just learned how to ride.

His three daughters use their bikes every day, and the entire family goes for rides a couple of times a week.

The fact that they're getting exercise and enjoying fresh air is a bonus.

“It's fun. Maybe that's the bottom line. It's really fun to ride bikes,” Smith said as he and his 7-year-old daughter, Ellery, pedaled to the bicycle shop.

The pandemic is also driving a boom in electric-assist bikes, called e-bikes, which were a niche part of the overall market until now. Most e-bikes require a cyclist to pedal, but electric motors provide extra oomph.

VanMoof, a Dutch e-bike maker, is seeing “unlimited demand” since the pandemic began, resulting in a 10-week order backlog for its commuter electric bikes, compared with typical one-day delivery time, said co-founder Taco Carlier. The company's sales surged 138% in the US and rocketed 184% in Britain in the February-April period over last year, with big gains in other European countries.

The company is scrambling to ramp up production as fast as it can, but it will take two to three months to meet the demand, Carlier said.

“We did have some issues with our supply chain back in January, February when the crisis hit first in Asia,” said Carlier.

But “the issue is now with demand, not supply.”

Sales at Cowboy, a Belgian e-bike maker, tripled in the January-April period from last year. Notably, they spiked in Britain and France at around the same time in May that those countries started easing lockdown restrictions, said Chief Marketing Officer Benoit Simeray.

“It's now becoming very obvious for most of us living in and around cities that we don't want to go back into public transportation,” said Simeray.

But people may still need to buy groceries or commute to the office one or two days a week, so “then they're starting to really, really think about electric bikes as the only solution they've got."(AP)

Coming Soon A High-Tech Cycle Valley in Ludhiana District

The Punjab government will establish a high-tech cycle valley spread over 383 acres in Dhanansu village of Ludhiana district as part of its efforts to bolster the industrial sector and create jobs, the state's Industries and Commerce Minister Sunder Sham Arora said on Sunday.

The modalities with regard to purchasing the required land have been completed and the layout plan has also been accorded approval. The project would entail a cost of Rs 300 crore, he said in an official statement here.

Arora said the Chief Minister Amarinder Singh-led Congress government is working diligently towards setting up such industrial units in the state which would serve the twin purpose of being environmentally friendly and providing employment avenues to the youth.

He said the requisite clearances for establishing the cycle valley have already been obtained, including those from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The minister said a 100-acre plot has been allotted and possession given to Hero Cycles Limited, Ludhiana in December 2018 for setting up of its main unit.

Arora said Hero Cycles has set a target of commencing production by April 2022.

The cycle valley would be connected with the Chandigarh-Ludhiana National Highway by constructing a 100-feet wide four-lane and 8.5 km long external road, the minister added.

Hero Cycles to Launch Electric Bicycle 'Lectro' in the UK

Hero Cycles Monday said it will launch its electric bicycle brand Lectro in the UK in the coming months.

The company will use already existing distribution network through UK-based Avocet Sports, which it acquired in 2015, to make the product available in Britain and the EU, Hero Cycles said in a statement.

"Over 45,000 units of Lectro are likely to be exported over the next few months with the product widely expected to find resonance among the British consumers," it said.

As an innovative electric-bicycle, Lectro is expected to strike a chord with a wide variety of consumers in the UK/EU -- from office goers to youth to the elderly, Hero Cycles Ltd Chairman Pankaj M Munjal said.



"The fact that it requires no charging stations has been a major factor in propelling its popularity since there is no range anxiety associated with it," he added.

The company said Lectro has been designed at its global design centre in Manchester in accordance to European taste and preference.

Lectro is currently available in India with price starting at Rs 18,999 and going up to Rs 26,999. It is manufactured at the company's Ludhiana facility.

Hero Cycles further said it is also in talks for possible collaboration with a few Japanese manufacturers for partnership in electric drive units to upgrade overall usage experience of its customers. PTI RKL

Bike Sharing - A Healthy Lifestyle and Better Time Management

Bike sharing is no longer just material idealistic hipster talk. Cities across the world have seen people leave their car keys home and head over to the nearest cycle station, pedaling away to their destinations. Paris and Copenhagen boast integrated cycling networks that include thousands of stations and state-of-the-art technology. That bike-sharing boom can also be seen in Indian cities, (in)famous for their traffic gridlocks. There are many reasons why informed commuters are finding their transport solution in a cycle rental rather than cars and buses – it is all about the multi-pronged benefits.

Negotiate the Traffic with Ease

Cycles have always been an efficient mode of transport. A staple of the rural and semi-urban countryside, the humble ‘seat and two wheels’ is slowly becoming the answer to the packed urban schedule. A cycle can be squeezed through stationary traffic without anyone objecting and cyclists can from point A to point B via typical Indian skinny alleys that even scooters and motorbikes would struggle to maneuver in. Changed minds about the route? With a cycle, it is as easy as lifting it up and doing an about turn.

The time saved on commuting is precious. An extra half-hour, either way you can be some rejuvenating sofa-TV time or even a bit of reading or catching up with the kids.

A Health Upgrade

A lot of city-dwellers have undergone the routine of joining a gym only to have the enthusiasm fade away in a couple of weeks. Exercise is not just about motivation. It is also about tricking the brain into a pleasure-giving habit that works the muscles. With a cycling habit, even the most lethargic will find a new lease of life. Here are just some of the many ways cycling can rejuvenate a person.

Consistent cycling is a great way to lose belly fat but the weight loss benefit does not stop there. It is a perfect exercise for those who want to tone their body while maintaining agility. And all this can be done while going for an errand. Cardiovascular fitness, or the lack of, is a serious issue in India. Heart disease is rampant as people eat more and spend more time sitting. Cycling strengthens the body’s most important set of muscles – the heart. With a stronger heart, people will enjoy better stamina for other tasks. The weight management and cardio benefits of cycling help reduce the chances of hypertension and even diabetes.

Core body strengthening can be achieved by a good bout of cycling now and then. The cycling posture is low impact and also improves back strength. It is recommended over jogging on the treadmill as it is easier on the weight-bearing lower body muscles and leg joints. Cycling is also good for joint mobility and flexibility. It increases muscle strength of the legs and constant cycling also improves muscle coordination and reflexes.

From a mental point-of-view, cycling is a trusted stress buster. The adrenaline rush is a positive body reaction that can lift a person’s mood. Exercise also gives participants a sense of achievement and gives them a confidence boost that can translate in many ways, including at the workplace.

The best part about cycling is that it is easy. Once a rider gets the hang of it, the natural body movements integrate seamlessly with the bike – unlike other complex exercises and sports that require a fair bit of practice. Cycling is fun, so it takes the mind off the exercise allowing people to be active for more hours than they would usually achieve in a gym or running track.

A Great Way to Explore

For travellers looking to feel the pulse of a new city, there is no better way than to dive into the crowded melees and buzzing markets on a cycle. From Chandni Chowk in the evenings to a sunrise trip around Mumbai’s heritage streets, a cycling route can be punctuated with stops for chai and snacks – without the nightmare of driving in circles looking for parking. With mostly plain landscape, India’s cities have easily doable and fascinating cycling routes – old towns and scenic countryside included.

A Responsible Way to Travel

Doomsday scenarios are not as unrealistic as one may have initially thought with climate change causing havoc. At a local level, temperatures have risen and pollution has increased just from the exhaust of buildings and vehicles. A cycle on the other hand, is the cleanest mode of transport. The only thing burning is calories. This progressive attitude towards commute is a great way to make friends too. Many cycling clubs, formal and informal, have formed in India’s cities, driven by a common goal of sustainability and a healthy lifestyle.

Cycling Rentals – Making Things Easy

For those who are not ready to make an investment in a cycle, rentals are the best way to enjoy the ride without having the liability. There are no time limits for how long one can rent a cycle for – with pre-booking, commuters can hold on to the cycle from as little as an hour to an entire month. Cycling rentals also get rid of storage issues – which can be a problem for cycle owners who live in apartment blocks or small urban spaces.

A lot of trips within the city are short enough for a cycle ride. With companies like Pedl, booking a cycle online is as easy as it gets. Customers just need to find the nearest Pedl station and unlock a cycle with a popular wallet app. The rates for Pedl shared cycles are cheap – at INR 3 for half an hour no other transport option can beat that. When the ride is over, cyclists can drop the ride back at the nearest Pedl station, which are dispersed across the city.

From gaining mobility and flexibility in even the worst of traffic jams to increasing cardiovascular health, cycling is an activity that is life changing in multiple ways. Step out and rent a bike – feel the wind and freedom of this timeless piece of transport.

Bike Sharing - A Healthy Lifestyle and Better Time Management

Bike sharing is no longer just material idealistic hipster talk. Cities across the world have seen people leave their car keys home and head over to the nearest cycle station, pedaling away to their destinations. Paris and Copenhagen boast integrated cycling networks that include thousands of stations and state-of-the-art technology. That bike-sharing boom can also be seen in Indian cities, (in)famous for their traffic gridlocks. There are many reasons why informed commuters are finding their transport solution in a cycle rental rather than cars and buses – it is all about the multi-pronged benefits.

Negotiate the Traffic with Ease

Cycles have always been an efficient mode of transport. A staple of the rural and semi-urban countryside, the humble ‘seat and two wheels’ is slowly becoming the answer to the packed urban schedule. A cycle can be squeezed through stationary traffic without anyone objecting and cyclists can from point A to point B via typical Indian skinny alleys that even scooters and motorbikes would struggle to maneuver in. Changed minds about the route? With a cycle, it is as easy as lifting it up and doing an about turn.

The time saved on commuting is precious. An extra half-hour, either way you can be some rejuvenating sofa-TV time or even a bit of reading or catching up with the kids.

A Health Upgrade

A lot of city-dwellers have undergone the routine of joining a gym only to have the enthusiasm fade away in a couple of weeks. Exercise is not just about motivation. It is also about tricking the brain into a pleasure-giving habit that works the muscles. With a cycling habit, even the most lethargic will find a new lease of life. Here are just some of the many ways cycling can rejuvenate a person.

Consistent cycling is a great way to lose belly fat but the weight loss benefit does not stop there. It is a perfect exercise for those who want to tone their body while maintaining agility. And all this can be done while going for an errand. Cardiovascular fitness, or the lack of, is a serious issue in India. Heart disease is rampant as people eat more and spend more time sitting. Cycling strengthens the body’s most important set of muscles – the heart. With a stronger heart, people will enjoy better stamina for other tasks. The weight management and cardio benefits of cycling help reduce the chances of hypertension and even diabetes.

Core body strengthening can be achieved by a good bout of cycling now and then. The cycling posture is low impact and also improves back strength. It is recommended over jogging on the treadmill as it is easier on the weight-bearing lower body muscles and leg joints. Cycling is also good for joint mobility and flexibility. It increases muscle strength of the legs and constant cycling also improves muscle coordination and reflexes.

From a mental point-of-view, cycling is a trusted stress buster. The adrenaline rush is a positive body reaction that can lift a person’s mood. Exercise also gives participants a sense of achievement and gives them a confidence boost that can translate in many ways, including at the workplace.

The best part about cycling is that it is easy. Once a rider gets the hang of it, the natural body movements integrate seamlessly with the bike – unlike other complex exercises and sports that require a fair bit of practice. Cycling is fun, so it takes the mind off the exercise allowing people to be active for more hours than they would usually achieve in a gym or running track.

A Great Way to Explore

For travellers looking to feel the pulse of a new city, there is no better way than to dive into the crowded melees and buzzing markets on a cycle. From Chandni Chowk in the evenings to a sunrise trip around Mumbai’s heritage streets, a cycling route can be punctuated with stops for chai and snacks – without the nightmare of driving in circles looking for parking. With mostly plain landscape, India’s cities have easily doable and fascinating cycling routes – old towns and scenic countryside included.

A Responsible Way to Travel

Doomsday scenarios are not as unrealistic as one may have initially thought with climate change causing havoc. At a local level, temperatures have risen and pollution has increased just from the exhaust of buildings and vehicles. A cycle on the other hand, is the cleanest mode of transport. The only thing burning is calories. This progressive attitude towards commute is a great way to make friends too. Many cycling clubs, formal and informal, have formed in India’s cities, driven by a common goal of sustainability and a healthy lifestyle.

Cycling Rentals – Making Things Easy

For those who are not ready to make an investment in a cycle, rentals are the best way to enjoy the ride without having the liability. There are no time limits for how long one can rent a cycle for – with pre-booking, commuters can hold on to the cycle from as little as an hour to an entire month. Cycling rentals also get rid of storage issues – which can be a problem for cycle owners who live in apartment blocks or small urban spaces.

A lot of trips within the city are short enough for a cycle ride. With companies like Pedl, booking a cycle online is as easy as it gets. Customers just need to find the nearest Pedl station and unlock a cycle with a popular wallet app. The rates for Pedl shared cycles are cheap – at INR 3 for half an hour no other transport option can beat that. When the ride is over, cyclists can drop the ride back at the nearest Pedl station, which are dispersed across the city.

From gaining mobility and flexibility in even the worst of traffic jams to increasing cardiovascular health, cycling is an activity that is life changing in multiple ways. Step out and rent a bike – feel the wind and freedom of this timeless piece of transport.

Zoomcar To Offer Bicycles For Rent At Rs 20 Per Hour

While cycling might not be that famous a sport among the current generation right now, it is important to bring that trend back considering the traffic and pollution situation that our cities are facing and the health issues we’re piling on because of our busy schedules.

Gauging the opportunity that lies ahead, several firms have come up with bicycle-sharing services of their own. Bangalore-based self-drive car rental startup Zoomcar is one such startup. The startup recently launched a tech-enabled bicycle-sharing service called Pedl.

After months of planning and testing out the model, Zoomcar has finally launched India's first app-based cycle renting platform. Though the startup is initially starting with 500 bicycles across three cities – Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, it eventually plans on having at least 10,000 cycles on the road by the end of this year.

To be made available at Rs 10 for half an hour (Rs 20 per hour), the startup aims to make a Pedl bicycle available every 50 to 100 meters in Indian cities.

But, are Indian roads ready for bicycle rentals?

While on the face of it, Indian roads don’t seem so ideal for cycling, but Zoomcar co-founder and CEO, Greg Moran believes that it is more of a ‘chicken and egg kind of situation’ – “China didn’t have many cycle lanes when they started cycle rentals. As the service grew infrastructure was also built. It will happen here too. We got to take the leap. A business model has to come from the private sector. The government then works to create an ecosystem, like it is doing for e-cars.”

Zoomcar is hoping that bicycle rentals end up having a greater impact on Indian users than what was witnessed in China. While bicycle companies in the US offer their users a model where they can drop a bicycle anywhere and it gets automatically locked. The bike can then be unlocked via a QR code. However, in India, Pedl is planning to have drop points where bicycles can be easily parked.



“We look at India independent of China. If you look at our model it is different from what is done there. In China, the bicycles are abandoned. There is no thought process on making a user’s cycling experience consistent. We wanted to take a civic-minded approach, especially because India has infrastructural issues,” said Moran.

Moran also revealed that at present Zoomcar is in the midst of discussions with various governmental bodies to develop policies and design urban infrastructure that can prove helpful in propagation of dock-less cycle sharing across the Indian subcontinent.

While after cars, Zoomcar seems to be focused on capturing the bicycle rental market, it has no plans of entering into bike and scooter rentals anytime soon. This is preliminary because of regulatory hurdles that restrict the use of two-wheelers as commercial vehicles in India. However, according to Moran the firm has already evaluated the option and had also put it in a testing mode.

China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo, which is popularly also referred to as the Uber for Bikes, will soon enter the Indian market. The company, which became a unicorn earlier this year might grace the Indian market with its presence by the first half of next year.

While China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo is gearing to enter India early next year, its Indian counterpart self-drive car and bike rental firm Drivezy has decided to get ready for the challenge by raising a whooping Rs 65 crore ($10 million) in a part-equity and part-debt round recently.

It seems, the competition in the bike rental business in the country is going to spruce up like never before.

This development was first reported in MoneyControl.

[Image: NDTV Gadgets]

Zoomcar To Offer Bicycles For Rent At Rs 20 Per Hour

While cycling might not be that famous a sport among the current generation right now, it is important to bring that trend back considering the traffic and pollution situation that our cities are facing and the health issues we’re piling on because of our busy schedules.

Gauging the opportunity that lies ahead, several firms have come up with bicycle-sharing services of their own. Bangalore-based self-drive car rental startup Zoomcar is one such startup. The startup recently launched a tech-enabled bicycle-sharing service called Pedl.

After months of planning and testing out the model, Zoomcar has finally launched India's first app-based cycle renting platform. Though the startup is initially starting with 500 bicycles across three cities – Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, it eventually plans on having at least 10,000 cycles on the road by the end of this year.

To be made available at Rs 10 for half an hour (Rs 20 per hour), the startup aims to make a Pedl bicycle available every 50 to 100 meters in Indian cities.

But, are Indian roads ready for bicycle rentals?

While on the face of it, Indian roads don’t seem so ideal for cycling, but Zoomcar co-founder and CEO, Greg Moran believes that it is more of a ‘chicken and egg kind of situation’ – “China didn’t have many cycle lanes when they started cycle rentals. As the service grew infrastructure was also built. It will happen here too. We got to take the leap. A business model has to come from the private sector. The government then works to create an ecosystem, like it is doing for e-cars.”

Zoomcar is hoping that bicycle rentals end up having a greater impact on Indian users than what was witnessed in China. While bicycle companies in the US offer their users a model where they can drop a bicycle anywhere and it gets automatically locked. The bike can then be unlocked via a QR code. However, in India, Pedl is planning to have drop points where bicycles can be easily parked.



“We look at India independent of China. If you look at our model it is different from what is done there. In China, the bicycles are abandoned. There is no thought process on making a user’s cycling experience consistent. We wanted to take a civic-minded approach, especially because India has infrastructural issues,” said Moran.

Moran also revealed that at present Zoomcar is in the midst of discussions with various governmental bodies to develop policies and design urban infrastructure that can prove helpful in propagation of dock-less cycle sharing across the Indian subcontinent.

While after cars, Zoomcar seems to be focused on capturing the bicycle rental market, it has no plans of entering into bike and scooter rentals anytime soon. This is preliminary because of regulatory hurdles that restrict the use of two-wheelers as commercial vehicles in India. However, according to Moran the firm has already evaluated the option and had also put it in a testing mode.

China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo, which is popularly also referred to as the Uber for Bikes, will soon enter the Indian market. The company, which became a unicorn earlier this year might grace the Indian market with its presence by the first half of next year.

While China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo is gearing to enter India early next year, its Indian counterpart self-drive car and bike rental firm Drivezy has decided to get ready for the challenge by raising a whooping Rs 65 crore ($10 million) in a part-equity and part-debt round recently.

It seems, the competition in the bike rental business in the country is going to spruce up like never before.

This development was first reported in MoneyControl.

[Image: NDTV Gadgets]

Beijing-based Bicycle Sharing Startup Ofo To Enter India Next Year

China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo is planning to enter the Indian market, according to an Economic Times report. The report claims that the company, which became a unicorn earlier this year might grace the Indian market with its presence by the first half of next year.

The world's first and largest station-free bike share platform and mobile app, ofo provides sustainable, affordable transportation to all.

China's bicycle rentals on-demand space has been flourishing at an unprecedented rate with the sector raking in investments worth more than $300 million this year alone. In February this year, Beijing-based Ofo, which is popularly also referred to as the Uber for Bikes, became the first player in the space to have reached the much-coveted $1 billion valuation, thus adding the title unicorn to its name.

Considering the startup has already captured its home market, it makes sense that the company now wants to expand beyond its home market.

“Ofo is currently doing extensive ground research in India, examining government policies and the permissions required where foreign businesses in the transportation sector are concerned, as well as looking into the infrastructural limitations,” the report quotes a person aware about the development.

The person also highlights that considering the fact that sharing economy already exists in India, select state government officials in the country realise that if Ofo enters the country it can significantly help in resolving the congestion issues that the South Asian country is facing. He also shares that the government can also act on building larger regional transit systems that are sustainable and are in line with smart cities plans.

Founded in 2014, Ofo’s mission is to solve the “last mile” problem of urban transportation, helping commuters and travelers get to exactly where they need to go by making bikes accessible to everyone. It is currently one of the world’s leading “station-free” bike-sharing platform operated via an online mobile app.

Since Ofo’s system doesn’t require any docking stations, it provides its users significant flexibility to find and return bikes anywhere, anytime.

In addition to India, the startup backed by Didi Chuxing is also contemplating an expansion into Indonesia by next year.

This development was first reported in Economic Times.

Beijing-based Bicycle Sharing Startup Ofo To Enter India Next Year

China’s bicycle rentals on-demand startup, Ofo is planning to enter the Indian market, according to an Economic Times report. The report claims that the company, which became a unicorn earlier this year might grace the Indian market with its presence by the first half of next year.

The world's first and largest station-free bike share platform and mobile app, ofo provides sustainable, affordable transportation to all.

China's bicycle rentals on-demand space has been flourishing at an unprecedented rate with the sector raking in investments worth more than $300 million this year alone. In February this year, Beijing-based Ofo, which is popularly also referred to as the Uber for Bikes, became the first player in the space to have reached the much-coveted $1 billion valuation, thus adding the title unicorn to its name.

Considering the startup has already captured its home market, it makes sense that the company now wants to expand beyond its home market.

“Ofo is currently doing extensive ground research in India, examining government policies and the permissions required where foreign businesses in the transportation sector are concerned, as well as looking into the infrastructural limitations,” the report quotes a person aware about the development.

The person also highlights that considering the fact that sharing economy already exists in India, select state government officials in the country realise that if Ofo enters the country it can significantly help in resolving the congestion issues that the South Asian country is facing. He also shares that the government can also act on building larger regional transit systems that are sustainable and are in line with smart cities plans.

Founded in 2014, Ofo’s mission is to solve the “last mile” problem of urban transportation, helping commuters and travelers get to exactly where they need to go by making bikes accessible to everyone. It is currently one of the world’s leading “station-free” bike-sharing platform operated via an online mobile app.

Since Ofo’s system doesn’t require any docking stations, it provides its users significant flexibility to find and return bikes anywhere, anytime.

In addition to India, the startup backed by Didi Chuxing is also contemplating an expansion into Indonesia by next year.

This development was first reported in Economic Times.