From Scrap to Superbike: Surat Students Unveil AI-Powered Electric Bike ‘Garuda’
From Scrap to Superbike: Surat Students Unveil AI-Powered Electric Bike ‘Garuda’
From scrap yards to science fiction, a group of engineering students from Surat has built an electric superbike that feels like it belongs to the future. Named ‘Garuda’, the AI-powered, voice-controlled electric bike is being hailed as one of India’s most advanced student-built two-wheeler prototypes — and nearly half of it is made from discarded materials.
Developed by Shivam Maurya, Gurpreet Arora and Ganesh Patil, mechanical engineering students at Bhagwan Mahavir University, Garuda represents a bold fusion of artificial intelligence, sustainability and hands-on innovation. What began as an ambitious college project has now emerged as a working prototype that challenges conventional ideas around electric mobility in India.
Turning Scrap into Smart Mobility
The vision behind Garuda was clear: create a smart electric motorcycle capable of autonomous functions, without relying on costly imported parts. Over a year-long build process, the trio invested around ₹1.8 lakh, sourcing scrap metal, recycled components and repurposed materials to construct nearly 50% of the bike.
Rather than viewing scrap as a compromise, the students treated it as a design opportunity. The result is a powerful example of “waste-to-best” engineering — proving that innovation depends more on intent and skill than on budgets.
Raspberry Pi at the Core
At the centre of Garuda’s intelligence is a Raspberry Pi, which functions as the bike’s main control unit. Acting as its digital brain, the system enables voice-based commands, automatic speed regulation and hands-free braking.
Using Wi-Fi connectivity, Garuda can respond to instructions such as slowing down or stopping at a predefined distance. According to the students, this setup lays the groundwork for future autonomous two-wheeler technology, a field still largely unexplored in India.
AI-Focused Rider Safety
Garuda’s standout feature is its emphasis on safety. Equipped with two long-range sensors, the bike continuously monitors the road ahead. If another vehicle enters a 12-foot zone, the system automatically reduces speed. When obstacles come within three feet, Garuda can bring itself to a complete stop — even without rider intervention.
In some situations, the bike also reacts directly to voice commands like “stop at three feet.” At a time when India continues to battle high two-wheeler accident rates, such AI-assisted systems point to how technology could help minimise human error.
Premium Features, Student Build
Despite being a student prototype, Garuda includes features usually seen in high-end electric vehicles. A touchscreen dashboard offers GPS navigation, smartphone connectivity and music playback.
Live feeds from front and rear cameras are displayed on-screen, enhancing visibility in dense urban traffic. The bike also features wireless mobile charging, reflecting the team’s attention to everyday rider convenience.
Range, Charging and Performance
On the performance front, Garuda delivers impressive numbers. Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the bike claims a range of 220 km in Eco mode and 160 km in Sport mode. Charging time is just two hours, addressing a major concern surrounding EV usability.
The students say the battery has been designed to remain lightweight while maintaining safety, allowing for both efficiency and responsive handling.
Powered by a Digital Community
Garuda’s growing popularity has also been fuelled by Shivam Maurya’s YouTube channel, which boasts over two million subscribers. Known for showcasing DIY engineering, futuristic builds and experimental vehicles, Shivam has built a strong online following around innovation.
Among projects involving AI bikes, robots and hubless wheels, Garuda stands out as the team’s most ambitious and technically mature creation.
More Than a College Project
For the trio behind Garuda, the bike is not an end product but a starting point. They see it as a foundation that can evolve into a scalable, real-world solution.
Garuda is more than a student-built electric bike — it is a signal that India’s next mobility breakthroughs could emerge from college workshops rather than corporate labs. By combining sustainability, artificial intelligence and accessible technology, these young engineers have offered a glimpse into a future that is cleaner, smarter and built on ideas that refuse to be discarded.
