World's first electric bike journey to Khardung La Pass completed successfully

Solar charged electric scooters, Yobykes, have successfully scaled the highest known motorable road in the world – the Khardung La Pass in association with the Global Himalayan Expedition. These bikes were charged using 100 per cent renewable energy – solar and hydroelectricity according to the media release. 

This 80km ride was completed by Paras Loomba who is a solar energy expert and his Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) teammate Jaideep Bansal. Yobykes were sponsored by EV Manufacturer Electrotherm (India) Limited. This was the first time that a battery operated scooter completed a journey to the highest known motorable road. This feat was achieved in 4 hours 12 minutes which included the time taken to charge the scooters and refreshment breaks.

The prime objective of this ride was to promote transportation based on clean energy, such as solar operated battery scooters, in popular tourists destinations, while curbing pollution and associated health issues.

The E-scooters are manufactured by the Automotive Division of Electrotherm Limited in India, and come equipped with a 1kw motor with a peak carrying capacity of 1.8Kw, good for the local terrain of Ladakh. The bikes were specially customised for the Ladakhi terrain and perform at a gradient averaging 4.6 degree and above. 

These electric bikes, introduced at the 2015 Ladakh Marathon, will primarily be used to create awareness and educate the local youth on alternates to fossil fuels. The bikes are currently being tested in Ladakh for a month before it will be made available for local population.