Hero Cycles Ltd., the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer, in technical collaboration with UK-based Ultra Motor Co. (UMC), on Thursday launched its unique range of Electric Two Wheelers in the country.

These vehicles will have seven variants of E-Bikes and E-Scooters and will be branded as “Hero Electric, with the “Ultra Powered” technology tag.

To ensure appropriate technology behind this launch, Hero Cycles has signed a technical collaboration cum joint marketing agreement with Ultra Motor, to produce and jointly market the new range of electric two-wheelers in India.

"In a market where there are 1.6mn two-wheelers sold every month (including cycles, scooters and bikes), these technologically advanced yet affordable electric two wheelers will definitely herald a major change in the Indian two wheeler industry," said Vijay Munjal, Managing Director, Hero Cycles.

Ultra Motor has provided the electric vehicle technology, besides the Ultra-Motor, Electronic Controller, Specialized Battery and Charger. Hero Cycles is responsible for the mechanical integration, assembly, manufacturing and services of the vehicles.

Additionally, both Hero Cycles and Ultra Motor will work towards developing the electric vehicle business in India by not only investing in joint marketing of the electric two-wheelers but also by setting up retail and services infrastructure.

" Together with Hero Cycles - the largest manufacturer of bicycles on the planet - Ultra Motor's broad portfolio of electric vehicle technology solutions will bring about a paradigm shift in Indian transportation," said Ian Woodcock, Chairman, Ultra Motor.

The Hero E-Bikes are priced between Rs15,000 to Rs 20,000. The Hero E-Scooters are in the range of Rs 24,000 to Rs 28,000. The running cost of these E-Bikes and E-Scooters is one tenth of the conventional petrol driven two wheelers. What's more, their maintenance cost is just a third of the conventional two-wheelers.

Depending on the model of electric two wheeler, a single charge can last between 40 kms and 70 kms. The price of running an electric two wheeler works out to be an unbelievable 10 paise per km, which is the cost of charging the battery.

Hero Cycles in partnership with Ultra Motor has aggressive plans to roll out these electric two wheelers in India. The company is aiming to open an extensive dealer network in 16 major cities across the country, between January and March for comprehensive service and sales experience.

The first phase of rollout will be in North India of Delhi, NCR, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. West and South India launches will follow in the second phase of the rollout plan in Q3/Q4 of 2007.