Tube India launches three models of e-bikes

Bicycle maker Tube Investments of India (TII) has ventured into the e-bike segment with the launch of three models "� BSA 250, BSA 500 and BSA 800. Priced between Rs 23,000 and Rs 36,000, they will be marketed under the BSA brand.

The low-speed e-bikes come with a top speed of 25 kmph and high-speed models will run up to 45 kmph. The new bikes will be manufactured at TII's Chennai plant. The company today inaugurated the manufacturing unit at an investment of Rs 20 crore with a capacity of 100 e-bikes a day.

The Ambattur plant will have facilities for painting, assembly and testing of e-bikes.

A company executive said e-bikes will effectively combat rising fuel prices and will be a preferred option among the youth. Starting from September 2008, the company is planning to sell 4,000 to 5,000 e-bikes a month, he said.

The e-bikes market in India is around Rs 450 crore and is expected to double in a year.

The company executive said people below 18 years can ride a 250-watt e-bike without any licence and registration. The new models will need six to eight hours of charge to run 60 to 70 km.

The company will also set up a dealer network with service stations on the lines of the two-wheeler industry. Recharge points will also come up in different parts of key cities.