In an effort to reduce the level of pollution in the national capital, the Delhi government is introducing a new initiative: electric scooter services.
Yesterday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his government will introduce 1,500 e-scooters at 250 locations in the next year for last-mile connectivity in the city.
The pilot project will start in Dwarka.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-Delhi government has taken several initiatives, especially in revamping the city’s public transportation system. For example, the introduction of electric buses, e-rickshaws, the ban on old gasoline and diesel vehicles, etc.
In a press conference after the announcement of this new service, the ruling AAP party said that the government has procured buses on a large scale and even the metro system is very good.
However, last-mile connectivity was still a big hurdle for them.
“We have finally found a solution for this. We are going to start a pilot project in the sub-city of Dwarka by deploying electric scooters in the autonomous driving system,” the ruling party said in a statement.
Furthermore, Delhi CM said that they had chosen Dwarka for the pilot project.
“The Dwarka area itself contains around 10 metro stations and dozens of bus stops. We have identified 250 locations to deploy 1,500 e-scooters,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
About the Delhi e-Scooter Scheme: Key Points
- An e-Scooter can be rented in the Dwarka region of Delhi using the integrated card that works on buses and metros.
- The e-scooter will consist of a QR code, Bluetooth, provision of a helmet under the seat, ergonomic design, GPS with GPRS, tubeless tires with hydraulic suspension and a battery management system (BMS).
- You can pick it up and drive around the area and drop it off at any of the 250 locations.
- All scooters will contain interchangeable batteries.
- The driving range of the scooter will be at least 60 km/charge, and the maximum speed will be 60 km/h.
- From the day of the tender agreement, the first 500 scooters will be deployed in 100 locations.
- Another 500 in another 100 places in the next four months and then another 500 with another 50 places by the end of the year.
- The contract will be awarded for seven years.
- The bid parameter would be the company that charges the lowest rate to the consumer.
- The load capacity of an e-Scooter is 150 kg.
- The motor power will be at least 1000 watts with a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and it will take 3-4 hours to charge.
- The Delhi government will arrange feasible areas to set up 10 charging and maintenance centers with an area of 100 square meters.