Vehicles of the future at EcoMobility Exhibition
12 October 2015
You probably have not seen or heard of a K-Tank, Raptor or T-Riciclo.
If you have, good for you because it means you are already one step into Johannesburg’s mobility of the future.
These and Segways, drifters, Pedalos, myuniway two-wheelers and quadbikes are among an assortment of modern, eco-friendly and safe means of mobility on display at the 2015 EcoMobility World Festival’s Exhibition Centre at Mandela Square in Sandton.
The fancy, trend-setting mobility products fit in well with the ongoing EcoMobility World Festival, which encourages Johannesburg residents to leave their cars at home and use non-motorised modes of transport to ease traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
The exhibition, which has attracted interest and curiosity from hundreds of visitors to the festival, runs until Sunday October 25, a week before the festival winds up. The exhibition gives the public a chance to learn about the history of transport in Johannesburg and the opportunity to view and try out innovative vehicles and experience mobility options beyond private cars. Exhibitors are satisfied with the positive response and enthusiasm they have received.
The T-Riciclo, a first solar-powered vehicle integrated with pedals specifically made for urban waste collection, attracted a lot of interest among visitors, so did the K-Tanks, 4x4 off-road trucks and the latest in electric cars, bicycles and scooters, off-road scooters, raptors, quadbikes and drifters.
The exhibitors say, judging from the overwhelming inquiries they have received in the first week of the exhibition alone, they are hopeful they will exceed their sales targets by the time it comes to an end. RBJ Green Mobility is showcasing a range of electric and off-road scooters and drifters at the exhibition.
Yondela Nyamakazi, the company’s Marketing Officer, says this is all in pursuit of the bigger picture: the reduction of the carbon footprint and decongesting of the city.
“Our vehicles and scooters are environmentally friendly, safe, convenient and fun to use. Our off-road scooters can travel up to 60km/hour and can be used to avoid heavy traffic during peak hours."
The scooters – which sell for between R21 500 and R25 000 – are remotely controlled and use a rechargeable battery the size of a cellphone. Drifters cost about R8 500 each. MGN Electric Vehicles Sales Consultant Apelele Payi says the company’s products range from 4x4 off-road trucks to quadbikes, which use 100% electricity. They are mainly used for police patrol and airport security, to name a few.
They can travel up to a distance of 150km before the battery will have to be recharged. They have a maximum speed of 60km/hour. The T-Riciclo offers an innovative solution for private entrepreneurs and commercial activities. Its versatility and multifunctionality allows it to power all types of service and tasks.
The Raptor, on the other hand, has a customised full electronic LCD dashboard and equipped with LED lighting. Prices for 4x4 off-road trucks range from R280 000 to R300 000. Quadbikes sell for between R140 000 and R160 000.