Feet-Forward Electric Motorcycles

Market Study & Business Overview

What are Feet-Forward Motorcycles?

• Semi-recumbent position: Rider reclines with feet forward
• Lower frontal area: Improves aerodynamics significantly
• Craig Vetter: "A feet-forward sitting position is easier to streamline"
• Additional benefits:
  • Enhanced comfort
  • Better weather protection
  • Lower centre of gravity
  • Potential for enclosed designs

EV Propulsion Amplifies Benefits

• Aerodynamic drag rises sharply with speed in motorcycles
• Streamlined FFW posture directly boosts range
• Dutch engineer Allert Jacobs: Doubled fuel economy through streamlining
• Applied to EVs: Smaller battery or longer range possible
• Partially enclosed FFW EV adds convenience and safety

India's EV Market: Explosive Growth

• 2024: Over 1.1 million electric two-wheelers sold
  • 34% increase from 2023
  • Double the 2022 numbers
• 2022: 585,000 units
• 2023: 41% growth over 2022
• 2024: 34% growth over 2023
• EV penetration still under 10%: room for growth

Market Timing is Favourable

• Legacy OEMs aggressively entering EV segment
  • TVS, Bajaj, Hero
• Improving infrastructure and battery costs
• Government subsidies supporting adoption
• 1.73 million e-rickshaws sold in last decade
  • Proves Indian consumers adopt unusual EV formats if practical

Aerodynamics = Range Efficiency

• Electric motors are efficient: Reducing drag directly extends range
• Upright motorcycles create large aerodynamic profile
• FFW minimises frontal area
• Smaller battery achieves comparable range
• Streamlined record bikes achieved extremely high mileage

Design Synergy: Sealed fairings + active stabilisation possible

Starting Small: Low-Power E-Bikes

Under 250W Regulations

• Motor ≤250W, max speed ≤25 km/h
• Treated as bicycles: No driving licence or registration
• Only ARAI "exemption report" required
• Minimal regulatory burden

Strategy

• Market as electric recumbent bike
• Proof of concept with low investment
• Limited performance appeals to enthusiasts/short-distance

Scaling Up: Higher-Power EVs

Above 250W Requirements

• ARAI type approval mandatory
• Crash testing and safety compliance
• New regulations: AIS-038 Rev.2, AIS-156
• Stricter battery and powertrain safety standards

Phased Approach

1. Low-power model (≤250W)
2. Intermediate scooter (500-750W)
3. Full-power bike

Alternative Powertrains

Pedal-Electric Hybrids

• Covered by <250W rules if motor below 250W
• FFW recumbent trike/bike with pedal assist
• Appeals to exercisers and last-mile commuters

CNG Option

• Bajaj already tried with Freedom 125: ~200km CNG range
• Cheaper fuel, but Heavy tanks

Diesel

• Emissions norms, expense, noise
• Focus on electric (possibly CNG)

Government Support: FAME & PM E-DRIVE

FAME-II (2019-2024)

• ₹4,912 crore disbursed
• Subsidised 1.43 million electric two-wheelers

PM E-DRIVE (Oct 2024-Mar 2026)

• ₹10,900 crore allocated
• Demand incentives for e-2Ws, 3Ws, 4Ws
• Infrastructure push: Charging, battery swapping
• Note: Subsidy amounts reduced from FAME-II

Business Challenges

Founder Age

• 35 is not a disadvantage
• Average successful startup founder: 45 years
• Passion, domain knowledge, execution matter more

Funding Needs

• Vehicle R&D is capital-intensive
• Start with low-power kit/conversion
• Government grants, angel investors, crowdfunding
• Critical: Single product focus initially

Personal & Financial Considerations

• Family pressure for "safe job"
• Personal debt concerns
• Pragmatic approach:
  • Detailed business plan showing potential returns
  • Part-time development whilst retaining stable income
  • Leverage incubators or grants
  • Mitigate financial risk strategically

Competition Analysis: 3-Wheelers

E-Rickshaws Dominate Short-Distance

• FY2024: 632,634 electric 3-wheelers (57% YoY jump)
• Last year: ~1.73 million e-rickshaws sold
• Nearly half of all 3Ws sold in 2024 are electric
• Offer weather protection, cargo space, 3-5 passengers

FFW Differentiation

• Different segment: Individual commuters
• More comfort and style than conventional scooter
• Recreational/enthusiast riders

Competition Analysis: 2-Wheelers

Established Players

• TVS, Bajaj, Hero EV scooters
• Ola, Ather e-scooters

Positioning Challenge

• Unusual to most riders
• Market as "two-wheeled car" not motorcycle
• Demonstrations and test rides crucial
• Strong safety features overcome scepticism

Market Niche Strategy

Premium/Luxury Positioning

• Design innovation for early adopters
• Target enthusiasts willing to pay
• "Premium, design-focused, yet value-for-money"

Potential Markets

• High-end concept meets practical mid-tier price
• Export opportunities: Europe, U.S.
  • Recumbent bikes have established following
• Futuristic style and comfort appeal

Conclusion: High-Risk, High-Reward

Advantages

✓ Real technical benefits (aerodynamics, comfort) ✓ Fits today's EV momentum ✓ Government policies support EV makers

Challenges

✗ Regulatory hurdles above 250W ✗ Cost of R&D and certification ✗ Finding viable customer base ✗ Competition from cheap e-rickshaws

Recommended Path Forward

1. Start small and focused

   • Build low-speed e-cycle prototype; Validate design with minimal investment

2. Secure funding

   • Target certified e-scooter/motorcycle development

3. Emphasise unique benefits

   • Style, comfort, efficiency; Carve out niche market

4. Be prepared for long road

   • Vehicle startups take years; India's EV revolution creates possibilities

Key Takeaway

With careful planning and execution, a well-designed FFW EV could find its market despite the challenges.

India's growing EV ecosystem provides the foundation for innovation.

Questions?

Thank you for your attention.