Electric bikes charged up and raring to go

Manufacturing company says demand for this mode of transport is fast rising

KARACHI:

With more people becoming environmentally conscious, the demand for electric bicycles is fast on the rise.

The rapidly emerging Pakistani technology company, Hopper Holdings Group, has introduced Pakistan’s first electric bicycle that can cover a distance of 60 km at a speed of 40 km/h. It needs a mere 2 to 2.5 units of electricity to charge its batteries.

The innovative bicycle is currently priced at Rs32,000, but given the rising demand and increased daily production of up to 200 units, the bike will be better equipped and available at a reduced Rs26,000.

Hopper Holding Group Director Sarim T Syed tells The Express Tribune that his company works in the fields of data analytics, robotics, e-commerce and IT applications. The chargeable cycle is an innovative product of the company which has amassed a positive response since its inception.

“The bicycle is a cheap means of transport,” he said. “Many motorcyclists are now turning to bicycles after prices, operation and maintenance costs have gone beyond their budgets. “ He continues that electric bicycles offer cheap rides for an individual and also benefit the environment.

Sarim further reveals that 98 per cent of the parts used in the electric bicycle are manufactured in Pakistan. The bicycle’s battery takes a modest 2 to 2.5 units of electricity and it costs between Rs30 and Rs40 to charge up the two-wheeler.

Read More: ‘Made in Pakistan’ EVs to be launched soon

The company has initially developed a proprietary design that fits both men and women. However, a consumer may opt for a specific design or may also affix the electric motor of the product on their existing bicycle. Sarim said that the electric bicycle has gone through a rigorous process of on-road testing before its commercial launch. The motor in the bicycle has been tested for a ride up to 650km during which no fault had been reported except declines in speed and battery backup.

However, the bicycle’s motor performed well during the trial and did not catch fire, indicating that it is safe and poses no hazard or risks. The chief of the company further says that the electric bicycle has been launched with minimalist features in order to keep the cost of the product low.

“No disc brakes have been installed in the electric bicycle at present, but the company intends to add them and other features in times to come.’ The Hopper Holdings chief says an English-Urdu app and a fast charger will soon be developed and introduced for riders. He adds that the due to the limited number of bicycles being manufactured at the moment, limited features have been added to keep the cost low.

Hopper Holdings manufactures bicycles at two facilities situated in Lahore with a total production capacity of 70 bicycles per day. The bicycle was introduced six months ago and has started receiving a fair number of orders without any formal publicity.

The University of Peshawar has placed a large order for electric bicycles that will be used by its students at the campus, Sarim reveals. He adds other universities have also expressed interest in purchase of the economical electric bikes for their students.

According to Sarim T Syed, a bicycle with full features, including disc brakes and fast chargers, will cost around Rs45,000. However, offering a bicycle for such a hefty amount would not be suitable in any way as it out of reach for most riders.

“Given increase in the demand, the production of the bicycles will be more economical and the price will remain lower. If we are able to achieve the production of bicycles at about 200 units a day, a full-option bicycle, which will otherwise cost Rs45,000, can be offered at around Rs26,000.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2021.