Tata’s entry into electric cycling comes via its subsidiary Stryder Bikes. In September 2024, Stryder – a Tata Group company – rolled out two new models: the Voltic X and Voltic GO. Priced around ₹32,495 and ₹31,495, these e-bikes are Tata’s answer to India’s rising demand for sustainable two-wheelers.
Picture a Tata hatchback shrunken down and fitted with bicycle pedals – that’s the idea. “The rise in popularity of e-bikes stems from the convenience it brings to the traditional cycling experience,” explains Rahul Gupta, Business Head of Stryder. He notes that the Voltic X and GO offer a “health-conscious alternative” for urban commutes, aligning with Tata’s sustainability goals. In other words, Tata has built a mini-EV for your daily ride.
Tech Specs & Pricing: 48V Powertrain and 25 km/h Top Speed
Under the hood (or rather, the frame), both Voltic models share a 48 V Li-ion battery and a 250 W BLDC hub motor. This setup is like giving your bicycle a turbo boost – it can zip you up to the regulatory limit of 25 km/h on electric power alone.
The waterproof 48 V battery can be fully charged in about three hours and supports roughly 40 km of range per charge (in ideal conditions, some tests suggest up to ~50 km). In practical terms, that’s enough juice for most city commutes. (For comparison, the older Stryder Zeeta Plus – launched in mid-2023 – had a smaller 36 V, 6 Ah pack (216 Wh) with about 30 km range.) The Voltic series’ higher-voltage battery is a step up, promising longer outings between charges.
Both bikes have five riding modes (from eco to sport), an LED display for speed and battery info, and handy features like key-controlled on/off. They boast dual disc brakes on both wheels with an auto cut-off safety feature: once you hit the brakes, the motor power instantly cuts out for a safer stop.
Tata even backs the batteries with a two-year warranty. In short, these bikes carry serious hardware – think of the Voltic X’s 48 V, 250 W motor like a souped-up smartphone battery powering a cheetah’s sprint.
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Design & Features: City Cruiser vs. Mountain Commuter
A Stryder Voltic GO electric bicycle, with its step-through frame and bold paint, is aimed at city riders who want an easy-mount, comfort-first bike. The two models cater to different rider styles.
The Voltic GO features a step-through steel frame (26″×16″) for easy mounting – ideal for urban riders or anyone who values convenience (think of it as the city hatchback of the pair). It comes in vibrant colors like teal and purple. The Voltic X, by contrast, has a more aggressive look: a mountain-bike style 27.5″×17″ frame with front suspension fork.
It’s built tougher, with oversize MTB handlebars and knobby 27.5″ × 2.35″ tires. This makes the X feel like a mini-SUV on two wheels, able to tackle city potholes or light dirt trails. As DriveSpark noted, the Voltic X “offers a mountain bike-style design with a suspension fork, making it suitable for city streets and light off-road use”.
Both bikes keep the design clean with internal cable routing and an integrated battery in the frame (no bulky box on the rack). They each weigh in the mid-20 kg range, so while not feather-light, they feel solid and sturdy.
In normal cycling mode, you can still pedal without electric assist; flip a switch or press a button and the motor kicks in. Thanks to the powerful 48 V pack, even with pedaling the assist feels punchy – it’s like pedaling with a gentle tailwind always pushing you forward.
Tata’s e-Bike Roadmap: What’s Next?
Tata Stryder is only just getting started. So far, the lineup spans the basics: from the early Zeeta Plus (36 V, basic hardtail) to these new Voltic X/GO models. Industry insiders expect Tata to broaden its e-cycle range further, especially as demand rises.
Future models could include foldable commuters or even higher-speed e-bikes once regulations allow (India currently caps e-bikes at 25 km/h for electric assist). Tata’s expertise in vehicle design and batteries hints that more innovation could come – maybe swappable batteries or smart connectivity on upcoming bikes.
For now, Tata seems focused on building a reputation for quality and affordability in e-cycles, leaving premium, feature-packed models for later. As Mr. Gupta put it when Zeeta Plus launched, “our ambition is to promote the use of alternate mobility… Stryder provides a reliable, cost-effective and eco-friendly solution”.
We might soon see Tata adding a GPS-connected e-trike or an adventure-ready ebike to the lineup as they pedal into the future.
How Voltic X/GO Stack Up: Competition at Home and Abroad
In India, the Voltic e-bikes enter a growing but crowded field. Tata’s price point (~₹32k) puts them just above entry-level models. For instance, Hero Lectro’s H5 e-bike also uses a 250 W motor and 36 V battery, hits 25 km/h, and gets about 30 km per charge, but starts at around ₹26,999.
The EMotorad Neo is even cheaper (₹25,999) with similar specs (36 V battery, ~30–35 km range). Compared to these, the Tata Stryder bikes offer a slightly higher price in exchange for a bigger 48 V battery and a beefier design (disc brakes both ends, suspension on the X). In performance, their 40–50 km range gives them a lead in city commuting distance.
On the other hand, homegrown rivals often tout features like removable batteries (for easy charging) – a convenience that Voltic’s integrated battery skips. (Tata’s older ETB 200 model did offer a removable 36 V, 7.8 Ah battery with ~40 km range, but the new Voltic models have opted for the stealthier in-frame pack.)
Globally, Tata’s e-cycles would be considered very basic. In Europe and North America, even “entry-level” electric bikes often pack 400–500 Wh batteries and cost in the ₹1–2 lakh range (e.g. German or American brands), to hit 45–60 km easily.
By contrast, the Voltic bikes’ 48 V pack (roughly 250–300 Wh if sized like competitors) and ₹30k price tag are aimed strictly at budget commuters. It’s like comparing a budget compact hatchback to a high-end SUV.
But that’s intentional: Tata is targeting everyday riders and students, not cycle sport aficionados. As a friend noted: “It’s refreshing to see a true mass-market electric bike from a big local brand – these Voltic bikes aren’t exotic, but they’re practical, economical, and built by Tata.”
In short, Tata’s Voltic X and GO are well-equipped for their price bracket. They beat many peers on range and warranty, and their sturdy design stands out. For car enthusiasts and techies, riding one will feel like cruising an electric city car – whisper-quiet and smooth – but with the simplicity of a bike.
The “fuel economy” is hard to beat (reports claim just 6 paise per km of electricity usage, thanks to the efficient 48 V system). And if you like the idea of a green commute, Tata’s new e-cycles show the brand isn’t just about four wheels anymore. They’re hoping to capture a slice of India’s budding e-bike market – one pedal stroke at a time.