Ritika
Mumbai: E-Bike launched by BEST is fast becoming popular. With the help of a private company, the fleet initially consisted of 150 e-bikes and within a few weeks has grown to over 1,000 e-bikes across 16 locations. The biggest problem the administration is facing is that some people who rent the e-bike leave it wherever they go, which they face a lot of difficulty in bringing to their destination.
Notably, in June, BEST had launched 150 e-bikes. BEST’s plan to outsource e-bikes across the city has received a response and the average daily trips on these bikes have increased to 550. BEST has marked stands for e-bikes at various locations.
people park anywhere
According to Lokesh Chandra, GM, BEST, private agencies have been outsourced to provide e-bike services across the city, but it is seen that people leave the bike anywhere. Many bikes remain missing, anti-social elements also have a role in this.
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gprs connected bike
All the bikes are GPRS linked, the team tracks them and brings them back to their respective locations or e-bike stands. Best’s GM said that a solution is being found to rectify the issue. Chandra said BEST depots have made provision for stands for these bikes near railway stations, residential areas and offices along with stands. When a passenger gets down at a particular bus stop, they can easily use these e-bikes to travel to their final destination. It is an app-based service and payment is also done digitally. Initially this scheme was highly liked in areas like Andheri, Powai, Vikhroli and Vile Parle. Corporate and commercial areas of Hiranandani Powai, Andheri MIDC, Nelco in Andheri, Seepz in Vikhroli and Godrej Platinum are also becoming very popular among office goers using these e-bikes.
50 thousand registrations
It was informed that around 50,000 people have registered online for the e-bike facility.
making online payment
According to Riyans, who commutes daily from Vikhroli station to his office in Powai, the e-bike costs him around Rs 25 to 28. It is cheaper than an auto-rickshaw for a distance of 4.5 kms. He said that there are share auto-rickshaws from the station which charge 30 rupees and have to wait. Due to this there is no traffic in peak hour and online payment has to be done.
Minimum Rs 20 fare
The minimum fare for an e-bike is Rs 20. Areas like Juhu, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Mahim and Dadar have added more e-bikes. These bikes are gearless, so there is no need for a driving license. Due to its speed limit of 25 kmph, no incidents of rash driving can be reported. By next June, the fleet is expected to grow to 5000 e-bikes.
