SBMA recommends battery-powered scooters

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has recommended the use of bikes inside the Subic Bay Freeport to instill environmental consciousness inside the former US naval base. “Bikes are economical and environment-friendly. They’re best for moving around inside the Freeport area. We have installed bike lanes for those who like use scooters," SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza said. Electric Motorcycle Corporation, Inc (EMCI), a Filipino firm, has set up a shop in the Subic Freeport for making battery-powered scooters. It has tied up with the Land Bank for Freeport employees’ bike loan facility, which will be paid for through salary deduction. Dr. Bienvenida Crisanto, chairperson of EMCI, said their bikes are environment-friendly and economical because battery power them. She signed Friday a memorandum of agreement with FSC president retired Gen. Jose Calimlim, making the Freeport Services Corporation the sole distributor of the scooters. Calimlim said the Land Transportation Office would not require registration for the bikes. The battery of the electric-powered motor can be recharged through a simple convenience outlet. An employee at the SBMA media relations office said the bikes cost from P31,000 to P65,000 each. GMANEWS.TV