2025 Acko Drive Awards: Bajaj Freedom Wins 2025 Acko Byte Bike Tech of the Year

As technology improves, new safety and convenience features are becoming more common on motorcycles and scooters across price bands and market segments. We’ve seen some interesting applications of technology this year, ranging from entertainment and smartphone connectivity options to navigation, electrification and even fundamental mechanics. Several of this year’s nominees showed off interesting new developments in the application of alternative fuels, while core mechanical updates also caught our attention.

The Bike Tech of the Year TOTM winner for 2025 is the Bajaj Freedom 125, India and the world’s first CNG-powered motorcycle. With the potential to reduce operating costs for millions of Indians, depending on usage patterns, the Freedom 125 is a viable alternative to many mainstream commuter bikes. It’s not just a concept; it’s the first of several models planned by Bajaj and the overwhelmingly positive reception it has had so far will surely make other manufacturers pay attention. The Acko Drive reviews team received hundreds of questions about this bike, and huge crowds gathered around it wherever it was ridden. The Bajaj Freedom 125 is an important marker on India’s journey as it moves towards wider adoption of clean and renewable fuels.   

Other finalists for this award were Ather Magic Twist Active Regeneration; the Honda CB300F Flex-Fuel, India’s first e85 flex-fuel bike; and the Matter Aera – the world’s first electric bike with a gearshift.

The Acko Drive awards are India’s most credible automotive industry awards. This year’s grand two-day event was held in Pune, one of India’s busiest automotive hubs, honouring the legacy of Indian manufacturing. Over 50 TOTMs were handed out, recognising the year’s best cars, bikes, people, and ideas. Acko Byte is an emerging new publication operating alongside Acko Drive, delivering useful tips, guides and news updates about tech products and services. As our worlds become increasingly online and interconnected, Acko Drive and Acko Byte cover the intersection of technology and automobiles.