Overview
Yulu is an Indian micromobility company headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It operates a fleet of shared electric two-wheelers intended for short-distance urban travel, with a particular focus on first- and last-mile connectivity and gig-economy delivery use cases. The company is among the more visible players in India's shared electric mobility segment and operates through a smartphone application that allows users to locate, unlock, and pay for vehicles.
Key facts
| Type | Private company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Micromobility, shared electric vehicles |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Country of operation | India |
| Sector | Urban transportation, electric mobility |
Background
Yulu was founded in 2017 with the stated objective of reducing traffic congestion and air pollution in Indian cities by providing a low-speed, electric alternative to private vehicles for short trips. The service is built around app-based rentals, with vehicles picked up and returned at designated zones rather than docked stations of the type used by traditional bicycle-sharing systems.
The company initially launched with non-motorised bicycles before transitioning its focus to electric two-wheelers designed for urban conditions. Its electric vehicles fall within the low-speed category, which under Indian regulations does not require the rider to hold a driving licence or to register the vehicle, broadening the potential user base.
Operations
Yulu operates in several Indian metropolitan areas, with Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi among its core markets. Vehicles are typically clustered around metro stations, business districts, residential zones and commercial hubs to support short commutes and integration with public transit. The company has partnered with metro rail operators and municipal authorities in different cities to set up dedicated parking and charging zones, sometimes referred to as Yulu Zones.
In addition to consumer rentals, Yulu serves delivery executives working with food, grocery and e-commerce platforms, where the vehicles are used as low-cost electric alternatives to petrol two-wheelers. The supporting battery-swapping and charging infrastructure is operated under a separate brand associated with the company.
Significance
Yulu is frequently cited in discussions of India's shift towards electric mobility and shared transportation, particularly in the context of state and national policies promoting electric vehicles. Its model reflects broader trends in Indian urban transport: the use of small-format electric vehicles, app-based access, and integration with mass transit to address last-mile gaps.
Related topics
- Micromobility
- Electric vehicles in India
- Bicycle-sharing system
- Transport in Bengaluru
- Namma Metro
- FAME India
- Last mile (transportation)
References
- Wikidata entry: Q104871276