India – Hero Electric, the market leader in electric bikes in India, is a 100% subsidiary of HERO Group. In late September, they launched their new, economical High speed electric-bike- ‘E-SPRINT’ in U.P.
Mr. Naveen Munjal, Managing Director of Hero Electric said “Our foray into the high speed category is yet another step in promoting the use of clean and green transportation technologies for masses. With the changing environment it is imperative that usage of green and sustainable technologies become an intrinsic part of our lives. Uttar Pradesh being the largest state in the country and being the main centre of commercial and industrial activities has a wide range of consumer choices. We are confident that the E-SPIRINT will address the needs and wants of the consumers in the state since it is an eco- friendly, economical & easy mode of personalized transportation. The ease of handling of the E-SPIRINT will save considerable time while commuting in congested traffic and it will contribute in making the state cleaner and greener.”
Read the complete article at: HERO Electric launches High Speed Electric-Bike -’E-SPRINT’
November 12th, 2009 at 3:05 am
To: Electric Bike Manufacturers / Two wheeler manufacturers / Ministry of Renewable Energy Dept.
Dear Sir or Madam,
Ref: Disappointment with Electric bike after sixteen months usage-reg
I am a retired person living in the village near Sholinghur town in Vellore district. Nearly thirty five years ago Bajaj two wheelers were the choice of middle class people like me and those vehicles were sturdy and we were calculating the mileage, consumption pattern, and the utility of the vehicle for all chores around the city and it carried many family members (I mean husband, wife, and two children easily).
As days went on all two wheelers manufacturers have gone exclusively to woo the younger generation with trendy designs. We elderly people were very hesitant to use these vehicles because the reclining design of the seating for pillion riders made them press against the driver. We could never think of giving a friendly offer of a drop to our female neighbors. I don’t know why the two wheeler manufacturers think only the teens are using the two wheelers and not us.
Without further digressing, I was having a Bajaj M-80 vehicle and after four years of single person usage it showed only 12000 kms. I read a lot about the scare of oil prices and the shock the world is going to get at the height of Iraq war. If Suez canal was to be closed for the movement of big oil tankers the petrol rationing may start in India, etc, etc. I sold my Bajaj M-80 (for Rs.7500) and bought a E-Go Electric bike from the nearest dealer at Sholinghur town. He charged Rs. 27500 for a 500 watts model. I used it for 16 months (from May 2008) and I am sure that it must have run for 7000 kms and a little more only. The battery in spite of proper charging and discharging regularly required a replacement because from 35 kms range it has come down to six kms only. I spent Rs. 7000 for a new battery pack (Amco) and changed both the tyres and tubes for Rs. 1500 last week. The vehicle imported from China was a simple plastic and fiber glass contraption and it started falling off in pieces within this period.
The electric vehicle does not carry beyond a certain weight, its range is limited, and it is a flimsy vehicle. The advertisement of 10 paise per km are all humbug. Overall I feel cheated out. The only solace is that my carbon print record is quite low.
The government must provide more subsidy for buyers of electric vehicles, otherwise it will be a failure only due to the disappointments in their usage.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
T.K. Chandrasekaran