SS,Sunday, March 13, 2011
I am saddened by “Govt may ban electric bicycles” (The Star, March 10) and urge the Cabinet not to accept the recommendation of the Transport Ministry.
Any bicycle or tricycle fitted with an electric motor should be classified as a motorcycle and be subjected to the same rules as common motorcycles with petrol engines.
The engines of some scooters have already been replaced with batteries and their operating costs may actually be lower than that of petrol-powered bikes.
It would be a regression to ban the use of electric bicycles.
The future is electric. Full-sized limousines and sports cars powered by batteries can accelerate faster than their petrol engine counterparts.
However, our authorities seem to be grappling with the absence of an engine number on an electric motor.
The licensing of electric scooters has been delayed because of this.
Just issue special identification plates to be fastened to the motor and frame of the electric bicycle to serve as engine and chassis numbers, respectively.
This will allow the Road Transport Department to have full control and ensure that only models deemed safe are allowed on the road.
I would then have the option to buy an electric bicycle, even with the added cost for registration and insurance plus a motorcycle riding licence.
YS Chan
Kuala Lumpur
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