Electric Motorcycle segment likely to get traction

For several years now, the electric two-wheeler conversation stayed in the form of scooters because battery costs, range anxiety and charging infrastructure made high-performance motorcycles impractical. 

That is mathematics is now shifting. With almost all internal-combustion-engine (IEC) players including Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, TVS and even Royal Enfield as well some startup putting their mind, the segment is fast heading for electrification of motorcycles.

India’s two-wheeler market has long been anchored by motorcycles, which account for over 60 of the roughly 20 million units sold each year. 

Despite this deep-rooted preference, the electric transition over the past few years has largely been through scooters, leaving a visible gap in the conversion into electric motorcycles.

In 2025, India sold approximately 1.28 million electric two-wheelers, up 11% year-on-year and roughly 6.3% of the total 20.29 million two-wheelers registered. 

Electric two-wheelers also made up about 56% of overall EV sales that crossed 2.27 million units. 

But the vast majority remain scooters, and it’s look likes targeted at urban efficiency rather than the performance, the motorcycle segment is known for.

According to analysts that imbalance is now going to change. 

Established giants are now putting serious resources into developing electric motorcycle platforms, while a handful of engineering-focused startups have already delivered products that feel like proper motorcycles rather than high-speed scooters.

In November 2025, Bajaj Auto had announced an all-new, entirely in-house electric motorcycle platform. 

TVS Motor had unveiled the e.FX.30 electric naked motorcycle concept at EICMA 2025, complete with a next-generation powertrain.

Hero MotoCorp, through its Vida brand and partnership with Zero Motorcycles, has announced concepts for high-performance electric motorcycles.

Royal Enfield through Flying Flea sub-brand is planning to introduce electric motorcycles.

Even global players like Kawasaki have announced modular electric motorcycle platform.

Battery economics continue to improve, operating costs of electric powertrains are already dramatically lower than petrol equivalents, and government incentives remain supportive.

Analysts project the broader electric two-wheeler segment growing at a compound annual rate approaching 28% through 2033, and McKinsey has projected that e-2Ws would likely to capture 60-70% of new two-wheele sales by 2030.

Within that growth curve, the motorcycle sub-segment, currently well under 1% of electric two-wheeler sales, is expected to grow disproportionately.

Startups that moved first have already solved some of the hardest engineering puzzles. 

MATTER’s liquid-cooled powertrain and multi-speed gearbox prove that mechanical intimacy need not be sacrificed for electrification. 

Its vertically integrated stack gives it iteration speed that legacy manufacturers often lack. 

MATTER which in 2025 launched AERA, India’s first production electric motorcycle with a four-speed manual “HyperShift” gearbox complete with assist and slipper clutch has found success, it said. 

Priced between ₹1.81 lakh and ₹1.94 lakh ex-showroom (Ahmedabad), the AERA is positioned in the 175-200 cc equivalent segment, one of the largest and most aspirational in the country.

What sets MATTER apart is not just the gearbox but the depth of vertical integration. The company develops its own powertrain, battery management, software-defined architecture and cooling systems in-house.

The bike is positioned as three riding experiences in one, Eco, City and Sport modes, plus a Park Assist, delivered through the same mechanical interface riders already know and love.

MATTER said its AERA has demonstrated that Indian buyers are willing to pay for authentic motorcycling feel even in an electric package. That proof-of-concept appears to be accelerating plans across the industry.

The entry of legacy players like Bajaj, Hero and TVS brings manufacturing muscle, distribution network makes a strong case for electrification of motorcycles. 

Published – March 21, 2026 09:33 pm IST