ABOUT ME AND THIS CAMPAIGN:

I am a Grade 12 student at Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurgaon. I am driven by a passion to positively impact the world. My journey began with a research paper comparing DIY e-bikes to commercial ones, which sparked a realization about the vast potential of DIY e-bikes to transform lives. Witnessing daily commuters pedalling to work on bicycles, I was inspired to create a product that could make their journeys faster, easier, and safer without breaking the bank. 

Through this campaign, I aim to harness the power of innovation and technology to improve the lives of everyday people. With a keen interest in sustainable transportation solutions, I'm committed to developing an affordable and practical DIY e-bike conversion kit that can benefit individuals from all walks of life. As a young changemaker, I'm excited to embark on this journey, pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities that can make a real difference in my community and beyond.

(Pic: The DIY conversion kit on a bike).

THE CONTEXT

India missed the global e-bike craze. However, post-pandemic, as a bunch of micro-mobility startups popped up, e-bikes became a mode of transport you’d spot ever so often. But the rider would almost always be urban and upper-middle-class.

This stood out to me because I’d seen house-helps in my society pedalling for kilometres, making round trips to and from their workplaces. A bit of market research made it clear why they hadn’t considered e-bikes: they were just too expensive. 

In my research paper, I compared DIY e-bikes with commercial ones, analysing run-time, speed, and range. The DIY model performed on par with a commercial e-bike (of similar battery ratings). While commercial e-bikes offer better safety and reliability (their internal components are designed to fit together seamlessly), they also come with a minimum 53% markup. Therefore, I concluded that, given the cost savings and comparable performance, conversion kits indeed offered blue-collar workers a practical entry into being e-bike users. 

The cost for the entire kit is just INR 5500.

Through his campaign, I aim to provide 100 kits to those in need. If I raise more funds, I will distribute these kits to more people.

THE DIY CONVERSION KIT

My kit is meant to be affordable to everyone, and I also added a unique feature that can provide extra daily convenience: with the use of a dynamo-motor, a small wheel, and a simple circuit involving a diode, wires, and a USB charging module, this device can charge a battery, phone, power bank, or any other small day-to-day battery powered device. 

It uses the turning of the bicycle wheel to create an electrical current which is supplied to the battery, headlight, device that needs charging, or whatever the user wishes. To attach this device to the bicycle, I designed a 3-D printed housing. The design involved slots for traditional hose clamps, which are what hold the device to the bicycle. These hose clamps are attached to the ‘chain-stay’ of the bicycle and provide great grip due to their grooves. 

The hardest part was just mounting the kit and device on the cycle. The problem I faced with the device was simple: the dynamo-motor wheel was being kicked and pushed away by the cycle wheel while running. A first attempt at using zip-ties to secure the charging device was unsuccessful, as they were not strong enough to completely lock the device’s movement. 

I researched and ideated for parts, thinking about 3-D printing clamps, or using screws. Not trusting the strength of 3-D clamps and not wanting to physically alter the bike frame, I decided to explore household hardware and found Hose-clamps. I tested and tried multiple sizes, integrated them into my 3-D design with custom slits, and found that they were sturdy enough to keep the device in place. 

The motor is mounted using a bracket and screws (they do not drill into the bicycle structure). The battery and ignition switch is currently held by electrical tape. I am planning to create a holder for the battery but the ignition switch is likely to stay taped or zip tied in place. 

By funding just INR 5500, you can help me change the life of one person in need.

COST BREAKUP:

This kit is designed especially for blue-collar workers such as domestic helpers, delivery agents, or street vendors –people who rely on bicycles for daily commutes but can't afford commercial e-bikes.

Help me change the lives of daily commuters.