Motorcycle pilots’ body to give 50% subsidy for electric bikes

Panaji: The Goa Motorcycle Taxi Rider’s Association has announced a pilot scheme offering 50% finance for the first 500 members opting for electric bikes.“This is not a govt scheme,” said president of the association, Suresh Thakur, adding that they are hoping to launch these vehicles in Dec. “With each electric bike costing approximately Rs 80,000, we sought help through CSR funding to cover half of the expenses on each vehicle,” he said.There are at least 2,000 pilots in Goa, and all those registered with the association are welcome to apply for the scheme. However, with a majority of pilots ageing, we hope that this scheme will attract new and young riders to join the industry. “The association will assist them in obtaining the permits necessary to operate as motorcycle pilots in Goa,” he said.Targeting both newly registered as well as existing riders, the initiative will be part of the association’s CSR activities.“The existing EVs in the market are not suitable for use as motorcycle taxis since the seats are very high. Also, since the vehicle will be operating throughout the day, we need the battery life to last longer. We are therefore getting a customised bike manufactured that suits our needs,” Thakur said.Plans are also underway to install EV charging stations at all pilot taxi stands across Goa.The vehicle’s servicing and maintenance will most likely be taken care of by the individual pilots. The pilots will hold a meeting on Saturday to further discuss the execution of the scheme.