Tourists in Goa can now ride on e-bikes
As part of the State’s policy to boost sustainable tourism, Goa has introduced electric bikes (e-bikes) for tourists who visit Goa. The programme, first-of-its-kind in India, as claimed by the officials, were launched by the tourism minister Manohar Azgaonkar and Chairperson of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Dayanand Sopte on Friday, 16th November 2018. The programme is implemented in association with Acris Tours Pvt Ltd.
Goa Tourism Minister Manohar Azgaonkar and Chairperson of the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) Dayanand Sopte at the launch of e-bikes
Conceptualized by the electric vehicle tourism platform ‘B:Live’, e-bikes are equipped with hi-tech features like GPS trackers, battery-powered motors and electronic disc brakes to provide enhanced safety. Riders can go up to 25 kmph on the e-bikes. At present, e-bikes are available for hire at Panaji, Divar and Old Goa.
“We are proud to announce the launch of India’s first Electric Vehicle tour initiative, B: Live with Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd. Sustainable tourism is the core of our efforts and we are happy to take the lead in creating the EV ecosystem in India, setting an example for the others,” said Manohar Azgaonkar, Minister for Tourism.
“Goa spearheads several ecotourism initiatives in the country and our association with Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd. is another step towards achieving our sustainability goals,” added the minister.
While taking on the occasion, Dayanand Sopte, Chairman, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited (GTDC) said that the introduction of e-bikes will reduce the hazard of air pollution in the state.
“It is a revolutionary initiative that provides a clean mode of commute while offering an immersive travel experience. It will help empower our local communities and create a greener tomorrow for everyone around us,” said Sopte.
Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd is the pioneer of ‘Electric Vehicle Tourism’ in India and has partnered with GTDC to build the country’s first EV Tourism ecosystem. B: Live, offers the joy of effortless riding on E-bikes while exploring the local culture, history and heritage of Goa.
“What makes B: Live unique is the smart use of technology. The B:live platform allows the guests to seamlessly book the tours using digital currency. A web app provides real-time tour related info to the riders. The E-bikes are delivering 50 km range per charge with digital screens for multi info display and electronic disc brakes for safety,” said Sandeep Mukherjee, COO & Co-Founder, Arcis Tours Pvt Ltd.