A new rental scheme has been launched in Petaling Jaya that enables people who can’t afford to own motorbikes to rent an electric one at an affordable price for the purpose of becoming a p-hailing delivery rider. The EVergreen Rider Programme, under the Evolve to Electric Rider (EVergreen) Project, was launched by Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor for Zone 13 Bryan Ng Yih Miin.
The EVergreen programme is meant to offer cheap alternatives for delivery riders while at the same time, promoting the reduction of carbon emissions for the betterment of the environment. The e-bikes are available to rent at a daily flat rate of RM20, which is inclusive of road tax, maintenance, charging, and insurance.
According to Ng, the scheme provides an opportunity for riders to overcome financial barriers as some face difficulty in obtaining bank loans to purchase vehicles. Lim added that the programme can show how electric motorcycles can be affordable for B40 and lower M40 groups.
The assemblyman stated that the e-bikes can be charged via a three-pin outlet or the fast-charging station at the venue sponsor, durian outlet Dking at SS2. Moreover, she encouraged riders who rent the electric vehicles to use them to start their own small businesses as they can power equipment such as ice boxes and grills.
Eclimo, a Malaysian EV company, is the main partner for this initiative, providing electric scooters. The firm’s COO David Chuah said that at launch, there are 10 e-bikes available for rent at Dking, but they plan to possibly increase this to over 100 units across 10 to 20 locations.
Those who are interested in renting can sign up and pick up the e-bikes at Dking or contact Eclimo at 019-333 9319. The local EV company also mentioned that soon, it will introduce an app for renting the electric motorcycles, allowing them to reserve the units as well as make the payments online.
(Sources: Lim Yi Wei, The Star)
