INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Ever imagined converting your traditional bike to an electric one just by changing the front wheel? Though this might take some time to
reach India, the idea of such innovation has already kicked off in France.Laurent Durrieu used an opportunity to leverage rejected and
abandoned bikes to create an alternative to sustainable commuting
thousands of unused, abandoned bikes with no hopes of restoration.Making Traditional Bikes Electric- The Teebike wayIncubated in 2019,
Teebike, a french startup, manufactures wheels powered by an electric motor and equipped with Bluetooth, which can be easily fitted on to
the front of any bike replacing the typical front-wheel converting it to an electric vehicle
The different wheel size options include 20, 26, 27.5, and 28 inches
with brakes aided by discs and pads.(Image credit: Teebike)The electric motor can go up to 25km/hr with the battery lasting between 50 to 80
km depending on certain factors like road conditions, the weight of the rider, level of assistance used, and weather conditions.The
Bluetooth system allows connecting the wheel to your smartphone, enabling controlling the settings
The motor can run without the smartphone as well
However, it will start automatically when the bike is started and will operate as per the last settings used.Your bike can also be used as a
regular bike by shutting the engine off
Meaning, you can just paddle it to move when the motor is turned off.The battery, consisting of several lithium cells, can be charged by
connecting to the wheel's axel
They have partnered with Cyclofix, another French startup concentrating on making vehicle repairs easy, on ensuring care and maintenance
In the event of the battery needing replacement, the wheel can be sent to Teebike, and they will return after installing a new one in a week
In case the replacement takes more time, the company also claims that they will furnish the customer with a new wheel for temporary
use.(Image credit: Teebike)The Teebike wheel and the bike are secured with safety features, including application controlled padlock,
Abandoned and worn-out bikes cannot be recycled or reused easily
The application of Teebike may create a sustainable environmental impact on the environment by reducing waste product that is difficult to
recycle alongside expanding the use of a cleaner alternative- electricity.It is an inspiration to countries and governments to layout
innovation towards sustainable alternative energy adoption.Bikes are a sustainable mode of commute given that it needs less parking space,
does not create unnecessary traffic, and of course, emits less pollution compared to vehicles running on fuel.Given the short run time and
range, it's evident that it's aimed at short distance commuting
Some use cases could be commuting to the college/school/office or traveling within a range of up to 10 Kms around your home.Additionally, it
can be used across different age groups without needing a driver's license.(Image credit: Teebike)Teebike running on Indian roadsThe
Teebike has ecological advantages, creates sustainable environmental impact, and influences better practice
For sure, we need such alternatives in India, but do we see Teebike running in the country anytime soon? Yes, but to a minimal extent.India
has seen a rapid increase in rural-urban migration in recent years, which rose by almost 4% in 2018 and is set to go up in the coming years
It is also an influencing factor for the increase in road traffic in the country
India topped the TomTom traffic Index 2019, as reported by Economic Times, which further adds to the level of pollution.An innovation like
Teebike can allow vehicle parking management in offices, schools, and residences along with cutting down on the level of pollution caused
It will also enable a reduction in daily traffic during peak times
Such technology has chances to become popular across age groups, primarily due to the factor that the customer can use any bike as per
comfort, need, and budget and turn it into electric with just having to replace the front wheel.In India, the introduction of Teebike will
face comparisons with more popular two-wheel brands dealing in electric bikes
The market has already seen the introduction of Touche Helio, Pure EV, Elektron Hybrid, and Roulik Inizio.Though Teebike resonates with
uniqueness transforming any bike into an electric one, it does have specific challenges when pitted into an Indian market
The cost of owning a Teebike under present circumstances will be expensive due to factors like international price fluctuations, import
duties, and documentation charges
Also, a proper after-sales service infrastructure will take time to establish
Customers can buy an electric bicycle at a much cheaper cost, instead
Additionally, the extent of performance is questionable due to the lack of good roads in the country.(Image credit: Pxhere.com)It does seem
ideal that the French startup begins manufacturing in India, which will allow cheaper Teebike options for the Indian audience
It would need to set minimum requirements, like the age of vehicles, for traditional bikes to ensure compatibility
Identifying sources of rejected bikes is essential too
India presently generates over Rs 6000 crore annually in the junkyard sale market, and this does create an opportunity for a startup like
Teebike to make in India.Nevertheless, it is, without a doubt, an invention that inspires adoption
With Teebike, cycling enthusiasts can resort to electric mode during times of hot weather to avoid sweating a lot; they can switch between
electric and traditional mode as per the workout routine, or carry more load using the motor which will make pedaling easier.Likewise,
investing in eco-friendly technologies is a good practice that the company can inculcate among consumers
It will be interesting to see how Teebike plans operations, pricing, and product awareness, if and when they decide to launch in India
If not that, can we see a similar startup coming from India?7GhvzRjDypBkjQjLUDmTLN.jpg?#
