New Delhi: To think of coming of Bicycle Age is though a long shot, the love and craze triggered by COVID for bicycles is a very positive development and in keeping with post pandemic zeitgeist. The human powered ride vehicle seems to have become object of desire. It is also being seen as a potent means of achieving fitness, the most sought after goal to be able to stay protected from corona like scourge.
Ahoy Bikes, a leading bike company, has launched world’s first electroluminescent-technology-based bicycles flaunting road safety quotient as its unique selling point to capitalise on this new found craze for bikes among youth. COVID has given a great push to bicycle industry. There was 300 percent spike in sales of bicycles and amazing surge in the first time bikers during lockdowns when moving on the road came to a grinding halt. In such times of immobility, bicycles came most handy.
The hip brand of Ahoy bicycles is Swastha Bharat, Local for Vocal, Atmanirbhar, and Make in India all rolled into one. It also touches a nerve of nationalism by shunning Chinese components completely. The company pedals all pet slogans of PM Nrendra Modi.
And if the lack of culture of cycle tracks in India is a hurdle in the way of cycles becoming the preferred mode of moving around, the company also has a campaign to sensitise governments about the need of bicycle tracks becoming inalienable aspect of roads up its sleeve. The newly launched bikes, with patented technology, provide new age cycling experience with unparalleled safety on road. The launch was announced on February 10 with fanfare.
Unveiling world’s first luminous bikes with a unique production model, Mr Sandeep Sinha, Business Head, Ahoy Bikes, said, “We are highly excited to bring in a new transformative technology to create excitement for cycling. We have used this revolutionary technology which uses electroluminescent paint like coating system, which emits light when an electric current is passed through it. We had witnessed that in absence of lighting, cyclists were prone to road accidents due to poor visibility. Ahoy Bikes, equipped with this new technology, provides unmatched road safety. The safety of our customers is our main motivation to bring in this new technology. Moreover, it adds aspirational value when it comes to cycling.”
The company plans to market its new-age product across India with a wide dealership network-presently with 200 dealers. Ahoy Bikes would also make customization options available with this unique technology for cyclist willing to customize their existing bicycles.
Talking about quality and pricing, Mr. Abhishek Mitra, Director, Ahoy Bikes said, “We are committed to providing consumers with high-quality products that promote health and active play in a safe way for cycling of all ages. After several years of research and development, we are now able to launch one of the most innovative products in the market. Purpose-designed with an Indian signature these bikes would meet all the requirements of cycling enthusiasts and even attract kids to use it for fun.”
“A wide range of Luminous bikes will be available at an affordable price range. The prices begin at Rs 20,000 onwards,” he added.
The industry was growing at 5-7 percent every year but because of the coronavirus pandemic, it is now expected to grow at 15-20 percent, led by a surge in first-time users, according to the All India Cycles Manufacturers Association.
“We want to leverage the growing demand and excitement of cycling as it has all potential to become much more than a sport or fitness activity in the country,” said Mr. Sinha.
As per the industry data, India is the second largest manufacturer of bicycles in the world and the country is the third-largest consumer of bicycles. It is worth mentioning that 22 million units are made in the country every year and the annual turnover is Rs 7,000 crore. According to industry numbers, 22 million cycles were sold in 2018-19, and 18 million were sold in 2019-20.
