RFL, country's leading business conglomerate, has launched electronic bicycle (e-bike) in the market with the aim of bringing affordable electronic bicycle to the hands of the consumers.
R N Paul, Managing Director of RFL Group, unveiled the cover of "Duranta" branded electronic bicycle manufactured for the first time in the country at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.
The e-bike is being produced in the own factory of Rangpur Metal Industries Limited, a concern of RFL Group, located at Habiganj Industrial Park at Shayestaganj in Habiganj. The factory has an annual production capacity of around 5,000 units of e-bike.
Addressing the occasion, RN Paul said, e-bike has gained popularity across the world as a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and motorized vehicles. It is becoming an important accessory for commuting, recreation and transportation, enabling long distance travel with less physical effort. The use of e-bike has been encouraged in many countries as a sustainable means of transportation, as part of a healthy lifestyle and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Though it is late, the use of e-bike has been started in Bangladesh and e-bike is becoming popular in urban areas of the country.
He also said, “Under the circumstances, RFL started e-bike business. The main objective of entering into this business is to deliver high-quality eco-friendly product within the purchasing power of the people of the country. We hope to get a good response from the customers. Besides, we have a plan to export e-bike after meeting the needs of the country.”
Md. Mahmudur Rahman, Chief Operating Officer of Rangpur Metal Industries Limited, said, “the main feature of Duranta E-Bike is that it uses a 36 volt lithium battery, which is being produced in our factory. The e-bike can run at a speed of 25 km per hour. One charge can go up to 45 km effortlessly. It will take about 4-5 hours to be fully charged.”
He also said that customers will get a 6-month warranty for electrical parts on purchasing Duranta e-bike. Besides, a customer will get four free servicing facilities in the first six months.
Initially, the Duranta E-Rider 101 and Durant E-Rider 201 models will be available in the market. The maximum retail price of the Duranta E-Rider 101 model will be Tk 42,000 and the maximum retail price of the Duranta E-Rider 201 model will be Tk 55,000. Duranta e-bikes will be available across the country through Duranta Sports Gallery and authorized dealers.
Shariful Islam, Head of Marketing at Rangpur Metal Industries Limited and Brand Manager Khandkar Arif Hossain, among others, were present at the event.-Press Release