Bringing together creativity, sustainability, and engineering, a team of young innovators from Oriental PU College has stolen the spotlight at this year’s Innovation fest by building a fully functional Student DIY E-Bike—all from recycled materials. The student-led project not only won top honors at the event but also impressed educators and peers alike with its practicality and eco-friendly design.
This remarkable achievement reflects Oriental PU’s strong push toward hands-on STEM education. It shows how students can apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems—while staying within budget and championing sustainability.
A Green Idea Turns Into Reality
The award-winning Student DIY E-Bike began as an idea during brainstorming sessions for the college’s annual Innovation fest. A group of science stream students came together with a shared goal: to create a low-cost electric bike that could support local commuting without harming the environment.
After weeks of research and testing, they successfully engineered an e-bike using old bicycle frames, a refurbished lithium-ion battery, and scrap electronics. Not only was the bike functional, but it also covered a distance of over 30 km on a single charge—an impressive feat for a student-level build.
Key features of the project included:
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Zero-emission commuting
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Cost-effective assembly
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Use of recycled and second-hand parts
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Simple design that can be replicated by other students
This student project stood out at the Innovation fest, proving that impactful technology doesn’t always require expensive resources—just curiosity, teamwork, and vision.
Components and Budget Breakdown
One of the main highlights of the Student DIY E-Bike was its affordability. The students focused on reusing available resources and maintaining a practical approach.
Below is a table detailing the bike’s major components and their approximate costs:
| Component | Source | Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bicycle Frame (used) | Scrap donation | ₹0 |
| Electric Motor (250W) | Refurbished | ₹2,000 |
| Lithium-Ion Battery (36V) | Recycled laptop batteries | ₹1,500 |
| Controller & Wiring | Salvaged from e-waste | ₹500 |
| Brake System & LED Display | Local parts market | ₹1,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹5,000 |
This ultra-low budget was one of the most talked-about aspects at the Innovation fest, highlighting how technical learning can be made accessible and relevant.
Impact on Student Innovation Culture
The success of the Student DIY E-Bike has sparked new enthusiasm among students at Oriental PU to take part in future challenges and explore the world of EVs. The project has become a source of inspiration, especially for younger students who saw firsthand what their peers could accomplish with resourcefulness and teamwork.
The college’s focus on encouraging student-led projects during the Innovation fest is a key reason behind the spike in creative submissions this year. With growing access to labs, mentorship, and technical guidance, students are now more confident in solving modern-day challenges with innovation and critical thinking.
Key outcomes:
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30+ student teams participated in this year’s tech challenges
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Rise in EV-focused ideas submitted for competition
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Teachers reported higher STEM interest post-event
Educational Value and Sustainability Message
The Student DIY E-Bike is not only a technological achievement—it also sends a strong message about environmental responsibility. Students designed the bike with the goal of reducing carbon footprints while promoting affordable transportation.
The project promotes:
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Awareness of clean energy alternatives
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Sustainable engineering practices
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Hands-on learning in physics, electronics, and design
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Empowerment through low-cost innovation
The team has already begun refining the prototype, with hopes of collaborating with local transport authorities to develop a version suitable for community use.
Conclusion
The success of the Student DIY E-Bike at Oriental PU’s Innovation fest is a celebration of student potential, creativity, and environmental awareness. By merging technical knowledge with real-world application, students proved that innovation doesn’t need to be expensive—it needs to be thoughtful and bold. This achievement sets the tone for more sustainable, student-driven breakthroughs in the coming years.
FAQs
What inspired students to build the DIY e-bike?
The team aimed to create a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for daily commuting using recycled parts, in line with the theme of the Innovation fest.
How long did it take to build the Student DIY E-Bike?
The full build process—from concept to test ride—took around four weeks, including planning, sourcing materials, and testing.
Was it expensive to make the e-bike?
Not at all. The total cost was around ₹5,000, thanks to the use of scrap materials and second-hand components.
Can this bike be used daily?
Yes, the e-bike covers 30+ km on a single charge and is designed for short commutes like traveling to school or nearby areas.
Will Oriental PU support more such projects?
Absolutely. After the success at the Innovation fest, Oriental PU is planning additional funding and support for student-led EV innovations.
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Sachin is a dedicated writer specializing in education, career, and recruitment topics, delivering clear and actionable insights to empower readers.