EconReads
Donate

India's Bicycle Economy

Bicycles: Recap

A recap of India's bicycle industry and cycling.

Bicycles are a simple machine with a big economic story.

Module recap

  • India is the second largest producer.
  • Ludhiana is the cycle city.
  • Hero Cycles grew into a giant.
  • Bicycles for schoolgirls raised enrolment.
  • Rising incomes shifted people to motorbikes.
  • Premium bikes boomed in COVID.
  • E-cycles are growing.
  • China is a key competitor.
  • E-rickshaws replace cycle rickshaws.
  • Safety limits cycling.
  • E-bikes and exports offer growth.
The humble bicycle

A bicycle helps a girl reach school, a worker reach a factory and a city cut pollution.

Thinking bicycles are unimportant

They affect education, jobs and health.

Key takeaways
  • India makes many bicycles.
  • Cycling matters for education and health.
  • Safety and status limit use.
  • E-bikes and exports are the future.
1 min read

No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.

Welcome to EconReads

This site is made for visually impaired learners, so our read-aloud reader is already switched on to help you explore hands-free.

You're in control - turn it off any time using the Reader button at the top of the page.

EconReader Ready