One look at the electric Kridn (pronounced Kree-Done, which in Sanskrit means ‘to play’) motorcycle and except for a box-like enclosure below the tank, there’s hardly anything unusual or exciting about it, in comparison to a conventional machine. The news of its export therefore does not click at once. Not, because it comes from a company that does not have a long legacy of automobile manufacture to boast of. A search about the company on the internet draws media reports, but the company website does not speak much about itself. It seems to speak more about the product rather than the company or its manufacturing infrastructure. A search concerning the company’s CEO, Gaurav Uppal, throws a Linkedin link. His previous ventures mark him as the co-founder of ‘Lets Score Soccer Stats’ app and then as the CEO of MapMyMeet iOS and Android App. This looks and sounds quite unlike how one would read the profile of Pawan Munjal, Managing Director, Hero MotoCorp, or that of Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto. Perhaps that is where the magic of automotive electrification comes into play. There is no need for a manufacturing legacy of two-wheelers or a position of fame in the two-wheeler industry to be producing an electric two-wheeler. 

Coming under the spotlight sometime last year, Noida-based One Electric, it does not take long to figure out, is a start-up. Like Ola or a Zomato, it is sans any baggage that a legacy manufacturer would carry. Add to this equation the announcement to invade the African market and things start to settle down. As of now, One Electric has started exporting its Kridn electric motorcycle to Kenya. Against a backdrop where an estimated three million electric vehicles were sold the world over in comparison to an estimated 17,000 EVs sold in 2010, the ambition of One Electric to invade four other African markets begins to make sense. Priced at INR 1.25 lakh approximately, the Kridn is touted as the fastest electric motorcycle in India. It is claimed to be capable of a top speed of 95 kmph. Exported to Africa with an eye on the bike-taxi segment there (it is called as ‘Bodaboda’), the Kridn is promising a big change. Stacked against the Chinese, it is, according to Gaurav Uppal, offering the African bike-taxi buyers a sustainable, profitable and eco-friendly alternative to what they are currently using. 

The ‘African’ proposal

Stating that the Kridn is designed for tough road conditions, heavy loading and high temperatures, Uppal averred that it is capable of fitting into the African transport system, which is motorcycle intensive. Of the opinion that the Kridn is capable of answering the needs of African, Indian and South American users, he informed that the robust build of the Kridn is complemented by its comfortable seats, metal body and high power-speed capability. Emphasising that this is conducive enough to replace the stock petrol motorcycles Africans are using, Uppal explained that the Kridn can swap batteries, offer superior power and speed qualities, and can withstand heavy loading despite the rough road conditions that prevail in Africa. Claiming to be the first electric two-wheeler company to invade the African market, One Electric is working towards becoming a serious player in the African markets. It is keen to leverage the Kridn’s battery swapping technology to ensure that the bike-taxi operators are able to honour their timelines. Bike-taxi services are highly time sensitive. The option of battery swapping provides a convenient alternative to operate an internal combustion engine powered bike. 

Drawing attention to the electric motorcycle’s design and manufacturing process, Uppal said, “We have a complete in-house design, prototyping, development and production setup.” “We make our moulds and dies,” he added. The manufacturing process of One Electric is such that once a design is finalised, a 3D print-out is taken to check the fitment and alterations. Two or three iterations are a part. A pattern is made thereafter and plastic moulds are embarked upon. It is similar for metal parts manufacture, except there is no 3D printing resorted to. There are other technologies that One Electric employs. Agile enough to adapt and improvise a motorcycle design, according to Uppal, the company boasts of over 80 percent localisation. It uses high quality components to produce the Kridn and is working to achieve 100 percent localisation. Known to use a Honda frame for reference to built its own, One Electric is confident of achieving the goal.

About Kridn

To ensure a robust build, the chassis of the Kridn is said to be two-to-three kg heavier than those of similar motorcycles. It is built in-house along with parts like the battery, tank and speedometer. With stress on utility rather than a funky look, the Kridn employs seat, suspension, throttle and switches, lights and tyres that are sourced from leading suppliers in India. The seat, for example, is sourced from Meenakshi Polymers, the same company that supplies to Hero MotoCorp. The lights are said to be supplied by Fiem Industries, which also is a supplier to Harley-Davidson and Royal Enfield. The suspension is claimed to be sourced from Munjal Showa, which enjoys a supplier status with Hero MotoCorp as well. The quantity of supply by Munjal Showa to Hero MotoCorp per month is said to be no less than half a million bike-pieces per month! The tyres are sourced from Ceat. 

With One Electric known to own an IP right for the design, fuel tank and battery box cover of the Kridn,  the cells of the battery pack for the electric motorcycle are claimed to be imported as of now. The motor controller and the single brake component are also said to be currently imported. The Noida plant of One Electric has the capacity to produce 1,000 units per month. A bigger plant at Pune and Delhi-NCR will soon elevate the count to 10,000 units a month, quipped Uppal. “Expect that to happen in the next three-to-four months,” he added. Aggressively pursuing localisation, One Electric is claimed to have two provisional patents for a new type of motor which is being developed locally. The company is said to hold six-to-seven IPs. Focusing on B2B segment in India, the company, completing multiple last-mile delivery trials, has started receiving LOI's for a pan-India rollout. Insisting on a limited presence in the B2C segment, it is aiming at a first-year deployment of close to 10,000 units.

The road ahead

Stating that the company did not avail of government subsidies due to the lack of suitable drivetrains in India, Uppal mentioned, “The invitation from states for setting up a manufacturing unit has boosted our morale.With the petrol prices rising, electric vehicles have an opportunity to draw people to them. On charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, Uppal averred that the lack of space to comfortably park the vehicle and charge is proving to be a limitation. “This is giving rise to technologies like battery swapping,” he stated. Expecting battery swapping and charging stations to come up, the way ahead, according to Uppal, will be ‘fast charging’ battery swapping stations. Several startups are focusing on that too, he informed. Of the opinion that one battery pack in a vehicle should have enough capacity to last at least two days, Uppal averred that his company is working on a battery tech that could help achieve this goal. It is doing so for its B2C consumers. For the B2B consumers, it is developing a separate infrastructure all together, consisting of ready charging at certain points in the city.

Facing a disruption due to Covid-19 in the form of factory shutdown and supply chain issues, One Electric is working to invade the European and South American markets by 2022. “The South American market,” said Uppal, “is similar to the Indian and African market.” “The European market at the other end is about high cost and quality components, about performance and more,” he added. To focus on the brand of lithium cells for its European strategy, the company, in India, is currently pushing the Kridn through 25 dealerships across six states. (MT)

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Goa will host Motoverse 2025, an annual moto-culture festival, from November 21–23, 2025. The event is a gathering for riders, enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Motoverse 2025 will feature custom motorcycle builds and new innovations, including the Flying Flea and the Himalayan Electric test bed. The festival plans to debut new products and initiatives. A structured club championship will be introduced for the Dirt Track events. The Art of Motorcycling will conclude with a finale and the Motoreel stage will host industry figures and adventurers.

The festival will incorporate a split-stage music format. The Main Stage will feature acts like Hanumankind, The Yellow Diary and Parvaaz. The lineup includes a collaboration between Kutle Khan and Karsh Kale. The festival also announced its first international electronic music act. The Hilltop Stage will highlight a new generation of independent artists.

A new concept, Motohub, will provide a dedicated space for riders to connect. It will feature film screenings and interactive zones. The event will also offer group registration incentives for riding crews to promote community participation. Motoverse 2025 will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing achievements within the motorcycling community.

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Hero MotoCorp has launched the all-new Glamour X 125, positioning it as India’s ‘most futuristic’ 125cc motorcycle at prices starting INR 89,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Drum brake variant and INR 99,999 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the Disc brake variant.

The company said the launch of Glamour X follows the success of the Xtreme 125R, which now features several first-in-segment innovations, including the world’s first Low Battery Kick Startability, powered by the new AERA (Advanced Electronic Ride Assist) Tech. The bike also introduces a Ride-by-Wire system for precise throttle control, Cruise Control for relaxed long-distance riding, and three distinct ride modes – Eco, Road and Power. Additionally, a Panic Brake Alert system enhances safety by warning trailing vehicles during emergency stops.

From a design perspective, the Glamour X 125 has a muscular stance with sharp lines and a signature 'H' full LED lighting package. The advanced Multi-Colour LCD instrument cluster includes Bluetooth connectivity, Turn-by-Turn Navigation and a gear position advisory.

Powering the motorcycle is the new Sprint-EBT engine, which produces 11.4 BHP at 8250 RPM. This engine is designed for a combination of performance, refinement, and fuel efficiency, featuring a silent cam chain and a balancer shaft to minimise noise and vibration. The bike also offers a comfortable riding position with a wide handlebar, enhanced pillion comfort, and a USB charging port.

Ashutosh Varma, Chief Business Officer, Hero MotoCorp’s India Business Unit, said, “The 125cc segment continues to be a growth engine for the motorcycle industry, attracting both the aspirational first-time buyers and value-conscious upgraders. While the Xtreme 125R leads in performance and the Super Splendor in fuel efficiency; the new Glamour X introduces innovative technology, first-in-segment features, and a bold new striking design. This strategy expands the brand’s reach across various sub-segments; boosting volumes and market share while further strengthening the company’s leadership.”

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Pune-headquartered automotive major Bajaj Auto marked India's 79th Independence Day with 'The Great Indian Ride', an event that brought together Chetak riders for a cultural parade in Bengaluru on 16 August 2025. The ride was a celebration of patriotism and heritage, uniting generations of riders.

More than just a scooter rally, the company stated that 'The Great Indian Ride' was a tribute to the values that have shaped both India's progress and the Chetak's legacy of innovation. A diverse group of riders, including Chetak owners, brand friends and influencers, rode through historic routes like MG Road and Netaji Road, making stops at national landmarks such as Freedom Park. The riders were dressed in traditional Indian attire with tri-colour motifs, bringing the city to life.

The ride concluded with a memorable finale. All the Chetaks were parked to form the number '79', and the national flag was hoisted, creating a striking visual from a bird's eye view. The event established the Chetak as a cultural movement rooted in Indian values, rather than just a product. It was designed to be visually iconic and emotionally resonant, redefining the role of scooters in Indian mobility by associating them with pride and national identity.

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India Yamaha Motor, one of the leading two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, has updated its 125cc Fi Hybrid scooter range with new features and colour options.

The company’s hybrid scooter lineup now features the ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function, which delivers high torque, stronger acceleration and performance. Powered by a high-performance battery, the function allows users to squeeze more power from the scooter, which will be useful when starting from standstill, carrying loads or climbing inclines. The scooters continue to be equipped with the Smart Motor Generator (SMG) technology, Silent Start and Stop & Start System (SSS) tech.

Furthermore, the Fascino S scooter now features a Colour TFT Instrument Cluster equipped with Turn-by-Turn (TBT) Navigation, using smartphone connectivity through the Y-Connect app. It is also integrated with Google Maps to support Turn-by-Turn (TBT) navigation.

In terms of colour options, the Fascino S 125 Fi Hybrid, is now available in Matte Grey colour option, while the disc-brake variant gets Metallic Light Green and drum-brake variant gets Metallic White options. Alongside, the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid Street Rally is offered in a Matte Grey Metallic hue, and the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid disc variant features a Silver White Cocktail shade.

Itaru Otani, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group, said, “Yamaha’s 125cc Hybrid scooter range has consistently delighted customers with its dynamic styling, superior comfort, and fuel-efficient performance. The introduction of the new ‘Enhanced Power Assist’ function marks another step forward in enhancing everyday riding convenience and instilling greater confidence among commuters.”

“Further elevating the appeal, the launch of new colour variants brings a refreshing vibrancy to the entire scooter lineup. These updates are a direct reflection of the insightful feedback received from customers through our various engagement platforms. We are confident that these thoughtful upgrades will resonate strongly with our customers and continue to strengthen Yamaha’s presence in the 125cc scooter segment,” he said.

The scooters continue to be powered by Yamaha’s air-cooled, fuel-injected (FI) and 125cc Blue Core Hybrid engine. The Fascino S and RayZR Street Rally variants additionally offer the Answer Back feature and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). 

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