Celebrating 10 years of Royal Brothers fuelling life experiences

What began with just five bikes in a single city has transformed into a nationwide two-wheeler rental platform that caters to everyone from IT professionals in Bengaluru to international travellers exploring India. Royal Brothers isn’t just about renting bikes, it’s about creating stories, journeys and a new approach to urban mobility. Co-founder Abhishek Chandrashekar talks about the evolution of Royal Brothers, the cultural shift towards renting over owning, and how they’re building a riding ecosystem that’s inclusive, adventurous and ready for India’s next generation of commuters, in this candid chat with Prerna Malhotra. How did Royal Brothers grow from just five bikes in Karnataka to a nationwide mobility platform? Royal Brothers began with a simple idea - mobility should be about freedom, not ownership. Back in 2015, we started as the first licensed two-wheeler rental company in Karnataka with just five bikes and a big dream. Our beginnings were humble - a small garage that doubled up as our HQ, barely any capital to work with and a team of young founders who believed that India’s mobility story needed reimagining.

Today, we’re present in over 30 cities across India, including popular travel destinations such as Puducherry, Visakhapatnam, Wayanad, Kochi, Kodagu, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and more. Our fleet now caters to a wide range of users - from college students to corporate travellers and international tourists.

. How did you build trust in an unorganised market? Initially, no one understood the concept of legal rentals. Most people were renting bikes under the table, without licenses, insurance or permits. We spent years educating local authorities, aligning with government regulations and pushing for reforms. Covid-19 was a big test. We had to almost shut down completely. But it was also a turning point, and it reinforced our core belief that mobility is essential.

Legalising two-wheeler rentals in India wasn’t easy. We spent months with RTOs, proving our accountability systems, building digital booking and verification processes, and showing we could operate safely. That early groundwork helped us when the pandemic hit.

. What challenges did you face from the Covid-19 pandemic? Covid-19 was one of the toughest times for us. Practically overnight, travel stopped, showrooms were shut and people weren’t buying or renting vehicles. But there were frontline workers who needed to move - doctors, nurses, essential staff and they didn’t have access to reliable transport. That’s when we pivoted fast. We created what we called a ‘subscription concept’ so people could rent vehicles long-term without needing to buy.

We deployed over 800 vehicles during those months, sometimes delivering them ourselves in PPE kits to ensure safety. Our revenue was only 20-25 per cent of what it used to be, but what mattered was trust. Customers saw us as a mobility solution when they needed it the most, and that loyalty has stayed with us. It taught us resilience, and that the rental model can adapt even in a crisis.

From scooters to superbikes, how do you manage such a wide-ranging fleet across cities? Every city has a unique DNA. In Bhubaneshwar, it’s about 110cc scooters for college students. In Bengaluru, Kochi or Gurugram, it’s Royal Enfields, Himalayan bikes and even superbikes. We balance aspirational needs with functional mobility. We also work with local partners who understand regional demand and provide last-mile support, ensuring bikes are serviced, insured and road-ready. It’s hyperlocal thinking.

We’re also evolving with trends. The demand for electric bikes has picked up, and we have added EV models to our fleet. Most corporate employees now use our RBX subscription plans for steady and affordable mobility.

. How does one rent a bike? What documents or criteria should someone planning to rent one be aware of? It’s simple. You need a valid driving license, government ID, and in some cases, an international driving permit (for foreigners). Bookings can be made online or via our App. Pick-up is smooth, and drop-offs are flexible. We’ve even had travellers from Europe and South America land in India, rent a bike from us and explore the country over weeks.

Everything is digital, from booking to profile verification, making it fast for young and tech-driven customers. Many of our users are students and solo travellers who need the convenience of online rentals without physical paperwork.

. Can your bikes be taken on weekend getaways or interstate trips? How flexible is the rental for long-distance travel? Absolutely. We’ve made our fleet interstate-ready. In fact, around 35-40 per cent of our bookings are for long-distance travel with riders going from Bengaluru to Goa, or Delhi to Leh. As long as you get the interstate travel permit and ride responsibly, you can travel across India. We even guide travellers with route suggestions and tips. For longer trips, customers often rent jackets, gloves and protective gear directly from us.

What kind of insurance do your rentals include, and what’s the rider’s liability in case of an accident? All our bikes come with third-party and personal accident insurance. We’re also among the first to offer zero-deposit options for riders. If there’s minor damage, it’s taken care of with nominal charges.

Who are your regular customers? How do you cater to different needs and travel styles? It’s truly diverse. We have techies renting for daily office commutes, creators shooting reels in Gokarna, families exploring forts in Rajasthan, and solo women travellers who just want the freedom to ride. We have even held special riding workshops for women. One of our goals is to make riding inclusive and liberating, regardless of age or gender. We’re not just offering transport - we’re fuelling life experiences.

We started Royal Brothers because we believed mobility shouldn’t be a luxury. Students, solo travellers and city explorers deserve the freedom to move without the baggage of ownership, that understanding of riders is why we now serve everything from weekend explorers to corporate employees.

. You’ve partnered with Jaipur Metro and launched guided tours. Are more collaborations and events on the way? Yes. In Jaipur, we’ve launched a ride-and-rail combo in partnership with the Metro. We also recently introduced guided tours that start from Bengaluru to Hampi, Wayanad and Mysuru. We’re planning more cultural rides, local food trails and heritage circuits. Through these, we aim to connect riders with the soul of a city, not just its roads.

What tips would you give first-time renters and two-wheeler riders in urban areas? Safety first. Always wear a helmet with the strap fastened not just for rules, but for your life. Wear shoes, even if you’re on a moped. If possible, rent or buy a good riding jacket with Level I or II protection. Riding is fun, but the streets can be unpredictable. Also, follow traffic rules. It’s not just about you, but everyone else on the road too.

Your core belief is ‘why buy when you can rent’. Why does this idea connect so well with today’s generation? We’re living in a time where freedom matters more than ownership. Today’s generation doesn’t want to be tied down by EMIs, maintenance or the hassle of reselling. They’re switching cities, jobs and even lifestyles faster than ever. In this world of flexibility, renting isn’t just convenient - it’s empowering. When you rent a bike, you get the ride you want, when you want it, without the baggage that comes with buying. It’s not about affordability alone - it’s about access, variety and the ability to live on your own terms.

Just as people now rent homes, furniture and even fashion, we believe bikes are the next logical step. We’re not here to sell vehicles - we’re here to offer freedom on two wheels.

What’s next for Royal Brothers? Any new locations, features or rider experiences we should watch out for? A lot more than just bikes. We’re building a world where mobility meets lifestyle. The future isn’t just about expanding our fleet - it’s about expanding the experience. Think curated trails, off-roading circuits, tech-enabled vehicles and a strong focus on building a riding community through clubs, group rides and events across the country. We’re entering more Tier II and III cities where owning a bike might be tough but riding one shouldn’t be.

We want to make two-wheeler access seamless, smart and social. From premium bike accessories to local experiences that connect riders with the roads and stories of India, we’re here to build not just a rental platform, but a movement.

Check out Royal Brothers: https://www.royalbrothers.com

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Celebrating 10 years of Royal Brothers fuelling life experiences

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