Electronic bikes: Answer to oil crisis, fare hikes?

Here’s another way to cope with the energy crisis: Electronic bikes that can cover a hundred kilometers on just five pesos worth of electricity.

The rising oil crisis has prompted young businessman Reynaldo Espineli and some friends to venture into electronic scooters –yup, those two-wheeled machines run by electrically charged batteries and programmable CPUs that work and look like regular motorbikes.

"The basic concern on the rising prices of fuel prompted me to look for another business, and to divert from gun selling to these electronic bikes," Espineli, who started out in the gun business, told The STAR in an interview.

As a gun lover, Espineli found it profitable to go into the firearms and accessories business a few years ago when peace and order — particularly kidnap-for-ransom activities — became a major concern in the metropolis.

But Espineli, of Troopers’ Auto and Motorcycle Sales Center Inc., observed that fewer and fewer people seem to buy guns now—adays.

"Maybe, it a sign of the times. Some would rather spend money for basic goods than spend for guns and bullets. Although there are still a number who are into the gun hobby," said Espineli, also chief operating officer of R-Espineli Guns and Ammo.

Espineli said his team saw potential in the electronic bike because it is reliable and cheaper than cars and gasoline-run motorbikes. "This is a response to President Arroyo’s call for energy conservation, and an answer to the oil crisis. It is also environmentally-friendly," Espineli added.

Electronic bikes are a big hit in China, enough to threaten the market of automobile and motorbike manufacturers.

In the country, Espineli said they are the exclusive distributor of Luyuan Electric Co. (inventor of electric scooters) and Done Vehicles Co.

Espineli, along with a Singaporean associate and two Filipino partners, banked on trading the e-bikes as a better alternative to the oil price increase and fare hikes. They started their venture early this year, hoping to target the young market of professionals.

The e-bike’s cost on electricity consumption is only five pesos for every 100 kilometers, Espineli said, adding the bikes are quiet, compared to the noisy motorcycles, and even environment-friendly because they do not emit smoke.

Gerry Quijano, also of Troopers, lamented that because of the lack of efficient laws, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) had initially rejected their move to determine how the e-bikes can be registered when they are not classified under the motorcycle category.

"We tried but were told that they cannot be registered because the LTO cannot classify it. We wanted to know how to classify them. These e-bikes, their registration is additional revenue for the government," Quijano said in a recent interview.

Quijano said their group recently applied for accreditation with the Philippine Patent Office to ensure that they get an exclusive right to sell e-bikes manufactured by Luyuan and Done companies in the country.

Quijano added they also want to seek an audience with Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Bayani Fernando to seek the MMDA’s advice on the use of e-bikes in the proposed bike lanes in Metro Manila.

An electric bike has three major parts, which include the BM on-line charger, CPU motor and new drum brake and width tires. It also has an exigence switch, and a red-button switch which automatically shuts off the motor system in case of emergency.

Unlike a fuel meter, the e-bike unit has a battery meter to inform the biker of the amount of battery used. The bike can be charged anytime on any 220-volt socket.

Quijano and Espineli said the e-bikes can travel a distance between 45 km to 130 kms. at a time with speed ranging from 20 to 45 kph.

The e-bike looks like a regular motor scooter seen in Metro Manila’s busy streets, except that the new contraption is run by electric batteries. It is also cheaper at P27,000 to P40,000 each.

With the e-bike projected to slice a big portion of the motorcycle market in the Asia, United States and Europe, Quijano revealed that a popular Japanese manufacturer has reportedly started experimenting on a gas-electric run motorcycle unit to be able to compete in the market.

According to an Internet-based survey, people choose the e-bike because they:

• Enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle — except for hills, starts, and headwinds.

• Prefer their local errands to be easy, slow paced and scenic;

• Like to save money, meet new people, and protect the environment.

• Look for extra chances to exercise — even if it’s just a little.

• Still need convenient, point-to-point transportation;

• want their own traffic "lane," convenient parking spots and shortcuts.

• Considered a gas-powered moped or small motorcycle, but dislike the noise, and smell.

• Deserve more fun and freedom in their lives.