Word Bicycle Day: How Ebikes, Enabled By Modern Technology, Have Become The New Way To Cycle

With the world facing a new normal, mobility too has gotten a new face. Personal mobility is on the rise and is perceived to be the safest mode of transport. However, it comes at a price. Personal mobility vehicles increase the traffic congestion on roads, contribute to pollution and deterioration of the environment and at the same time, has no contribution in bettering our physical health.

Cycling has been around for a long time and is also considered the most economical, healthy and safe way to commute. However, many times it is not possible to pedal till your destination and it can tiresome after a while to continue.

With the advent of modern technology and innovation, Ebikes have become the ultimate solution to address both problems. Many middle aged consumers are driving the demand for Ebikes as it is not only a way to stay fit but also sustainable in the long run. And when you are tired of pedaling you can simply switch to the EV mode and relax!

Origin of BLive:

Founded in 2018 by Samarth Kholkar and Sandeep Mukherjee, BLive offers unique, experiential, guided tours on electric bikes with an aim to promote sustainable tourism in India. The story of BLive started in early 2018 when two friends decided to come together to find an effective sustainable solution. With Sandeep’s exposure to Electric Vehicles in Europe and Samarth’s knowledge of the tourism industry in Goa, they launched ‘India’s first EV Tourism initiative’- BLive.

Both Samarth and Sandeep believe that it is in discovering the hidden gems tucked away in quaint alleys, meeting the locals and reconnecting with the soul of a place that we truly come alive. BLive is the official EV tourism partner of Goa Tourism. The company has partnered with hospitality partners like – Club Mahindra, Taj Hotels, Grand Hyatt, Airbnb to name a few.

In 2020, BLive launched India’s first online EV marketplace offering top brands of E-Cycles and E-Scooters. Brands like Hero Electric, Ampere, Hero Lectro, Go Zero & Lightspeed are available on the BLive Store.
Objectives of BLive:

BLive follows an experiential approach of driving adoption of Electric Mobility through BLive EV Tours and BLive EV Store. BLive EV Tours offers curated, authentic, and immersive local tours that can be experienced on smart, savvy, electric bikes. Customers can Experience the joy of effortless riding and collect memories as they ride a new adventure to off beaten trails. BLive is top ranked activity on TripAdvisor across India and recipient of the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2020.

The main objectives of BLive tours are:

1. Solving the problem of pollution in tourism, making sustainable tourism the norm.
2. Creating a platform to see the unexplored and authentically connect with the local culture, history, heritage of a place.
3. Promote local artists and craftsmen and give a platform to generate income and showcase their skills

Quote from BLive on EBikes:

1. Samarth Kholkar, Co-Founder & CEO, and Sandeep Mukherjee, Co-Founder & COO, BLive:
“We believe experiential tourism and Ebiking are the next trends of travelling, especially post the impact of the second wave of the pandemic. With travel restrictions and limited options, travelers will be looking for a safe, accessible, affordable and domestic vacation plan to continue their exploration journeys. Ebiking is not just environment friendly but one of it main benefits is that, allows people to bicycle as per their strength and relax and take in the views on an electric mode, when they are tired.”

Here a few well known figures who have experienced the joy of Ebiking on their travel before the pandemic and are become EBiking enthusiasts, wishing to incorporate it as a part of their life:

1. Abhay Deol, Bollywood Actor & Producer:
“When I came across BLive e-bikes first, just the fact that it combined green sensibility with fun was enough to get me excited — they have my support and admiration because e-bikes can be used to remain eco-conscious and active too. Opting for an e-bike for everyday use in lieu of a car is one road to a healthier you, and a better, greener planet for everyone.”

2. Nakuul Mehta, Indian Television actor:
“During a short break with my friends and family in Goa, we had the chance to go on a tour with BLive to one of the islands, safe to say that it was one of the best days in a long time! The e-bikes were sturdy, comfortable and handled different terrains very well to my surprise.”

3. Megha Gupta, Indian Television Actress and Model
“Ebiking is the new way of biking. I had a great experience that was pleasant and smooth, just like the eBike. It addresses two urgent needs of today which is being good for the environment and being a cross between a bike and a cycle, it caters exactly to a lazy fit person like me, who loves to pedal and at the same time take in the beauty by relaxing and depending on the electric mode after a while.”

4. Farah Khan Ali, Indian Jewellery Designer:
“I had a wonderful experience with EBikes in Goa. I did two tours with BLive, one in Saligaon and one in South Goa. Both tours were very enlightening and exciting. A bit of Goan history and culture thrown in with the physical exercise of biking. Highly recommend them when in Goa next as the team is enthusiastic and accommodating.”

5. Ashwin Suresh, Founder of Dice Media, FilterCopy and Gobble:
“When you want to stay fit but don’t have a lot of time for it (or are lazy like me), e-biking is the way to go! Pedal when you wish or accelerate at your own will. We first tried it via BLive in Goa and Ooty, and we have loved it ever since. We recommend it to all our friends. Taking an e-bike for a quick spin around town is the best way to experience e-bikes!”

6. Mini Mathur, Indian television host, actor and model:
“Ebiking together on palm tree filled roads all day will be our most significant memories as a family. We discovered BLIVE bikes in goa during lockdown and we have never looked back. Or sat in our car for nearly two months. Now that we have experienced this sustainable & eco-friendly way of getting around. It seems like a waste to use cars for shorter distances. Not to mention the fun & exercise you can alternate between.

When you’re on two wheels, somehow you observe more, connect more, experience more.
You end up seeing so much more than through a windscreen of a car somehow.
We are all E bike & BLive evangelists now :)”