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

  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.