Bajaj Auto Electrifies 200 Cities with Riki

By Rakeeb Amin • Thu Nov 27 2025

Bajaj Auto has moved into the electric rickshaw market with its new model, Riki. The company plans to take Riki to 200 cities by March. This signals a clear shift in Bajaj Auto’s strategy as the electric three wheeler segment grows across India.

Riki targets the demand for short distance travel in urban and semi urban areas. The company designed it to deliver low operating costs and steady performance. Electric rickshaws account for a large share of last mile mobility in India. The segment has expanded as users look for lower fuel costs and easier maintenance.

Key points shaping the launch:

• The vehicle uses a lithium ion battery. This gives faster charging and consistent output.

• Bajaj Auto claims higher durability compared to unorganized local players.

• The company is building a wider charging and service network to support adoption.

• The three wheeler EV market is expected to grow at double digit rates through 2025 based on industry data.

Bajaj Auto already holds a strong presence in the internal combustion three wheeler space. Entering the electric side allows it to protect its market share as customers shift to cleaner options. The company has stated that Riki aims to offer predictable earnings for drivers through lower energy costs and reliable uptime.

The plan to cover 200 cities by March shows how aggressive the rollout is. Bajaj Auto is focusing on states with high e rickshaw penetration such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and parts of Maharashtra. Large cities will get priority, but the brand is also targeting smaller towns where electric mobility adoption is rising.

This move also supports national goals for lower emissions and cleaner public transport. The government has pushed EV adoption through subsidies and charging infrastructure programs. Stable policy support has made it easier for large manufacturers to enter the segment.

If Bajaj Auto succeeds with Riki across 200 cities, it will strengthen its leadership in three wheelers and create pressure on smaller EV makers who dominate the unorganized market. The company’s scale, service network and brand trust could shift customer preference toward more standardized vehicles.

Riki marks a new stage in how established automotive brands approach electric mobility. Bajaj Auto is not treating EVs as a side project. It is placing them in markets where demand is already strong. This gives the company a faster path to volume and a clearer competitive edge.