First Bangladeshi e-bike launched, to head to Germany within a week

Bangladesh's first locally-manufactured electric bicycle (e-bike) is set to be exported to Germany just within a week of its debut in the domestic market.

RFL Group introduced its e-bike "Duranta" in the domestic market on Thursday, marking a significant milestone as the first such initiative in the country.

RN Paul, the company's managing director, told The Business Standard that the e-bike began to raise interest from international buyers even before its local launch.

"The first export order came recently from Germany, and the shipment will be sent by next week," he said.

Paul further said discussions are ongoing with Brazil and the UK for export. "Soon they will come to visit our factory to give their final nod."

Initially, two models of the e-bike – Duranta E-Rider 101 and Duranta E-Rider 201 – will be available in the market. Another two models of the bike are on test and will be launched soon.

In the local market, the Duranta E-Rider 101 model will cost Tk42,000 and Duranta E-Rider 201 Tk55,000.

Duranta e-bike is manufactured at the factory of Rangpur Metal Industries Limited, a concern of RFL Group, located at Habiganj Industrial Park in Habiganj. The factory has an annual production capacity of around 5,000 units of e-bike.

Md Mahmudur Rahman, the chief operating officer of Rangpur Metal, said they received an order for one container of e-bikes for $36,000.

He declined to mention the number of bikes to be exported.

Potential of e-bike market

Pran Group MD RN Paul said e-bikes have a huge demand in the international market, which is worth around $120 billion.

E-bikes are gaining popularity across the world as a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and motorised vehicles, he added.

"So, it is the right time to enter the global market, otherwise, we will lag behind," said Paul.

Regarding the local market, he said although late in the scene, e-bikes are becoming popular in urban areas of the country. "As per our assumption, there is an annual demand for at least 10,000 units of e-bikes in Bangladesh."

Now, China-made batteries are being assembled in Bangladesh, he told TBS. "Soon, we will go for battery production of our own."

Duranta features

Duranta uses a 36-volt lithium battery, which is being produced at the Rangpur Metal factory. 

Its CEO Mahmudur Rahman said, "The e-bike can run at a speed of 25km per hour and can go up to 45km effortlessly in one charge. It will take about 4-5 hours to be fully charged which may consume around a unit of electricity."

It is also possible to pedal Duranta like regular bicycles.

Mahmudur also said customers will get a six-month warranty for electrical parts on purchasing Duranta e-bike. Besides, a customer will get four free servicing facilities in the first six months.