As a young boy, Sheikh Ameen eagerly awaited the thick blanket of snow that would transform his hometown, Srinagar, into a pristine wonderland. Each flake held the promise of playful escapades — building snowmen with friends, engaging in spirited snowball fights, and gazing up at the endless stretch of bright blue skies. The crisp, fresh air was a daily companion as he indulged in endless winter fantasies amidst the untouched beauty of the valley.
“Back then, the snowfall was so generous that it felt like a celebration; sometimes we’d have over a foot and a half of snow. It was common to see families taking afternoon strolls against a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped trees and rooftops. The snow felt like a gift from nature,” Ameen tells The Better India.
These cherished memories now cast a bittersweet shadow. Today, Ameen’s heart is heavy as he witnesses the changes that have overtaken his beloved Kashmir. The snowfall, once a frequent visitor, has now become elusive, appearing only once or twice a year, if at all.
“The clear skies have blurred into a pall of smog, obscured by pollution and an ever-growing environmental crisis. Kashmir has become one of the top ten most polluted regions, with air quality levels that tell a story of neglect,” he mentions.
For the 27-year-old, the memories of those idyllic winters stand in stark contrast to the present reality — a poignant reminder of what has been lost to rising air pollution.
“Plush tourist spots are often clogged with vehicles, and traffic congestion has become a daily ordeal. Where journeys once took half an hour, they now stretch painfully beyond an hour. Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem is more vulnerable than ever. Emitted pollutants settle into the valley, trapped by the surrounding mountains,” Ameen points out.
As Ameen reflects on these changes, he harbours a renewed sense of urgency and responsibility. Within him lies a profound desire to reclaim the beautiful, snow-draped world of his childhood and restore the vibrant vitality of Kashmir before the serene snowscapes of cherished memory fade into mere stories of the past.
Determined to take action, Ameen shared his concerns about rising air pollution with his college friend, Zubair Ahmed Bhat, during a conversation over tea. That discussion sparked the idea for ‘Curve Electric’ — a sustainable e-bike rental service designed to provide an eco-friendly alternative for both residents and tourists.
Navigating towards sustainable mobility solutions
In 2022, the duo turned their vision into reality by launching Curve Electric, leading a movement for sustainable transportation in Kashmir. By introducing e-bikes as an alternative to daily commutes, the startup has been pivotal in creating awareness and offering practical solutions to tackle traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Their vehicles, Ameen says, are specially designed to withstand the rugged terrains of Kashmir and support a sustainable lifestyle, marking a revolutionary step in addressing climate change on a local scale.
“We focus on lightweight electric vehicles designed to manoeuvre effortlessly through the region’s challenging terrains. These e-bikes serve as an alternative mode of transport, reducing not only traffic but also the region’s carbon footprint,” says Ameen. “In just two years, our venture has fostered a sense of community responsibility by cutting carbon emissions equivalent to what 7,500 trees would offset.”
Highlighting what makes their e-bikes stand out, Ameen shares, “We have several unique features designed for efficiency and user convenience. These e-bikes can be used as traditional bicycles or as electric-powered bikes. This dual feature enables users to switch between manual pedalling and electric assistance, making them adaptable to various terrains and user preferences.”
Unlike other e-bikes, Ameen shares, Curve Electric models boast a high-torque motor with 40 Newton Meters of force. This ensures durability and performance on difficult paths, a crucial advantage for navigating the mountainous terrains of Kashmir.
One of the striking features is their detachable battery system, which minimises downtime. “Users can simply swap a discharged battery for a fresh one, ensuring uninterrupted use. Each charge lasts between 60 and 65 kilometres,” Ameen shares.
Interestingly, the company has also removed technological barriers that could complicate rentals. “There’s no need for apps or wallets. Users can rent a bike directly from a docking station using an ID, with charges calculated at Rs 6 per minute. This flexibility provides significant financial savings, as rental costs are considerably lower compared to traditional cabs or motorbikes, which cost around Rs 20 and Rs 11 per kilometre, respectively,” he adds.
Understanding the extensive usage by both tourists and locals, Curve Electric’s e-bikes are designed to endure more than 100 kilometres of travel daily, setting a new benchmark of reliability in shared mobility solutions. “Our e-bikes are equipped with GPS tracking and alert systems to notify operators of any tampering attempts, ensuring the bikes’ security at all times,” he adds.
Pedalling an eco-friendly future
Since its inception, Curve Electric has completed 55,000 rides, covering 7,50,000 kilometres and significantly reducing carbon emissions that would have otherwise been produced by traditional fuel-based vehicles.
For Salik Bhat, the e-bike is more than just a mode of transport — it’s a lifestyle upgrade that enriches his daily routine. He says, “My home is just 500 metres from the nearest Curve Electric station. Every morning, I pick up an e-bike to head to my office. It’s a seamless system. Earlier, I would lose about 30 minutes each day stuck in traffic, but now I arrive at the office on time. That means I can either start my day sooner or simply enjoy a more relaxed morning.”
Beyond convenience, Salik appreciates the comfort and flexibility of these e-bikes. “They have three modes: full electric, pedal assist, and manual pedalling. I often switch between them depending on my mood and how much exercise I want to incorporate into my day. People sometimes question why I use an e-bike instead of a car. I think they look very premium and cool! It’s definitely not your average bicycle. Seeing me, some of my colleagues have also started using these e-bikes,” he adds.
The success of Curve Electric is also evident in its growing revenue. Starting with Rs 14 lakh in collective savings, the duo clocked an annual revenue of Rs 30 lakh last year. This year, they are projecting an increase to Rs 55 lakh.
Recently, their startup earned widespread recognition and praise on Shark Tank India Season 4. “Although we did not bag a deal, it was a great experience to receive appreciation from the sharks. As an entrepreneur, it’s every founder’s dream.” Ameen smiles. “It helped us put our goals in front of the country and highlighting the issue, I believe, was more important than the funding. We’re not just a business for profits, we are a business with a purpose.”
Looking ahead, Ameen plans to expand their reach beyond Kashmir into other urban centres, aiming to be at the forefront of eco-friendly transportation solutions. “As we grow, the long-term vision for Curve Electric remains deeply rooted in our desire to ignite a larger movement towards conscious living. More than just a transportation solution, our e-bikes are a symbolic leap toward a cleaner, more sustainable future,” Ameen shares.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All photos courtesy Sheikh Ameen
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