Ryvid: Electric Motorcycles Powering a Change in Urban Transportation

California-based startup Ryvid is redefining sustainable urban mobility with its sleek, modular electric motorcycles. These lightweight machines are designed not just for performance but also for longevity and repairability. With celebrity owners like Chris Hemsworth and Lana Del Rey, Ryvid's bikes offer a futuristic alternative to both cars and traditional motorbikes. Powered by a removable swappable battery, the bike can also double as an off-grid power source, handy for camping. Ryvid proves that sustainability is about more than just zero emissions; it is about how materials are used, how parts are assembled, and how long a product can last.

Ryvid was founded in 2021, but the vision reaches further: to create a sustainability platform that outlasts trends in hardware and software. CEO and co-founder Dong Tran explains that they wanted to offer a robust hardware base with modular features that evolve with users over time. Ryvid has scaled up to ship across the US, delivering bikes that can grow with their riders through upgrades, adaptable suspension, and personalised setup options.

One of Ryvid's defining features is its modularity. The same core frame supports multiple models, and components like suspension, seats, and body panels can be swapped or upgraded easily. Dong and the team adopted a parallel production approach where assemblies are built simultaneously, rather than linearly. That allows for multiple configurations to be produced at once, with as many as six colour options. It also simplifies logistics, part inventories, and future upgrades. Riders are not just buying a bike, they are buying into an evolving platform.

Dong draws from personal experience growing up in Vietnam, where two-wheelers are essential for daily life. There, bikes are tools, not toys, and fixing them is part of ownership. Ryvid incorporates that ethos by prioritizing durability. The bikes are functional even without software; remove the display, and it still rides. Customers have even modified their bikes with custom battery packs and motor controllers. The core philosophy is to build a strong mechanical base that does not rely on digital systems to operate.

The removable battery is not just for riding, it doubles as a portable power source. Owners can use it for camping, working remotely, or even as backup power during outages. A forthcoming accessory kit will make this even easier. Weighing 80 pounds and engineered for easy handling, the battery can be removed or reinstalled in under 15 seconds. This design detail reflects Ryvid's aim to make a product that adapts to life, not the other way around.

Ryvid's entire operation runs out of an 8,000-square-foot building in California. There, the team handles research, development, testing, and final assembly. Bikes are road-tested locally before being shipped directly to customers, using a direct-to-consumer model. The small footprint is no accident; the factory is designed to be mobile. Tools and stations are on wheels, shelves can be collapsed, and everything can be reconfigured or relocated as the company grows or shifts production globally.

For Dong and the Ryvid team, the real differentiator is not just the bike, it is the ownership experience. They are committed to creating a relationship with customers that continues long after purchase. Whether it is upgrade paths, battery swaps, or accessory kits, the goal is to make Ryvid motorcycles adaptable and enjoyable for the long term. That mindset not only strengthens customer loyalty, it also extends the life of the product, reinforcing the company's sustainable mission.

To scale efficiently, Ryvid relies on PTC's design and engineering software. Creo, their 3D CAD tool, helps Ryvid engineers’ prototype quickly, test digitally, and reduce dependence on costly physical prototypes. Features like surfacing, sheet metal design, and integrated simulation tools are essential for startups working with limited time and budget. Creo offers a complete toolset in a single environment.