Hi-Bird (manufacturer and exporter of bicycles from India) has forayed into two wheeler market with launch of two models of eco friendly electronic scooters priced between Rs. 27,000-28,900/-. The new electric scooters in line with the go-green goal have been launched to complement efforts to reduce air polluting vehicle emission. The scooters feature an electric motor mounted in the rear wheel, which is powered by lithium-ion batteries. The scooters have a top speed of 100kmph and a maximum range of about 70km after each charge of 5-6 hours. The scooter has an on-board charging system and can be charged using the household electric plug point. The vehicles are totally environment friendly noise free, smoke free, no petrol, no registration, no license and have a very low running cost. The carrying capacity of the vehicle is one adult and one child.
“Hi Bird has taken over the ambitious venture to launch Battery Operated e scooters at an affordable price to cater to the sizable Indian middle class. The recent government subsidies on electric bikes have encouraged us to launch electric two wheelers. In fact, the state governments of Delhi and Chandigarh offer 20% subsidy apart from the central government rebate of 15% on electric two wheelers.” R.D.Sharma, Chairman, Hi-Bird Group of Industries said.
Hero Electric is the current leader in electric two-wheelers with more than 30% market share and sales of around 80,000 units a year. TVS recently announced a come back in the electric scooter segment by 2012. Hi-bird cycles launched in India are the same products available to consumers in USA and Europe. The products for Indian market have been designed suited to Indian rugged road conditions and consumer needs and are perfect blend of European quality, Japanese Technology and African sturdiness, the company claims.