Electric bikes could replace conventional fuel-run motors

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The global crude crisis and the rising fuel and gasoline prices have added salt to insult ordinary people in Cambodia, as families struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.

Many had worked as “motor taxi” drivers to make a living, as it paid off for most. Nowadays, nonetheless, motor engines are being replaced and abandoned for electric bicycles that save a fortune for the afflicted taxi drivers, as Cambodians nowadays opt for electric bicycles for daily commutes.

For a minimum amount of money paid, the bicycles can travel for almost 80 km, making them the preferred and easy choice for many. Also, many reported that bicycles are highly convenient and easy to use.

Before I drove them (Moto taxi( nearby, I could earn R5,000(1.25$) to R6,000(1.50$), so I made a small profit, but nowadays, the price of gasoline has risen so much that the above price is not profitable. In the past, I used to earn R30,000(7.50$) per day, but now it is not easy,” said Reth, a driver.

Compared to gas-powered motorcycles, many of those interviewed said that electric bikes are affordable, economical, and safe because they are light, not fast, and easy to use by everyone even children. Some also said that its widespread use reduces noise pollution.

Thorn Kimsan, a disabled kid who sells fruits, said that using an electric bike reduced gas costs when he goes for long distances to sell sugar cane juice.

“Gasoline currently costs more than R5,000 (1.25$) per liter, we can ride only 100 km, this is just an example, but for electric bikes, we pay only R1000 to 1500R for charging, we can ride around 80 km,” said Lom Sokreth, e-bike seller.