Green Wheels For A Greener India: VIR Mobility’s Role In Sustainable Transport

As climate action becomes a shared national priority, emerging mobility startups are stepping up to drive impact on the ground. VIR Mobility, an electric cycle company founded by three engineers, is proving that clean, affordable, and inclusive transport is possible with the right vision. In this exclusive CSR Connect Journal interview, co-founder Sahil Uttekar shares insights on how e-bikes can change the way India moves—without polluting the air we breathe.

What made you start VIR Mobility?
VIR Mobility was born out of deeply personal experiences. All three co-founders, including myself, grew up in Army cantonments and rural regions like Konkan, where commuting even 4–5 km for school, work, or essentials was a daily challenge—especially for girls and the elderly. We saw firsthand how the lack of accessible, dignified mobility limited opportunities.

We realized the humble bicycle had potential, but it needed to be effortless and reliable to truly serve India’s last-mile needs. That’s when we envisioned reimagining it as an electric cycle—affordable, inclusive, and designed for real Indian roads.

I come from an EV research background with hands-on experience in retrofitting petrol bikes to electric. Sharing same alma mater with Ravi, whose first startup catered to defence personnel through platforms like udChalo.com—a $100 million GMV business—brought strong domain insight and a shared passion for mobility. We first connected in 2019 and later aligned on the idea that e-cycles—not bikes—were the real future of sustainable commute in every part of India.

Rahul, our third co-founder, had been successfully running a profitable electromechanical venture as an industrialist in the HVAC space, with deep expertise in BLDC motors and mechanical systems. His factory-first mindset and strong technical grounding were instrumental in setting up our manufacturing processes. Together, our complementary backgrounds helped shape VIR Mobility—not just as a company, but as a mission to deliver clean, dignified mobility across both urban and rural India.

How is it different from a regular cycle?
VIR Bikes come with pedal-assist, a BLDC hub motor, and a lithium-ion battery. Riders can switch between manual and assisted modes, enabling longer, easier, and faster commutes. It’s cycling—but smarter and more inclusive.

Moreover, VIR Bike is India’s first brand to integrate a Type-C connector in e-cycles—making connectivity simpler, more durable, and truly future-ready. This is part of our larger commitment to deliver a ride without compromise, where every detail—from performance and build quality to user-friendly features—is engineered to exceed expectations. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about redefining everyday mobility with smart, reliable, and premium experiences.

Cycles and bikes are considered symbols of a healthy lifestyle. By introducing e-bikes, are you challenging that notion?
Not at all. E-bikes encourage more people—especially seniors, women, and those with health constraints—to cycle more often. It reduces physical strain but still promotes active commuting. It’s health-forward and environment-positive.

How does it operate? What is the cost and maintenance of the e-bike?
Our e-bikes operate on a pedal-assist system powered by a battery and rear hub motor, delivering a smooth and efficient ride. One full charge offers a range of 40–60 km. Starting at ₹30,000, VIR Bikes are among the most premium e-cycles in India—designed for those who seek a ride without compromise, both in performance and parts quality. Maintenance is minimal: no fuel cost, no license required, and just basic servicing to keep it running at its best.

If the price is similar to an e-scooter, why would people prefer to buy this?
E-cycles don’t require a license, fuel, or extensive maintenance. They’re lightweight, eco-friendly, and perfect for short commutes. Plus, riders benefit from light physical activity.

Importantly, while the entry-level VIR e-bike starts around ₹25,000, most e-scooters are priced upwards of ₹1 lakh. That price gap of ₹80,000+ makes e-cycles far more accessible for individuals looking for affordable urban mobility.

How does VIR Mobility contribute to reducing carbon emissions and improving urban air quality?
Each e-cycle on the road prevents hundreds of kilos of CO₂ emissions annually compared to a petrol vehicle. We’re focused on domestic production and encouraging adoption in both cities and smaller towns.

Our frames are made of aluminium, a highly recyclable material, and we consciously avoid plastic-heavy designs to ensure longevity and environmental responsibility.

Are the batteries used in your e-bikes recyclable or sustainably sourced?
Yes, we use certified Grade-A lithium-ion cells and work with recycling partners to ensure responsible disposal at the end of battery life. Battery sustainability is a core concern, and we’re continuously working to localize and green our supply chain.

What steps are you taking to ensure end-of-life management of e-bike components like batteries and motors?
We have implemented a collection and return program through our service partners to handle end-of-life components like batteries and motors. These are sent to certified recyclers. Looking ahead, we’re also building modular designs that enable easier repairs, reuse, and part replacement to extend overall product life.

How do you plan to integrate renewable energy into your operations—such as solar-powered charging stations?
Solar-powered charging is essential for clean mobility. Closed ecosystems like defence cantonments, school parking lots, and corporate campuses are ideal locations where we plan to install solar charging points. These reduce direct dependence on grid electricity and align with our goal to build a truly sustainable mobility ecosystem.

We are actively exploring collaborations with solar providers and local authorities to make this a reality.

What role do you see e-bikes playing in India’s transition to sustainable urban transport?
E-bikes are democratic, inclusive, and infrastructure-light. In cities like Pune and smaller tier-2 and tier-3 towns, they can solve last-mile connectivity issues, reduce congestion, and promote healthier lifestyles. Their low running cost and ease of use make them an ideal choice for India’s evolving mobility needs.

Are you collaborating with any government or municipal bodies on green mobility initiatives?
Yes, through our Cycling Cities Initiative—a vlog-style digital campaign—we work to capture and understand the real issues faced by cyclists. We collaborate with local governments, urban planners, and citizens in Pune and PCMC to promote safe cycling paths and inclusive urban planning.

We believe storytelling and community feedback are key drivers of policy action and public engagement.

How do you educate or encourage consumers to adopt more eco-friendly commuting habits through your brand?
We conduct awareness campaigns, host test ride events, and share real-life rider stories across social media and educational institutions.

We also organize seminars and workshops for students, showcasing our products and how global cities are leading the e-bike revolution. Our goal is to make e-cycling aspirational, practical, and meaningful—for individuals and the planet.