Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, Pune, and Autoline Industries Ltd have signed an agreement for joint development and nationwide marketing of e-bicycles. "It is the next big thing. it is affordable, comfortable and convenient," said Arun Firodia, chairman of Kinetic Group, in Pune on Wednesday. Emphasising that the city should have designated cycle tracks, Firodia said they would promote the vehicles among youngsters in Pune. Autoline will undertake the development of the e-cycle critical assemblies with almost 100 per cent indigenous material. These cycles, called 'E-Speed', will be available for customers in the Indian market by December 1. Initially, Kinetic and Autoline will introduce two types of e-cycles — both cost about Rs 25,000 — and later introduce more models as per demand. The 'E- Speed', which will be manufactured at Autoline Industries' Pune plant, offers a top speed of 25 km/hour and can run 30 km on a single charge. The vehicles are equipped with lithium ion batteries and it takes three hours to fully charge them. "The battery is detachable and light weight, enabling it to be carried home for charging on a simple domestic socket, just like a mobile phone," said Sulaja Firodia Motwani, vice-chairperson of Kinetic Group. Shivaji Akhade, promoter and managing director of Autoline Industries, said "The e-cycle initiative forms a part of our company's humble contribution towards Green Earth initiatives. We feel that e-cycles have the potential to make a massive impact on the micro mobility market and help improve fitness levels of our health-conscious millennials."
