Empowered on Two Wheels: How Electric Bicycles Are Transforming the Lives of Jeevika Didis in Bihar

Patna: Pinki Devi, a resident of Daulatpur Deoria village in Hajipur block, had long struggled with the high cost and inconvenience of traveling to sell her mushrooms in nearby towns. Dependent on public transport or costly private vehicles, much of her earnings were spent on commuting. However, a new initiative providing electric bicycles to rural women entrepreneurs has transformed her business, allowing her to travel with ease, save money, and expand her market reach.

Pinki is among the 500 women, known as Jeevika Didis, who have received electric bicycles under the “Stree” (Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs with Electric Bicycles) project. Launched under the aegis of the Rural Development Department’s Jeevika initiative, the project aims to enhance mobility, promote self-employment, and improve the socio-economic status of women in Bihar’s rural areas.

The initiative, a joint effort by Jeevika, the Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai, Convergence Energy Services Limited, and Project Concern International (PCI) India, seeks to empower women entrepreneurs while fostering environmentally sustainable transportation.

Kiran Devi, who runs a carrom board business, and Seema Devi, a tailor, are among the many beneficiaries who have experienced a surge in income and efficiency. The electric bicycles have allowed them to expand their customer base by selling their products in nearby villages without incurring transportation costs. Similarly, Mala Kumari, who operates a grocery store, now travels freely to procure supplies, ensuring better stock availability and improved profits.

The bicycles, equipped with GPS and IoT technology, provide security and efficiency, reducing the risk of theft and ensuring safe navigation. They are also highly economical, requiring minimal charging costs. In the initial phase, 500 electric bicycles were distributed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar—200 in Patna, 150 in Muzaffarpur, and 150 in Vaishali.

The selection process prioritizes Jeevika Didis already engaged in self-employment who frequently travel to remote areas. These women are identified through their self-help groups and approved at the cluster level before receiving their bicycles. Additionally, they undergo training in riding and maintenance to ensure optimal use of the vehicles.

Beyond individual benefits, the initiative aligns with Bihar’s larger goals of women’s empowerment and green mobility. By reducing dependency on conventional transport and fostering self-reliance, the electric bicycle project is helping rural women take charge of their livelihoods, bringing prosperity to their families and strengthening the local economy.

As these Jeevika Didis pedal towards self-sufficiency, their success is not only reshaping their own futures but also inspiring others in their communities to embrace entrepreneurship and mobility as tools for empowerment.