In a just short span of time several, ‘Yo Bykes’ an electric run two-wheeler, could be seen on the city road. Besides concern for the environment, cheaper mode of transport is being accepted by the people. The State Government has also announced its policy on battery-operated electric vehicles.
The production of the Yo bike was started in the country in the year 2006 at Kutch in Gujarat. The Yo bike came to the city in the same year. At present city has two dealers.
Chetan Nimje, Manager at M&M Wirecoms, at 52, Bajaj Nagar, Central Bazar Road, while talking to The Live Nagpur said, “We are receiving encouraging response from the bike users. Though at present due to the time restriction there is fall in the sale. But inquiries are pouring in and many customers have booked the bike.â€
Attributing the reasons for the response, Nimje added, “The vehicle needs zero maintenance; No petrol; no licence; no registration. The difficulties in following these procedures for other traditional vehicles are eliminated.
He said, “Most of the people are waiting for their children’s school, college or coaching classes to open. They have assured to purchase the bike as soon as school, college and coaching start. The bike is provided with 60 volts battery. One year warranty is also given on the battery. For charging the battery it requires 5 to 6 hours. After charging it once, the bike runs for 70 km.
“For charging once require only one unite of electricity. Thus at the cost of only Rs 7 one can travel 70 kilometres. The cost is much less compared to vehicles run on petrol. It prevents air and noise pollution, which is a major concern so far as environment protection is concerned,†Nimje said.
He added that the bike comes with more features like a disk brake, tubeless tyres. Three-speed modes (gears) and the bike can run at a speed of 40 kms/hr, which is the prescribed speed limit in the city. Running beyond this speed is against the law and can invite punishment and is also dangerous for vehicle users. The cause of accidents, thus, is also removed.
The bike is the future bike with the rising petrol prices. No pollution and zero maintenance is another advantage. “All the customers who are using the bike, are happy and are recommending it to their near and dear ones,†Nimje said.
He added that for school/college going youth or office going people, who travel a fixed distance daily the bike is a boon. The coming days will be of electric bike only, as the Government is also insisting and promoting electric vehicles, Nimje said.
