Ahmedabad’s ‘Biker Dadis’ win hearts with their spirited scooter rides

Two octogenarian sisters from Ahmedabad have become an online sensation after being spotted cruising through city streets on a scooter with a sidecar. Fondly hailed as the “Biker Dadis,” 87-year-old Mandakini Shah and her younger sister Usha have captured hearts with their infectious enthusiasm and fearless spirit.

Mandakini — popularly known as Manda Ben — rides with remarkable confidence, effortlessly navigating the city’s traffic while spreading cheer along the way. Her passion for riding, she says, is rooted in a lifetime of advocating for women’s rights, and that same energy continues to fuel her journeys today.

When people ask what motivates her at this age, she responds with unwavering clarity: “Why not?”

Her scooter, she recalls, has always been more than just a vehicle.

Mandakini Ben Shah, Rider says, "So many people have taken a ride on my scooter. I used to pick up children and take them to gardens; the whole scooter would be filled. And if I see anyone walking on the road, I offer them a ride as well. This whole vehicle becomes theirs, and whenever they see me, they come along.

Watching me, husbands at times tell their wives that "you don't ride, but see them and take inspiration." Many women tell me they also want to learn, as they are inspired when they see me ride..."

For 84-year-old Usha Ben, riding beside her elder sister makes every journey feel special. Her pride is unmistakable.

Usha Ben, sister of Manda Ben says, "My sister rides, and I feel so proud. No one else can ride like her. There is no one in the world who can ride the way she does."

A recent viral video of the duo brought them nationwide attention, with social media users hailing them as a true “power pair” and even comparing their camaraderie to the beloved Jai–Veeru from Sholay.

Daughters of a freedom fighter, the sisters continue to rely on their old second-hand scooter, a humble but powerful symbol of independence. Their zest for life and unshakeable determination have inspired countless people across the country.

Ahmedabad’s “Biker Dadis” remind the world that adventure has no age limit. As they prove every day, age may slow the body, but it can never stop someone who chooses to live fully.