Electric bicycles launched by Hubballi Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL) as part of Savari (Bicycle Sharing System) have been receiving excellent response from the citizens.
Even though the program was meant for young people at first, older people are riding bicycles for long distances. After the initial phase, there has been more interest in electric bicycles in Hubballi city.
Rajneesh Ganjyal, the MD of Trinity Technologies and Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd, said “HDSCL has planned to have 340 cycles with 34 Bicycle docking stations each housing 10 bicycles, were planned.”
“We have supplied 10 percent of the fleet. Of them, 12 are electric bicycles, launched as a trial but these are getting an overwhelming response,” he added.
As per the sources, The citizens of Hubballi took 11,430 rides (constituting a ride time of 1,120 hours) including both electric and non-electric bicycles.
The E-Bicycles have 250 Watt brushless motors. They have a 36-volt, 42000 mah battery (60 km range per charge), Aluminum alloy 6061 unisex frames, Disk brake, and Pedal assist sensors.
Puncture resistance tubeless tires, Covered fenders, GPS-enabled locks, Battery-pack concealed frames for the safety of the battery, Basket to carry stuff, Self-locking center stands, High-visibility colors, and the specifications are as per the IS10613:14.
“We have supplied 10 percent of the fleet. Of them, 12 are electric bicycles, launched as a trial but these are getting an overwhelming response,” he added.
“The authorities should increase the number of electric bicycles. For long distances, electric bicycles can be used more. The authorities should focus on promoting bicycles,” said Ramachandra Patil, a 55-year-old resident of Shirur Park.
Dinesh, who runs his own company and rides a bike, said that more docking stations should be set up, located close to HDMC and the train station. Hundreds of people who work in government and the private sector drive to their jobs day after day.
“If bicycles are provided at the railway station and the HDMC, people can use both the electric and non-electric bicycles,” the businessman added.
Shakeel Ahmed, the MD of HDSCL, said: “We are working phase-wise. Targeting students, we have set up docking stations. Looking at the demand, we will plan to set up docking stations at HDMC and the railway station.
Also, we will see the overall response for electric bicycles. Later, if demand increases for electric bicycles, we will fulfill it in the next phase,” he said.
Source: Tride Mobility.
HDSCL should increase number of electric bicycles immediately. And these should be available for aged people also. Presently I am in USA and here I am using these electric bicycles every now and then for short distance trips.