Pedalling Towards Success: The Inspiring Journey of Payal Jain and VIGOR E-Bikes

Shruti Kothari | Business Remedies | April 03,2025 | Entrepreneurship is often a journey of resilience, passion, and vision—especially for women breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries. Payal Jain embodies all these qualities and more. From a stable corporate career to pioneering a sustainable E-Bike business, she has transformed challenges into opportunities with remarkable determination. 

In this exclusive conversation, we uncover her inspiring journey, the inception of VIGOR E-Bike, and her mission to revolutionize urban mobility. Come join me in getting to know the dedicated and delightful Payal Jain and her remarkable path to success. 

Interview with Payal Jain, Founder of VIGOR E-Bike

Shruti: Could you share a bit about your journey—where you come from and how your career path unfolded?

Payal: I come from a humble middle-class family and completed my education in Jaipur, earning a degree in Arts with a major in English Literature from Maharani College. Like many, I initially pursued a conventional career, spending seven years at Vodafone before transitioning to MAAC, an animation institute. Business was never a part of my upbringing, and I always believed I would remain in the service sector. However, life has a way of reshaping perspectives.

After getting married in 2007, I continued working until 2017, when I felt a strong urge to carve my own path. My first entrepreneurial venture focused on tracking devices for vehicles and personal safety. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a shift in global priorities, with an increased emphasis on health and fitness. Recognizing this evolving landscape, my husband, Prateek Jain—a state-level cyclist with an electronics background—and I saw an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to this space. This vision led to the inception of VIGOR E-Bike, a brand driven by innovation and a commitment to sustainable mobility.

Shruti: What was your motivation to start a new business?

Payal: Being from a Baniya family, there is always an inherent inclination toward business. Moreover, my husband had deep knowledge about cycles, which gave us an edge. With his diploma in electronics and extensive experience as a cycling enthusiast, we saw a great opportunity to enter this industry. After COVID-19, as people became more health-conscious, we knew the timing was perfect. We combined our knowledge, business sense, and the right market conditions to establish VIGOR E-Bike.

Shruti: Let’s talk about VIGOR E-Bike.

Payal: We launched VIGOR in 2022, introducing a fresh and unique vehicle concept to the market. Initially, we considered combining traditional cycles with electric technology, but we wanted to create something distinct—something that would make people stop and take notice. After extensive research and discussions, we finalized our current designs.

Currently, we offer around 5-6 different models catering to individuals aged 13 to 65 years. The entire manufacturing process is based in Jaipur, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Shruti: What were some of the initial challenges you faced?

Payal: Procuring high-quality parts was a major challenge. Since we aimed to create a premium and elegant cycling experience while maintaining an eco-friendly approach, sourcing the right components was difficult. Another major hurdle was deciding on the manufacturing process—whether to outsource it or handle it ourselves. Designing was another concern—should we do it in-house or seek external help?

To overcome these challenges, we started networking, meeting more people in the industry, and conducting extensive research. Eventually, we set up our entire manufacturing unit in Jaipur, ensuring complete control over quality and innovation.

Shruti: How did you secure funding for your business?

Payal: We benefited from government schemes like ‘Stand-Up India’ and ‘iStart Rajasthan.’ Our funding primarily comes from online and offline sales, and we’re expanding our dealer network. JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation) also provides business opportunities and mentorship.

Shruti: What is your vision for the future?

Payal: I want to see a VIGOR Bike in every household within 8-10 years. Our bikes are available in Kota, Goa, and Jaipur, and we’re expanding. Our products are listed on Amazon, and we’re planning exports to the US, UK, and South Africa. Our goal is to introduce premium yet affordable E-Bikes.

Shruti: You recently met the Chief Minister of Rajasthan. Could you tell us more about that experience?

Payal: Yes! It was an incredible experience. I was selected to have lunch with the Chief Minister of Rajasthan in 2025, along with a few other entrepreneurs. It was an honor to be recognized for our work and to have the opportunity to discuss business development in the state. The CM showed great interest in VIGOR E-Bike and appreciated our efforts to promote sustainable transportation. We also discussed government policies on EVs, subsidies, and the need for more charging stations in Rajasthan. We also discussed vehicle classifications, licensing requirements, and registrations under the EV category.

Shruti: Why do you think Rajasthan is still lagging behind other states in EV adoption?

Payal: The primary issue is the lack of charging infrastructure. People hesitate to buy EVs due to charging concerns. To address this, VIGOR E-Bikes have detachable batteries that can be charged at home, offices, or shops, making them convenient.

Shruti: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Payal: I am a family person and love spending time with my son and husband. We take short trips whenever possible. Besides that, I enjoy cooking, especially experimenting with Indian cuisine.

Shruti: What legacy do you want to leave as a woman entrepreneur?

Payal: I aim to leave a legacy of empowering women entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability. I want to inspire women to break barriers, lead with confidence, and build businesses that make a positive social and environmental impact.

At the end, I would like to say that my biggest inspirations are my father and husband. These two men have changed my life through their sacrifices and constant motivation, encouraging me to pursue my dreams.

Shruti: That’s truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

Payal: Thank you! I hope my story motivates more women to step into entrepreneurship and follow their dreams fearlessly.

Interviewed & Edited By

Shruti Kothari