Taking Electrotherm's high powered YOelectron head on, Ahmedabad-based Ashapura Trade & Transport Private Limited is now planning to launch a 250-watt battery operated two wheeler soon. Ashapura Trade & Transport has been selling below 250W battery operated two wheelers under the brand name of 'Power Byke'.
"The high powered bike will bear a capacity of over 250 watt and will redefine the battery operated two wheeler segment. The product has also been approved by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)," said a source close to the development. While the investment figures could not be ascertained, the product will be launched in a few months.
Unlike the company's previous products, the 250W plus two wheeler will be specifically a two-seater. "People have developed lot of misconceptions about battery-operated vehicles. While they use these products unwisely, they blame the manufacturers for the failures. For instance, a battery-operated two wheeler with less than 250 wattage should not be driven with a pillion. But since the Indian conditions require such kind of a vehicle, the company has planned launch one," the source said.
The new electric bike will require an RTO registration as well as a legal number plate since the product has been approved by ARAI," the source added. Apart from 'Power Byke', Ashapura Trade & Transport also manufactures battery operated two wheelers under the brand names of 'Power Fule', 'Power Ride', 'Power Tune' and 'Power Bird'.
"In the recent times, battery operated bikes have not been so popular due to low battery life. Since an electric two wheeler, which is supposed to carry only one person, carries two persons, the battery wears out quickly. This forced the company to research and come up with a stronger bike that can carry more load," the source said.
While some of the components are imported, the vehicle is assembled at its plant on the outskirts of Ahmedabad.
