Okinawa Autotech
ActiveOverview
Okinawa Autotech is an Indian manufacturer of electric scooters and mopeds, producing both high-speed and low-speed models. Headquartered in Gurgaon, it holds a position in the growing electric two-wheeler market, recognized as an early entrant with models approved for FAME-II subsidies and IATF certification.13
History
Okinawa Autotech was founded in 2015 by Jeetender Sharma, a two-wheeler industry veteran, and his wife Rupali Sharma. It launched India's first high-speed electric scooter, the Ridge, in 2017, followed by the iPraise in December 2017. Key milestones include receiving FAME-II subsidies in 2019 for iPraise and Ridge+ models, launching B2B scooter Dual in 2021, obtaining IATF certification in June 2021, and inaugurating a second manufacturing plant in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, in 2022.1
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge (high-speed scooter) | Entry-level high-speed electric scooter | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| iPraise (high-speed scooter) | Premium high-speed electric scooter | $1,500 - $2,200 |
| Praise Pro (high-speed scooter) | Upgraded performance scooter | $1,400 - $2,000 |
| Lite (low-speed scooter) | Affordable low-speed urban commuter | $800 - $1,200 |
| R30 (low-speed scooter) | Compact low-speed model | $700 - $1,100 |
| OKHI-90 (high-speed scooter) | Recent high-speed addition | $1,300 - $1,900 |
| Dual (B2B scooter) | Commercial service-oriented scooter | $1,000 - $1,500 |
Manufacturing
Okinawa Autotech operates three manufacturing facilities in Rajasthan, India: two operational plants in Bhiwadi and Alwar, with a third under construction. The second plant, inaugurated in 2022, supports production of 300,000 electric vehicles annually, while a planned mega facility aims for one million units per year. Production is in-house at these owned facilities.13
Notable Products
- Okinawa Ridge - India's first high-speed electric scooter launched in 2017.
- Okinawa iPraise - High-speed model that received FAME-II subsidy in 2019 with lithium-ion battery.
- Okinawa Praise Pro - Performance-upgraded scooter launched in September 2019.
- Okinawa Lite - Low-speed affordable scooter introduced in November 2019.
- Okinawa R30 - Compact low-speed model launched in August 2019.
- Okinawa OKHI-90 - Electric scooter launched in March 2022.
Reputation
Okinawa is viewed as a pioneer in India's electric scooter segment for early high-speed launches and certifications like IATF 16949, with long-term user reviews noting reliability after years of use. However, it faced scrutiny from fire incidents in older models, though the company emphasized its quality systems and low incidence relative to sales volume. Credit ratings remain in the 'Issuer Not Cooperating' category as of March 2025, signaling operational challenges.235