Charging ahead with plan to boost use of electric m-bikes

Green Hill Rider director Kelvin Khoo (in yellow) checking out electric motorcycles at the Medan Renong charging station. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

THOSE riding two-wheel electric vehicles (EVs) in Penang will find it easier to recharge them.

For a start, three free charging stations have been set up in Medan Renong at the Esplanade, Astaka Persiaran Gurney and Astaka Batu Lanchang.

“We are planning six more locations in line with the Penang2030 vision of promoting zero-emission mobility,” said state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari when launching the charging station in Medan Renong.

The six will be at 1st Avenue Mall, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) motorcycle parking space in Beach Street, Kompleks Desiran Tanjung in Tanjung Tokong, Kompleks Seri Selera in Bayan Baru, Kompleks Bukit Jambul and Kompleks Bukit Gedung.

The initiative was jointly launched with Penang Green Council and MBPP, which will maintain the stations.

Zairil said electric motorcycles were used as ehailing vehicles which could travel 100km after a maximum charge of four hours.

“We must not be left behind in implementing green initiatives that can help save costs.

“The state welcomes local emotorcycle manufacturers and food delivery companies to work together to promote edeliveries,” said Zairil.

MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the council began using EVs in 2015.