Oben Electric is positioning itself as a key player in India’s electric two-wheeler landscape by focusing on motorcycles rather than the more crowded scooter segment. The Bengaluru-based company is combining proprietary in-house technology, high levels of local manufacturing and accessible pricing to create a distinct space in the electric motorcycle market and drive broader adoption of electric mobility across the country.
Founded in 2020 by Madhumita Agrawal, who brings experience in research and development services particularly in the EV domain, the company was joined by co-founders Dinkar Agrawal as chief operating officer and Sagar Thakkar as chief product officer. Agrawal identified a clear market gap early on. While India remains fundamentally a motorcycle-dominated market, with 12.25 million motorcycles sold in FY2024-25 according to SIAM data and motorcycles accounting for nearly two-thirds of the overall two-wheeler segment, electric motorcycles still represent barely 0.1 percent of total two-wheeler sales as per NITI Aayog analysis. At a time when most players were concentrating on electric scooters, Oben chose to pursue the motorcycle opportunity instead.
The company has targeted the mass-commuter segment equivalent to the 125-150 cc range, recognising that around 90 percent of the two-wheeler market sits below Rs 1.5 lakh. Its current offerings include the Rorr Evo, positioned as a mid-segment motorcycle delivering 150 cc-equivalent performance at a 125 cc price point, along with the Sigma model. Customers in this segment prioritise reliability, design and a genuine motorcycle riding experience that does not feel like a scooter, while remaining open to connected and smart features if they fit within an accessible price bracket.
To achieve the right balance of cost, quality and performance, Oben has pursued vertical integration. The company develops and manufactures its own battery packs, motors, displays and vehicle control units in-house, while also creating its software and Internet of Things systems internally. It has opted for lithium iron phosphate battery chemistry for its advantages in cycle life, thermal stability and cost suitability for motorcycles. The motorcycles feature fixed batteries offering an IDC-rated range of 180 km and a claimed real-world range of around 150 km. Oben has developed its own IPMSM motor and a connected-vehicle platform called Argus that incorporates artificial intelligence and machine learning. The latest Rorr Evo includes a Smart IQ feature that analyses riding patterns in real time to deliver up to 15 percent better range with a smaller battery, alongside real-time monitoring, rider assistance and predictive functions accessible through a mobile app.
The approach is gaining traction. Oben reports more than 6,500 motorcycles already on the road and aims to add another 20,000 units in the current fiscal year ending March 2027. Its primary customer base falls in the 18-35 age group, with sales spanning Tier-1, Tier-2 and smaller cities. Agrawal observes that for many buyers the electric motorcycle is now becoming a primary vehicle rather than a secondary option, signalling that electric motorcycles are moving into the mainstream.
Manufacturing forms a critical pillar of the strategy. Around 95 percent of the vehicle is localised, with only cells and magnets among the main components sourced from overseas. The company’s 3.5-acre integrated facility in Bengaluru has an annual capacity of one lakh units and produces batteries, motors, displays, vehicle control units, battery management systems, software and IoT components. Current output stands at about 1,000 units per month, with the ability to scale to 8,000 units monthly. Oben has raised a total of Rs 285 crore in funding and is targeting EBITDA break-even in 2027, even as rising input costs continue to pressure margins. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its network to 500 showrooms by 2028 while refining its in-house components, enhancing the motorcycle platform and introducing improved versions and a better overall customer experience.
For Agrawal and her team, the path forward is clear. The future of mobility in India is electric, and the next major wave of adoption will come through electric motorcycles. By focusing on technology ownership, local production and pricing that matches mainstream customer expectations, Oben Electric is working to turn that vision into reality and accelerate the country’s transition to electric two-wheelers.