The e-bike

As an invention, the Tronix electric bike looks like an ordinary bike with a battery. It even has pedals, which will come in handy in case the battery runs out.

"The e-bike is the transport of the future. It can cruise along short distances of up to 35 km or an hour of operation at 30 km. per hour. At 0.8 centavos per kilometer, it is the cheapest and cleanest form of motorized transportation," said Innovatronix Inc. chief executive officer and inventor Ramon Castillo.

The company has sold units to security agencies, which cater to subdivisions, as well as to environmentalists and hobbyists who use the bike for short-distance errands. The bulk of the orders have, however, come from the provinces.

"Most of the buyers are more interested in its price and low maintenance feature rather than in its environmental benefits. Outside the Philippines, we have had serious inquiries from Australia and Canada," said Castillo.

Aside from the e-bike, Innovatronix currently produces energy-saving devices and digital photo-imaging for sale here and abroad.

Beginnings

The company started in 1987, using as capital the last paycheck of Castillo from Intel Phils.

"All I had was one desk that I crafted out of scrap wood.," said Castillo.

The company started making locally electronic flashers for Christmas lanterns, which were then all imported. It went on to make power-on delay gadgets to protect appliances from the surge of power return.

"My friends laughed at me. Before the brownouts, they could not conceive the use of power-on delay gadgets. When the brownout era came in 1988, we were ready," said Castillo.

Today, Innovatronix employs 170, with many of the senior employees given shares in the company.

"We want to be one of the top technology development firms here in the Philippines. We want to set an example to other Filipinos that there are unlimited potentials in owning your own business. There are risks and there are times when there’s no money but you have to keep at it. You just have to find your niche," said Castillo.