Two firms to launch e-cycles for tourists in city

Mysuru: The Heritage City is getting ready to launch electric vehicles which will boost tourism. Two companies, including one launched by a city resident and alumnus of Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, are all set to enter the e-mobility space.

Officials in tourism department feel that if the service is made affordable to all, it’ll get huge traction among

tourists

.

The first e-vehicle was launched by Toutche Electric Private Ltd, owned by city resident Raghu K, an alumnus of IIMB and National Institute of Technology, Warangal. This resident of Ramakrishnanagar said his idea is to tie up with local tour operators, hospitality service providers, hotel owners, etc to encourage the use of e-bicycles and popularise them.

“We started an assembling and manufacturing unit of

Heileo

e-bicycles here and introduced three models. We want to popularise the Heritage City tour through e-bicycle tours. A bicycle ride in the city is better than travelling in a bus or any other vehicle. We want to encourage people of all age groups to take up bicycle riding,” he said.

B: Live is launching its Karnataka operations from Mysuru. “B: Live will offer guided experiential tours on electric bikes which will highlight the best of art, culture and cuisine while reducing air pollution levels and the carbon footprint,” said COO & co-founder Sandeep Mukherjee.

“B: Live tours aims at encouraging tourists to use sustainable means of transport which can help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. We’ll soon launch our services in Hampi, Kodagu and Srirangapatna. We’re launching in Mysuru with 30 electric bikes and will soon expand it to 50,” he said.

Meanwhile, KSRTC officials said it has no immediate plans to procure e-buses to operate in the city. According to HP Janardhana, deputy director, tourism department, offering e-mobility service to tourists is a good idea. “If the service providers keep the prices affordable, it’ll be a big hit among tourists,” he said.