eThekwini mayor James Nxumalo’s new mayoral vehicle is an eco-friendly two-wheeler with a top speed of 40km/h and a modest range of 45km. Another advantage is that it does not require a licence to be used.
Nxumalo has pledged to ride his new electric bicycle from his Pinetown home to his workplace, the city hall, once a week beginning on Thursday.
He revealed this at the launch of the metro police electric bicycles pilot project yesterday when he was presented with the bike. The project aims to test alternative modes of transport for the municipality’s departments.
“Petrol and diesel engines contribute significantly to the overall carbon footprint of the city, and electric bicycles could offer an alternative mode of transport that could reduce the number of vehicles in the city,” said Nxumalo.
The bicycles have motors powered by lithium batteries with a range of up to 45km. They recharge off a standard wall socket.
The bicycle has a throttle, allowing the cyclist to choose how much assistance is required from the motor.
“If the throttle is turned off, the bicycle can be pedalled normally. It can move without being pedalled at all by adjusting the throttle,” said Derek Morgan, head of the Durban Energy office. He said the bikes, which cost R6 000 each, were imported in kit form and assembled in South Africa.
Morgan said the project was started in May 2010 when three bikes were bought for testing, which showed that they could be used for staff such as the metro police.
He said the city needed a variety of transport for the future.
“Petrol and diesel prices increased (yesterday) and both will become expensive in the future, so people will need an alternative for transport.
“The good thing about the electric bike is that you do not sweat because of the electric motor, and you do not need a licence to ride a cycle,” Morgan said.
Metro police officer Thuso Radebe welcomed the bicycles.
“They are friendly to the environment and will give us a chance to exercise,” he said. - The Mercury