Surface Moto, an IIT Delhi and COEP Bhau Institute of Pune backed micro-EV startup, launched its debut product, the Surface C1 electric bicycle. Combining the simplicity of a bicycle with the power of an electric vehicle, the Surface C1 is now available across India at an exclusive introductory price starting from ₹64,990.
The Surface C1 is equipped with a 36V 18Ah battery pack, offering a range of 90km, and a base model with a 36V 10.4Ah power pack for a 30-50km range. The portable charger enables a 0-100% charge in 2.3 hours, making it the fastest charging e-bike in the segment.
Powered by a 250W rear BLDC hub motor with three ride modes (Eco, Ride, Rush), the Surface C1 achieves a top speed of 25 km/hr, 42 Nm of torque, and a peak power of 352Wh.
Designed and engineered in-house by Surface Moto, the chassis of the Surface C1 prioritises bicycle ergonomics and biomechanics to enhance the user’s interaction with the vehicle, ensuring a comfortable riding posture and pedal efficiency. The chassis, made from mild composite steel, underscores durability with a payload capacity of 160 kgs.
The custom-designed chassis is complemented by an adaptive foam seat, formulated in-house for maximum comfort, ergonomics and stability. Boasting a visibly larger saddle than traditional e- bikes, the seat provides comfort for longer rides.
Enhancing ease of movement, Motor Assisted Pedalling (MAP) provides three modes of motor assistance, while a Thumb Throttle offers zero-effort conveyance. Safety features include electronic disc brakes with auto-cutoff and sensor-based lights for better visibility ensuring on-road user safety.
Adding to the thrill is a user app that enables a whole new spectrum of possibilities. The Surface App will offer bluetooth connectivity, ride stats, charging status, integrated support and remote troubleshooting.
The Surface C1’s adaptability extends to diverse environments, featuring adaptive-air suspension and all-terrain tires for versatility across landscapes. Rigorous testing, including off-road trials, concrete durability, water/dust splash resilience, wet brake testing, and payload capacity verification, has been done. The electronics are IP65 and IP67 rated, signifying high water and dust ingress protection.
Additionally, the Surface C1 offers adjustable handlebars, seat-shifting and crank-set options positioning it as the most functionally modular e-bike in the market. The C1 falls under the low- speed E2W category and requires no licence to ride or registration for the vehicle.
Surface Moto has announced an early-bird price of ₹64,990 (actual retail price ₹72,990) for the base model and an introductory price of ₹74,990 (actual retail price ₹82,990) for the longer range variant, available in colours Granite and Grey.
SURFACE C1 TECH SPECS
| Performance | |
| Top Speed | 25 km/h |
| Max. Torque | 42 Nm |
| Peak Power | 352wh |
| Riding modes | Eco| Ride| Rush |
| Gradeability | 16 deg |
| Payload Capacity | 160kgs |
| Lighting & Display | |
| Headlight | LED Single Beam with position alter |
| Tail light | LED Frosted Signature |
| Display | 2 inch colour (Enhanced Black Nematic) |
| Range | |
| Actual True Range | 60 km |
| Battery | |
| Battery Type | Li–ion (NMC) |
| Battery Capacity | 36V 10.4ah / 36V 18ah |
| Charging time (0 – 80%) | 2.3h |
| Water and dust resistance | IP67 |
| Fast Charging | Customisable (on-demand) |
| Drivetrain | Manual 7-Speed Shimano |
| Transmission | Rear Hub-Drive |
| Motor Type | |
| Chassis and Suspension | Steel Tubular dual cradle |
| Type | Telescopic Suspension with Hydraulic Dampers |
| Front suspension | |
| Brakes & Tyres | |
| Braking System | Combined Mechanical Braking System with Electronic Cut-Off |
| Brakes (front) | Mechanical single piston – Disc |
| Brakes (rear) | Mechanical single piston – Disc |
| Disc size (front) | 160mm |
Quotes from Syed Shahabaz, Founder & CEO, Surface Moto
With the Surface C1 we wanted to build an e-bike that could break the shackles e-bikes usually find themselves in. Over the last year and a half, our on-road tests have provided tremendous data and our online community is active with invaluable feedback and ideas. With over 30,000 kms of on- road ride data, we have built the C1 with core metrics that raise the bar compared to the norm.
With the Surface C1, we are excited to be fostering strategic partnerships with key retailers in the industry. In 2024, we are looking to set-up retail partnerships in 8 cities. Moreover to ensure a seamless experience for the user, we are also working on establishing Surface Authorised Workshops that will enable quick assistance. After the domestic launch, major international markets are on our horizon.
About Surface Moto
Surface Moto was founded in 2021 by Syed Shahabaz. Backed by IIT Delhi and COEP Bhau Institute of Pune. Surface Moto concept revealed India’s first custom designed e-bike – the Surface C1 in 2022, followed by the market launch in 2023. Surface has design, engineering and manufacturing teams in-house that exclusively focus on product and technology development. Their mission is to build micro-ev’s that enable millions of people to commute sustainably round the globe. Surface is also backed by technical advisors from Tata Motors, Philips, Lockheed Martin, Maruti Suzuki and EY. Surface Moto currently operates out of the IIT Delhi Campus in Hauz Khas, New Delhi.
