Studies have found that as much as 40% of emissions in the city of Hanoi come from motor vehicles; motorcycles being the primary source. Electric two-wheelers (e-bikes) offer a potential solution to this air pollution problem.
Combining this innovative technology with a social entrepreneurship model can contribute to reduced CO2 emissions (thus also to climate change mitigation) and promote renewables and energy efficiency more generally. In addition,this combination has the potential to improve incomes for the poor, and contribute to the Vietnamese government’s goal of providing suitable jobs for 250,000 disabled people by 2015.
This project will analyse the potential e-bike market, the available technologies and costs, and develop a business model integrating the disadvantaged. Good quality, affordable vehicles will be provided to students, who will recharge at solar-powered stations operated by the disabled. Public awareness and disseminating the lessons learnt to policy-makers will maximise the potential for replication in other cities.
Image (left): E-bikes at a charging station in Hanoi
To create an innovative business model for recharging and servicing e-bikes in Hanoi that alleviates poverty among the poor and handicapped, reduces CO2 emissions and is ready for up-scaling.