diff --git a/init.zsh b/init.zsh
index 73afd2c..9e7efc9 100755
--- a/init.zsh
+++ b/init.zsh
@@ -13,6 +13,13 @@ fi
 # Source user configuration
 [[ -s ${ZDOTDIR:-${HOME}}/.zimrc ]] && source ${ZDOTDIR:-${HOME}}/.zimrc
 
+# Set input mode before loading modules
+if [ ${zinput_mode}='vi' ]; then
+  set -o vi
+else
+  set -o emacs
+fi
+
 # Autoload module functions
 () {
   local mod_function
diff --git a/templates/zimrc b/templates/zimrc
index 203a7a6..8f10075 100644
--- a/templates/zimrc
+++ b/templates/zimrc
@@ -57,6 +57,9 @@ ztermtitle='%n@%m:%~'
 # Input
 #
 
+# Set to vi or emacs
+zinput_mode='emacs'
+
 # Uncomment to enable double-dot expansion.
 # This appends '../' to your input for each '.' you type after an initial '..'
 #zdouble_dot_expand='true'