The classic Indian roadster is being brought into the modern age. EMotorad has unveiled Heritage, a pedal-assist electric bicycle which retains the upright riding position. Large 28-inch wheels, and robust steel frame of the traditional Indian roadster but incorporates a 350W motor in the hub at the rear wheel.

The aim of the design is straightforward: give people in India the chance to ride something very familiar to them. But with the benefit of a more convenient ride for everyday purposes such as errands, going to the office and short neighborhood rides.

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A Familiar Look, Modernized

In terms of design, The Heritage retains the same profile associated with the roadster style. With its stiff steel chassis, strong fork, and upright rider position, this bike offers a similar comfortable and easy handling experience.

  • 36V 350W hub motor at the back wheel
  • Five pedal assist settings
  • 28 x 1.5-inch tires
  • Mechanical disc brakes with auto cut-off
  • Single speed chain drive
  • Rider height between 5'3" and 6'
  • Max weight: 110 kg (rider included)

The motor provides assistance up to speeds of 25 km/h. This motor does not make pedaling unnecessary. Instead, it makes pedaling easier in situations like getting started, riding against head winds, crossing a bridge or ascending a gradual slope. The rider can select the assist level using the C14 LED screen.

Designed for Day-to-Day Trips

Heritage is designed for daily commuting, not long drives on highways. This is intended for the trip to work, shopping in the market, dropping off someone to school, or traveling to some other location in the vicinity. Where a car might be redundant and a regular bicycle might be exhausting.

Cycling has been a popular form of transport in India for decades. Roadsters have a market share of 57.1 lakh of 106.7 lakh of bicycles sold in FY2023-24. As reported by the All India Cycle Manufacturers' Association. This indicates that the style of bicycle is still deeply ingrained in Indian day-to-day mobility.

The upright seating style of the cycle also makes it convenient for those who value comfort over sports-style seating. Without any gears, riding is made easy: Pedal and choose an assist mode if required.

Kunal Gupta, Co-founder, EMotorad said"Some designs become part of a country's identity. The classic roadster holds that place in India, carrying memories that connect generations. With Heritage, we want to give this icon a new chapter, preserving the character people recognise while imagining the place it can hold in their lives tomorrow. India's cycling legacy deserves a future as meaningful as its past."

Removable Battery, Two Ranges Available

Perhaps one of the most practical things about Heritage is the removable battery. Which the rider can remove from the bike and plug into a charger without bringing the bike itself into a house or office.

EMotorad provides two battery sizes:

  • Battery 36V 5.2Ah: Up to 20 km in a single charge; charged in 2-3 hours using a 2A charger
  • Battery 36V 7.65Ah: Up to 35 km in a single charge; charged in 3-4 hours using a 2A charger

Exact range depends on the rider’s weight, cargo carried and pedal assist settings. But nonetheless there is a choice for consumers to choose either a smaller and lightweight battery with a smaller range or a bigger battery with a little bit more of a range.

Why Would It Appeal To The Indian Rider?

Heritage would appeal to those riders who wish to enjoy electric power without leaving their roadster bike behind. This bicycle would suit students, office-goers, shopkeepers and families who want an easy and effortless way to travel short distances.

The simplicity of this product would appeal to all. The bicycle has no suspension system, gear mechanism and interface. All that EMotorad has done is concentrate on the basics, which are the sturdy frame, disc brakes, detachable battery and pedal assist.

ELCTRIK Speaks

The EMotorad Heritage seems to be a sincere effort towards making a bike that Indians trust more up-to-date. Instead of trying to come up with a completely futuristic model. It sticks to the known roadster format but improves it with a useful addition of the electric propulsion system for regular use when making short rides. The ease of removal of the battery and the pedal assist feature may be what makes this bike interesting for the commuting public, college students, and recreational bikers.

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