Bengaluru-Based Simple Energy Enters Family Scooter Segment With Wave Launch

Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Simple Energy is shifting its focus from performance-focused scooters to the mass-market family segment. The Bengaluru-based company is entering this segment with the introduction of the Simple Wave, priced starting at approximately ₹1,09,999 (ex-showroom).

The company is positioning the new model around storage capacity, a feature founder and CEO Suhas Rajkumar noted remains underserved in the market. The Simple Wave will be offered in multiple variants—Wave S, Wave, and Wave Plus—with different battery and display configurations. According to Rajkumar, the Wave comes with a claimed 70-litre boot space, along with an additional four-litre side compartment that provides accessible storage without requiring the main boot to be opened.

Dealer networks and customers consistently demanded family-focused options, with existing Simple One customers seeking practical vehicles for spouses, siblings, and parents, according to Rajkumar. This shift is expected to change Simple Energy's sales mix significantly. The company currently operates around 65 stores and plans to expand this network to 160-170 stores by March. Family-oriented models like the Wave are expected to account for 75-80% of the company's portfolio by that time, with the Simple One contributing about 20%.

Simple Energy plans to begin mass production of the Wave this month, with the first deliveries anticipated towards the end of September. The company targets production scaling to 10,000 to 12,000 scooters per month across its portfolio by March.

Financially, the company expects the new model to improve its financial profile. Rajkumar stated that the Wave was value-engineered to maintain healthy contribution margins, and Simple Energy anticipates turning EBITDA-positive in the first quarter of FY27. Industry contribution margins are expected to improve to 18-25 percent over the next 12 months, while Simple continues to target higher gross margins in the longer term.

However, external cost pressures remain. Rajkumar pointed out that while lithium-ion battery prices have softened, higher prices for aluminium, copper, and steel have largely offset those savings.

With an initial public offering still on its roadmap, Simple Energy must now demonstrate that its strategic pivot toward the family scooter market can deliver the scale, margins, and financial stability required for its next growth phase.

"Simple Energy's strategic expansion from niche performance scooters into the high-volume family segment is a pragmatic move to capture a larger market share. By addressing practical consumer needs like storage and focusing on value-engineering for healthier contribution margins, the company is aligning its product portfolio with broader market demand. Successfully scaling production and managing supply chain cost pressures will be critical milestones as they target profitability and future public market readiness." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes