A Unique Bike Running on the Streets of Surat is Grabbing Attention
A Unique Bike Running on the Streets of Surat is Grabbing Attention
AI and innovation are transforming the future of mobility, and three engineering students from Surat are proving just how far imagination and determination can go. Meet the ‘Garud Bike’ — an AI-powered, driverless, hubless electric motorcycle that’s turning heads and stirring conversations wherever it rides.
Built by mechanical engineering students Shivam Maurya, Gurpreet Arora, and Ganesh Patil, the Garud Bike is more than just a cool-looking concept. It’s a real, working prototype that blends futuristic design with practical engineering. Remarkably, nearly 50% of the bike’s parts were sourced from scrap, while the remaining components were custom-built in their own workshop. The total cost? Just ₹1.8 lakh — a fraction of what commercial EVs cost today.
The Garud Bike — named after the mythical bird Garuda, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu — looks like it rode straight out of a sci-fi movie. With wide, hubless wheels, an unconventional single-seat frame, and a silent electric motor, it’s impossible to miss. Curious bystanders on the streets of Surat are constantly seen stopping to admire, photograph, or ask questions about the one-of-a-kind machine.
Shivam, who led the project, shares that he’s always had a passion for bikes and innovation. His goal was to create something that wouldn’t just impress today but would still feel relevant a decade into the future. That long-term vision inspired the creation of this AI-enabled, driverless motorcycle.
This impressive prototype took nearly one full year to build. Shivam, currently in his third year of mechanical engineering, has worked on multiple projects, but this one, he says, is closest to his heart. He designed most of the components himself in his own workshop, while friends Gurpreet and Ganesh took charge of design aesthetics and digital editing, respectively.
Parts like the Harley-Davidson front tire and a Hayabusa rear tire were salvaged from scrap markets in Surat. Components such as the electric motor, controller, and battery system were sourced from the market, with careful attention paid to functionality and cost-efficiency.
What truly sets the Garud Bike apart is its dual operating system. It can be ridden manually or controlled remotely — meaning it can operate without a human rider. Inspired by the rise of autonomous vehicles like Tesla, the students developed a Wi-Fi-powered, command-based system that allows the bike to start, stop, and navigate based on user instructions.
Advanced sensors allow the bike to assess real-time road conditions. If another vehicle comes within 12 feet, the bike automatically slows down. At a 3-foot proximity, it comes to a complete stop, even without applying brakes manually. This smart safety feature could prove to be a game-changer in preventing road accidents.
The Garud Bike is more than just an AI marvel. It’s loaded with features that make it ready for the future:
- • Touchscreen display with GPS, music, and calling
- • Four integrated cameras for front and rear monitoring
- • Wireless mobile charging on the go
- • Lithium-ion battery system with fast and regular charging options
The fixed battery pack, placed between the two wheels, houses three layers of 80hH lithium-ion cells. The team chose a fixed system to ensure easier access for updates and repairs during the prototype phase.
The bike’s battery can be charged via a standard home socket. With a fast charger, it reaches full capacity in just 2 hours, while regular charging takes about 4–5 hours.
There are two ride modes available:
- • Eco Mode: Offers a range of 200–220 km
- • Sport Mode: More power, slightly reduced range of 150–160 km
Currently, the bike has been tested at speeds up to 70 km/h, but the creators believe that with a more powerful electric motor, it could easily reach 100–120 km/h in future versions.
Despite being a student project, the Garud Bike is a solid example of grassroots innovation. With locally sourced materials, in-house design, and a total spend of just ₹1.80 lakh, the students have delivered a prototype that showcases the potential of Indian youth in the global tech and mobility scene.
Shivam and his team aren’t done yet. The bike continues to evolve, and they’re exploring ways to make it even more efficient, powerful, and accessible in the future.
Surat may be known for diamonds and textiles, but with projects like the Garud Bike, it’s clear that the city is also becoming a hub for tech-driven creativity and next-gen mobility solutions. This AI-powered, hubless, autonomous motorcycle is more than just a college project — it’s a glimpse into the future of transportation, made right here in India.
