Highlights

• Hero files Indian patent for its debut electric motorcycle, code‑named VZX
• Collaboration with US brand Zero and Indian brand Vida drives development
• VZX will sit on a brand‑new electric platform, not Zero’s existing architecture
• Design cues include naked‑sport styling, aggressive street‑fighter looks
• Features promised: LED head‑lamp, 17‑inch alloy wheels, belt‑drive, dual‑channel ABS
• Expected electric range between 160 km and 275 km, based on Zero’s battery tech
• First public glimpse shown at EICMA Auto Show 2025
• Launch slated for late 2026, targeting India’s fast‑growing EV two‑wheeler market

Hero Files Indian Patent for First Electric Bike

The news broke out of Kathmandu, but the filing itself is with India’s patent office. Hero MotoCorp, long known for its gasoline‑powered commuter bikes, has officially lodged a patent for an electric motorcycle that will carry the internal code VZX. The move is a clear signal that the company is ready to compete in the electric two‑wheel segment that is heating up across South Asia.

What the VZX Means for Hero’s Strategy

Hero isn’t doing this alone. The VZX will be built under a three‑way partnership that includes Indian scooter maker Vida and US electric‑bike specialist Zero. Hero has been working with Zero for several years now, tapping into the latter’s battery and motor expertise while keeping development in‑house. The VZX will ride on a brand‑new electric platform that Vida is creating, rather than being a rebadged Zero model. That matters because a dedicated platform can be tuned for Indian road conditions, weight limits and price expectations.

Inside the VZX Design and Features

The leaked patent drawings reveal a naked‑sport silhouette with a wide‑angle, semi‑faired body and an aggressive street‑fighter vibe. The front end will sport a sharp LED headlamp and a upside‑down USD fork, while the rear will feature a mono‑shock suspension, petal‑disc brake, dual‑channel ABS and a belt‑drive system. Wheels are specified as 17‑inch alloy, a size that balances agility with stability on city streets.

A full‑digital instrument cluster dominates the dash, paired with a connectivity suite that promises multiple ride modes and over‑the‑air updates. The bike will also include a rear LED tail section, a sleek battery pack concealed under the seat, and a rugged chassis designed for the mixed‑terrain realities of Indian traffic.

Market Impact and Competitive Landscape

India’s electric two‑wheeler market is still in its infancy, but sales are climbing fast. Hero’s entry with VZX puts the company in direct competition with Bajaj’s Chetak electric scooter, TVS’s iQube, and newer entrants such as Okinawa and Ather. What sets VZX apart is its motorcycle form factor—something that most Indian EVs have avoided in favor of scooters.

If the estimated range of 160 km to 275 km holds true, VZX could undercut many imported electric motorcycles while offering a home‑grown alternative that benefits from Hero’s extensive dealer network. The partnership with Zero also suggests that the bike will inherit a proven powertrain, potentially delivering performance that rivals global players like Zero’s own SR/F.

Looking Ahead: Launch Timeline and Expectations

The VZX was first showcased as a concept at the EICMA Auto Show 2025, and the patent filing indicates that Hero is moving from concept to production. Industry insiders expect a launch window in the second half of 2026, with initial shipments aimed at major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Pricing has not been disclosed, but given Hero’s positioning, the bike will likely target the mid‑range segment, aiming for a price point that sits below imported electric motorcycles yet above entry‑level scooters.

The real takeaway is that Hero is not merely adding an electric model to its catalogue; it is building an ecosystem that could reshape the Indian two‑wheel market. By leveraging Zero’s technology, Vida’s platform expertise, and its own distribution muscle, Hero may set a new benchmark for what Indian riders expect from an electric motorcycle.

Will VZX spark a broader shift toward electric motorcycles in India? Time will tell, but the patent filing alone tells us that the industry is already moving in that direction.