e-bikes, long way off from India

Everything is today an “e”. e-cigarette, e-book, e-cars, so it comes as no surprise to know there are e-bikes too. Not just there but thriving and doing so much in Europe.

e-bikes are basically bicycles which run on electricity, making it easier for the rider to peddle. In Germany it has become the mode of transport for mail deliveries. Like a cab, it is painted yellow and black, with a curving black horn, with twin battery packs under the seat which powers the cycle. Some 6200 e-bicycles are already in full use for the Deutsche Post, the German mail service. And looking at the ease in which the postman/woman peddle across the entire town, without breaking into any sweat, many senior citizens, daily commuters and courier companies too are taking to this new option.

China is a country known for commuters using bicycles extensively and there too some tens of millions are already on e-bikes. But sadly, in its quest to make these cheap, many Chinese e-cycle makers use acid batteries which are a bane for the environment. In Europe, quality is not compromised so they are expensive while in USA, it is yet to really find a foothold. And this is not a just a ‘local’ thing, many big brands are now making e-bikes like Daimler’s Smart e-bike which costs around $3000 and BMW also has a similar version at around $3600. These bikes take usually an hour to recharge but the problem is that cost of manufacture remains high.

Europeans do take their environment seriously and would not mind paying more if it helps their cause but in countries like India and China, where putting two square meals on the table for most of the population is a struggle, such e-bikes are a luxury. Only when basic needs – roti, kapda and makaan are taken care of can we think of such things. Yes, emerging economies and developed economies live in two completely different worlds, with totally different set of priorities.