Doddle, a pioneering Indian micromobility startup, is redefining urban commuting with its eco-friendly electric vehicles and e-bikes. Rooted in sustainability and driven by convenience, the company engineers lightweight, ergonomic e-bikes built specifically for short-distance travel. Each vehicle boasts wide seats, fat tires, dual disc brakes, and advanced suspension systems—delivering a smooth, safe, and reliable ride across diverse terrains.
By offering an affordable and energy-efficient alternative to conventional transport, Doddle champions a dual mission: to cut carbon emissions and to inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Its unwavering focus on quality and innovation cements its position as a key enabler of India’s transition toward smarter, greener cities.
At RideAsia, in an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Darshit Gurjar—CEO and Founder of Doddle—delved into what makes his e-bikes stand out in a fast-growing market. He highlighted critical differentiators such as pricing, battery range per full charge, and recharge duration. He also explained the underlying battery technology and mapped out emerging market opportunities for e-bikes across India. Most notably, he shared a forward-looking vision, revealing the next wave of innovations he plans to integrate into Doddle’s existing fleet.
Here are the most compelling insights from our dialogue with this visionary entrepreneur.
Q: How is Doddle setting its e-bikes apart in a competitive market, and what unique features or innovations distinguish them from others?
A: Doddle, a three-year-old startup, began its journey with an intensive focus on research and development. Over the past three years, we have engineered and refined our products, securing patents for all our designs in India. Our mission emerged from a deep understanding of the Indian bicycle industry’s core issue—uniformity. Most e-bikes and conventional bicycles follow the same outdated design language, offering little innovation in either aesthetics or functionality.
We set out to challenge this status quo. Our vision was to reimagine bicycles not just as a means of transport, but as an extension of one’s lifestyle—something people could rely on every day. In India, two major barriers hinder bicycle adoption: lack of aspiration and limited convenience. Traditional designs fail to inspire, and they certainly don’t cater to modern-day needs. For instance, if someone wants to commute to the office, where do they store essentials on a standard bicycle?
We addressed these gaps head-on. Our patented bikes feature a long, comfortable seat, fat tires for stability, dual suspension with rear mono suspension akin to motorcycles, and removable batteries for easy charging. We’ve also introduced a range of modular accessories, allowing users to customize their bikes based on their lifestyle—be it for commuting, utility, or leisure.
In essence, we’re not just building bicycles. We’re redefining what a bicycle can be. Our goal is to reshape perceptions, elevate the user experience, and inspire more people to embrace cycling as a smarter, more aspirational choice for everyday mobility.
Q: What price range are you targeting for your e-bikes in the Indian market, and how does it align with your value proposition?
A: Priced at Rs. 54,999, our e-bike offers exceptional value in the Indian market. It stands out for its competitive pricing, considering the premium features we provide. Equipped with alloy wheels, advanced suspension, and a robust 48-volt battery system, this e-bike can effortlessly support a load of up to 120 kg. In contrast, most other bicycles in the market use a 36-volt battery, which positions our offering at a higher level of performance and durability.
Q: What is the riding range of your e-bikes on a full charge?
A: The e-bike delivers an impressive range of 85 kilometres on a single charge. While this might sound unbelievable, it’s a reality—85 kilometres with just one fully charged battery. Remarkably, this is achieved with a compact, yet powerful, battery. Despite its small size, the battery is highly efficient and portable, offering both performance and convenience.
Q: How efficient is the battery technology used in your e-bikes?
A: When it comes to efficiency, we don’t simply adopt a globally available product. Instead, we thoroughly test and tailor everything for Indian roads. Every component—from the motors to the batteries—is customized to ensure maximum performance. Our primary goal is to optimize the electronics for peak efficiency.
Unlike others who may buy a pre-made kit, assemble it, and sell it, we take a different approach. Our product is 100% indigenous and rigorously tested specifically for our vehicles.
Q: What is the average time required to fully recharge the batteries, and what charging options are available to users?
A: We don’t rely on charging stations. Instead, our battery is fully removable, weighing just 4 kg. You can easily detach it from the vehicle and charge it at home using a standard laptop adapter.
Moreover, if space allows, you can charge the battery directly in your parking area without needing to remove it from the vehicle.
A full charge takes approximately four to five hours, from zero to one hundred percent.
Q: How do you view the market potential for e-bikes in India, and what key factors are driving demand in this segment?
A: The market for e-bikes is rapidly expanding. Currently, we have about seven percent EV penetration, and both the government and consumers are pushing towards electric vehicles and healthier alternatives.
This shift stems from a problem I personally encountered. Many people are eager to switch to bicycles but are deterred because they don’t feel comfortable or confident on one. They want to impress their colleagues and friends but also want to look good while riding. This is where we aimed to make a difference.
Our design is fresh, aspirational, and vibrant—perfect for those who want to stand out. It allows you to not only make a statement but also stay active during your daily commute, whether you’re heading to the office or college.
Q: What are the different modes of operation available on your e-bikes, and what is the maximum speed they can achieve?
A: This e-bike offers five riding modes: manual pedalling, scooter-like acceleration, pedal assist (which provides support as you pedal), cruise control, and walk assist.
In compliance with government regulations, non-registered vehicles are limited to a maximum speed of 25 kilometres per hour.
Q: What innovations and new developments are you planning to introduce over the next five to ten years to shape the future of your e-bike offerings?
A: By the end of this year, we will launch two additional models. These models will resemble scooters more closely, yet retain the core concept: riding a bicycle with the comfort of a moped. However, these new models will feature added elements, including boot space, a handle locking system, indicators, and larger headlights. While they will look like scooters, they will still offer the ride experience of a bicycle.
