- Manikandan S , Supriya Paul- Coimbatore- Rs. 66 lakh- 15- Personal MobilityWhen S Manikandan's wife expressed her annoyance at the inability to access green technology for her commute, he decided to do something about it."We have always been very environmentally conscious and inclined to sustainable development. I decided to come up with a solution that can help us in own commute," says Manikandan.Manikandan, the Managing Director of Milltex , a firm that started in 1970s to manufacture and install Jute Carding Machinery, says he always had a passion for automotive and had studied and followed the industry since his student days. "Another thing that always pinched me was that we (Indians) somehow always got the lower end of the bargain. When we started working on Spero, we were determined that it would be a no-compromise, world class product made for the Indian consumer," says Manikandan.A holistic plan for mobility was created after careful study of the industry's evolution, the current global scenario and the National Electric Mobility Mission 2020. In early 2015, a team of motivated youngsters were given an assignment to design the first of the many products/solutions planned.The result has been an innovative take on an e-bicycle. The e-bike takes advantage of regeneration, which means as you pedal the energy not only pushes you forward, but also gets stored in a battery. The e-bike also comes with a Cruise Mode, which means if you travel at a constant speed for six seconds, cruise mode takes over so that you can ride without pedaling and accelerating. Spero even gets a mobile charger, helmet holder, mobile holder and pressure indicator.The e-bike can reach 0-25 kmph in 10 seconds, is equipped with 5-gears for the electric mode and the 48V Li-ion battery comes with a one year warranty and charges from 20-80% in 2-3 hours. It uses a regular domestic line that you use for everyday appliances to recharge.On the mechanics, there are no confusing gears, but the Spero comes with a digital gear that cuts the noise and the vibration to offer a smooth and hassle-free ride. The e-bike also gets a digital display that helps you monitor the stats of the ride on the go. It indicates charge level, current speed, distance covered and much more. It is also the first e-bike to offer 100 kms on a single charge."Spero connotes to Hope in Latin and it is a healthy, fun, green commute which we would love to see the nation embrace," says Manikandan. The startup has been crowdfunded and the first batch of e-bikes are now being delivered to its backers.The company is rolling out experience centers soon and targeting a presence in 130 cities in 48 to 60 months. It is also developing a unisex version of the bike.