Bajaj Auto Ltd has officially entered India’s fast-expanding e-rickshaw market with the launch of its new electric three-wheeler, Bajaj Riki, marking a significant expansion beyond its established leadership in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler categories. The strategic move comes as the e-rickshaw segment adds over 45,000 units every month, driven by rising demand for affordable and reliable last-mile transportation in urban and semi-urban regions.
Two Variants with Competitive Pricing & Strong Range
Bajaj has introduced two models:
- Riki P4005 Passenger — ₹1,90,890 (ex-showroom)
- Riki C4005 Cargo — ₹2,00,876 (ex-showroom)
The passenger variant is equipped with a 5.4 kWh battery delivering a certified range of 149 km, while the cargo version offers 164 km range, positioning them among the higher-range offerings in the category.
Advanced Features Focused on Safety & Durability
The Riki lineup features several upgrades not commonly seen in the current e-rickshaw market, including:
- Monocoque chassis
- Independent suspension
- Hydraulic braking system
- Fast charging capability: 4.5 hours
- Three-year battery warranty
These enhancements aim to address major pain points in the market such as poor real-world range, corrosion in lead-acid setups, sub-standard braking, and stability issues.
Industry-Wide Pilot Testing & Regional Rollout
The Riki underwent extensive pilot testing in Patna, Moradabad, Guwahati, and Raipur prior to launch. Bajaj now plans an aggressive rollout across more than 100 towns in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Assam, supported by the company’s extensive nationwide service network.
Focus on Transforming Last-Mile Urban Mobility
Speaking on the launch, Samardeep Subandh, President – Intra-City Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said that the company aims to deliver higher reliability, safety, and operational performance than existing products in the segment.
E-rickshaws have become integral to India’s last-mile ecosystem—serving as crucial feeders for metro rail, suburban rail, and city bus services. Their adoption has accelerated post-COVID amid rising demand for personal and shared micro-mobility.
Bajaj Auto Strengthens Its Leadership Position
Bajaj Auto, which describes itself as the world’s most valuable two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer, has sold over 21 million motorcycles globally and leads India in motorcycle exports. It was also the first two-wheeler brand globally to surpass ₹2 trillion market capitalisation, underscoring the scale of its mobility leadership.
