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Kinetic electric scooter

The timeless design that won India’s heart.

“Kiney”: More Than Just Scooters, They Were Best Friends

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When Indian roads were buzzing with new opportunities in the 80s and 90s, the Kinetic scooter became more than just a vehicle. It was independence on two wheels, a trusted companion, and a symbol of pride for millions of families. Owners gave it a nickname, “Kiney” because to them, it wasn’t just a scooter. It was a friend.

A Nickname Born Out of Love

The name “Kiney” was more than a playful shortening of Kinetic. It reflected the emotional bond riders shared with their scooters. People spoke about their Kiney as if it were family. It was there for the morning office commute, the quick run to the market, long weekend drives, or the first big family trip. For many, it carried memories of youth, freedom, and milestones. It wasn’t just transport—it was part of life’s stories.

A Design That Won Hearts

What made the Kinetic so beloved was its design. Built sturdy yet approachable, it was easy to handle and comfortable to ride. Both men and women trusted it equally. For some, their first Kinetic was their first taste of independence. For others, it was the family’s proud new purchase. Youngsters often learned the joy of riding on it, creating a bond that lasted years. The automotive industry in India has seen many two-wheelers, but few captured hearts the way the Kinetic did. It was practical, reliable, and stylish, which made it stand out in an era when vehicles often felt intimidating.

The Weekend Rituals

A Milestone for Families

The Kinetic scooter often marked an important step for families. For a young professional, it was independence. For parents, it was convenience and pride. For children, it meant trips to school, tuition, or family outings. Every family had a Kiney story. Some remember balancing groceries; others recall four people squeezed onto the scooter for a short ride. These moments made the scooter more than a machine—it became a part of the family’s identity.

From Nostalgia to Legacy

Even today, people recall their Kinetic with a smile. It symbolized freedom, reliability, and togetherness. Calling it a “best friend” was not an exaggeration; it was the truth. For many, the Kiney carried not just people, but also dreams and emotions. As India moves forward with electric vehicles and new-age mobility solutions, the legacy of Kinetic continues to inspire. It reminds us that mobility is not only about moving from place to place. It’s about creating connections, stories, and trust.

The Bigger Picture: Kinetic and India’s Automotive Industry

The story of “Kiney” also mirrors the rise of India’s automotive manufacturing companies. Behind every scooter was a network of auto components manufacturers in India, automotive OEM partnerships, and supply chains that kept the wheels turning.

  • Automotive parts manufacturers in Pune and PCMC supplied critical components.
  • Gear manufacturers in India and gear manufacturing companies in Pune ensured durability.
  • Motorcycle spare parts manufacturers in India supported after-sales needs, making ownership easy.
  • Automotive OEM manufacturers and automotive OEMs made sure quality standards matched global benchmarks.

The Kinetic scooter thrived because it was backed by this robust ecosystem. Pune, known as a hub for automotive manufacturers in India, played a vital role in producing auto parts that powered not only Kinetic but also India’s wider mobility story.

OEM Partnerships and Supply Chains

When Kinetic rose to fame, it also highlighted the importance of OEM partnerships and supply chains in the automotive industry. From gear shaft manufacturers in India to automotive spare parts suppliers in Pune, everyone contributed to creating a product that was reliable and loved nationwide. This collaborative spirit is still the backbone of today’s automotive manufacturing companies in India. It ensures that vehicles, whether traditional scooters or electric ones, are built with quality, safety, and performance in mind.

What Made the Kiney Different

While many scooters offered convenience, the Kinetic offered companionship. That emotional connection set it apart. People didn’t say “my scooter,” they said “my Kiney.”

This bond was possible because of three things:

  1. Approachability: Easy handling made it accessible for everyone.
  2. Reliability: Backed by strong automotive parts suppliers in India, the scooter rarely let its owners down.
  3. Cultural Connection: It fit into everyday Indian life—carrying school bags, groceries, and sometimes entire families.

This is why the nostalgia around the Kinetic has lasted for decades.

From the Past to the Future

Today, with the launch of the Kinetic DX EV, the spirit of the Kinetic is reborn. Modern riders may enjoy features like Easy Charge cables, connected systems, and advanced batteries, but the heart of the scooter remains the same: dependable, friendly, and part of everyday life. The EV version shows how automotive manufacturing companies in Pune and India have advanced. With auto parts suppliers, gear manufacturing companies, and OEM manufacturers, the industry is embracing sustainability while carrying forward a proud legacy.

Lessons from the Kiney

The story of the Kinetic scooter gives us valuable lessons about mobility and innovation:

  • Vehicles can be emotional companions, not just machines.
  • Strong supply chains and auto parts manufacturers in India are essential for building reliable products.
  • OEM partnerships allow heritage brands to reinvent themselves.
  • Mobility, when done right, creates not just journeys but memories.

Conclusion

The “Kiney” was more than a scooter—it was a part of India’s social fabric. It symbolized independence, reliability, and friendship on two wheels. Backed by the strength of automotive parts suppliers in Pune, automotive OEM companies, and gear manufacturers in India, it became a cultural icon that continues to live in memory. As India enters a new chapter with electric mobility, the legacy of the Kinetic reminds us that machines can be more than metal and rubber. They can feel like family. They can carry not just miles, but memories. And they can remain best friends for life.

 

 

Kinetic employees with the new Kinetic DX EV electric scooter

From Dream to Drive: Srikanta Sahoo’s Journey with Kinetic DX EV

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This month, we proudly celebrate Mr. Srikanta Kumar Sahoo, Deputy Manager in the Testing Department at Kinetic. His story is more than a career milestone—it’s a journey of passion, persistence, and innovation that connects India’s rich automotive heritage with its electric future.

A Childhood Dream That Sparked a Journey

Srikanta’s connection with the Kinetic DX began long before he joined the company. As a young boy, he admired his neighbour’s DX. For him, it wasn’t just a scooter—it was freedom on two wheels. He would often request a ride, dreaming of the day he could own one himself. But by the time he was ready to buy, the DX had already been discontinued. That dream, however, didn’t end there. Years later, destiny brought him an even bigger opportunity: the chance to help reinvent the Kinetic DX as an EV.

Building the Testing Department from Scratch

When Srikanta joined Kinetic, the EV Testing Department was still at an early stage. Nothing existed, no components, no structured processes, no systems. He had to start from zero. With guidance from Kinetic’s leadership, he began by converting ICE scooters into EV prototypes and slowly built a framework for validation. Piece by piece, he developed a dedicated testing space. Here, vehicles and parts could be checked for:

  • Component durability
  • Vehicle-level performance
  • Finishing and reliability standards

In many ways, this was not just technical work but also a foundation for the future of Kinetic’s EV journey. His persistence laid the groundwork for the automotive OEM partnerships, automotive parts manufacturers, and supply chains that would support the rebirth of the DX.

Testing Challenges and Breakthroughs

Developing the new DX EV was not easy. Every feature demanded careful testing to ensure it could perform in real-life conditions.

  • Easy Charge: The retractable charging cable had to withstand constant use.
  • Easy Flip Footrest: It was tested for both convenience and long-term durability.
  • Performance and Range: The team benchmarked the DX against leading EV scooters to ensure competitiveness.

Each test came with obstacles, but Srikanta and his team turned them into stepping stones. The automotive industry thrives on overcoming such hurdles, and his journey embodies the spirit of collaboration among Pune’s auto parts manufacturers, India’s auto component makers, and the country’s leading automotive OEMs who drive innovation forward.

A Personal Connection to the DX

For Srikanta, the DX is not just another project. It is deeply personal. He grew up admiring it, and today he plays a role in shaping its return. “At the beginning, it was only an idea,” he recalls. “With the right guidance, effort, and teamwork, that idea became a product in my hands, a scooter that blends nostalgia with innovation.” This full-circle moment makes his work not just a professional success but the fulfilment of a childhood dream.

The Bigger Picture: Automotive Industry and Supply Chains

Srikanta’s journey is also a reflection of how India’s automotive manufacturing companies are adapting to change. Electric vehicles are not built in isolation; they are the result of strong supply chains, OEM partnerships, and auto components manufacturers in India working together. From gear manufacturers in India to gear shaft manufacturers in Pune, from motorcycle spare parts manufacturers in India to automotive spare parts suppliers in PCMC, every player contributes to creating reliable EVs. The Kinetic DX EV is proof of this collaboration. Pune, often called the Detroit of India, plays a central role. The city is home to automotive manufacturing companies, auto parts manufacturers, and OEM suppliers who power innovation in mobility. Srikanta’s story is a reminder that behind every successful EV stands a vast network of automotive parts suppliers, gear manufacturing companies, and auto parts manufacturers in India.

Innovation Rooted in Heritage

The rebirth of the DX EV is also about balance, between heritage and progress. The familiar design brings back memories of the 90s, while the new features make it relevant for modern riders. For Kinetic, this is possible because of its ties with automotive OEM manufacturers and auto parts manufacturers in Pune. Partnerships with automotive parts suppliers in India allow innovation without losing touch with the brand’s history. This balance is what makes the DX stand apart—it’s not just another EV, but a trusted name redesigned for the future.

What Srikanta’s Journey Teaches Us

Srikanta’s story offers lessons not just for engineers, but for the entire automotive industry in India:

  1. Passion fuels innovation: His admiration for the DX as a child became the foundation for his career.
  2. Strong supply chains matter: Without the support of automotive parts manufacturers in India and Pune, even the best ideas remain ideas.
  3. OEM partnerships drive growth: By working with automotive OEM companies, brands like Kinetic can adapt to new technologies quickly.
  4. Heritage has value: Innovation doesn’t mean abandoning the past; it means building on it.

A Proud Chapter in Kinetic’s Legacy

Today, the Kinetic DX EV is more than a scooter; it is a symbol of how heritage brands can evolve. For Srikanta, it is also the fulfilment of a personal dream. From admiring a scooter in his neighborhood to testing its reborn electric version, his story is inspiring for everyone in the automotive manufacturing industry in India. This recognition as Member of the Month is not only about his achievements in testing but also about his role in connecting Kinetic’s past with its future. His persistence, creativity, and leadership are proof that innovation always begins with passion.

Conclusion

The story of Srikanta Kumar Sahoo is a reminder that the automotive world is not just about machines; it is about people, dreams, and innovation. His journey captures the essence of the automotive industry, OEM partnerships, supply chains, and auto parts manufacturers in Pune and India who make progress possible. The Kinetic DX EV now stands as proof of both nostalgia and innovation. And behind that proof is Srikanta, a boy who once admired a scooter and is now helping shape India’s mobility revolution.

Kinetic DX EV unveiled at launch event in Delhi

Kinetic DX EV: The Iconic Scooter Returns in an Electric Avatar

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A Legendary Comeback in Indian Mobility

Kinetic has made a powerful return to the Indian two-wheeler market with the launch of the all-new Kinetic DX EV. More than just a product launch, this marks the revival of a scooter that once redefined mobility in India and became a household name.

At the unveiling event, Kinetic’s Vice Chairman paid an emotional tribute to the company’s history and its founder, Padma Shri Dr. Arun Firodia, the visionary behind Kinetic’s innovation-first philosophy. Speaking with pride, he said:
“I haven’t inherited a VIP ticket through politics. I’ve inherited it through legacy.”

The Legacy of the Original Kinetic DX

Launched in the 1990s, the original Kinetic DX scooter became an instant hit. Known for its simplicity, practicality, and self-start feature, it stood apart in an era dominated by heavy, gear-operated scooters. For many Indians—especially women and first-time riders—the DX symbolized freedom, accessibility, and confidence.

Now, decades later, Kinetic is bringing that same spirit back with an all-electric avatar designed for the new generation of Indian riders.

Building the Future With Kinetic Watts & Volts

To bring the DX EV vision to life, Kinetic established Kinetic Watts & Volts (KWV) under the umbrella of Kinetic Engineering Limited. With over ₹150 crore already invested and ₹177 crore more committed, the company has built a fully integrated EV manufacturing ecosystem.

Unlike many EV startups, Kinetic produces 98% of the DX EV in-house—including the battery, motor, chassis, electronics, and software. This level of vertical integration is rare in the EV industry and gives Kinetic complete control over quality and reliability.

Designed in Italy, Built for India

The design of the Kinetic DX EV was reimagined in collaboration with renowned Italian designer Alessandro Tartarini in Dubai. While the scooter embraces futuristic design cues, it still retains nostalgic elements from the original DX:

  • The signature red start button

  • A sturdy metal body

  • The classic speedometer console

This blend of heritage and innovation ensures that the DX EV feels both familiar and fresh.

Advanced Manufacturing Strength

Kinetic’s commitment goes beyond design. With its state-of-the-art plant in Ahilya Nagar, robotic production lines, and proprietary in-house technology, the company has positioned itself as a serious long-term EV manufacturer.

Unlike new-age startups chasing valuation, Kinetic is relying on its 79 years of manufacturing expertise to create EVs that are world-class, made in India, and made for India.

As the Vice Chairman put it:
“Kinetic is not chasing hype. We’re here to deliver quality EVs that stand the test of time.”

The Road Ahead Is Electric

The launch of the Kinetic DX EV is more than just a nostalgic revival. It represents bold innovation, deep manufacturing strength, and a reminder that true legends never fade.

Kinetic is back. And this time, it’s electric.