`Mamidala': Inspired by his son's school project, Hyderabad techie launches affordable e-bike startup

Three months ago, Prashanth Mamidala helped his son finish his electric cycle project for school. Prashanth found it so interesting that he decided to launch his own e-bike startup for affordable travel.

"When I was riding on the road, many people stopped and enquired about it. Some people even asked me to make it for them. That's where the idea for 'Mamidala e-bikes' originated," Prashanth said.

Later Prashanth with the help of his cousin and a few others launched 'Mamidala e-bikes'. A Hyderabad-based software engineer, Prashanth handles both startup work and his full-time job.

"E-bicycles in India are priced as high as Rs 50,000. And on the other hand, fuel prices have risen sharply. So, I wanted to make it as affordable as possible," he said.

"To turn towards eco-friendly vehicles should not be expensive. Hence, Mamidala e-bikes have been started with the intention to make travel easier and make it affordable. We hope to make all our products affordable to middle-class people as well," Prashant said.

The highlight of the startup is that it converts a non-electric cycle into an electric bike with affordable kits.

The kit consists of a 250 W Motor, an electric brake system, headlight, electric lock, charging port, accelerator, controller, chainshaft, freewheel and an electric lock. "Our parts can be installed onto a normal cycle to help convert into an e-cycle," Prashant said.

They also recently launched an e-cycle that travels at 25 kmph speed and costs less than Rs 10 for 40 km.

"To charge the cycle fully, it takes 3 to 4 hours. And once charged it can travel up to 40 km without any hassle," Prashanth said.

In addition to e-cycles, the startup also manufactures e-batteries. Their batteries are priced at a slightly lower rate when compared to others in the market. "All products are being manufactured and sold in Hyderabad. We have received multiple queries for our products," he said.