There is no such thing anymore as a quick trip for anything in Phnom Penh. As the number of vehicles registered across Cambodia continues to climb by hundreds of thousands each year, the capital’s streets are as congested as a nightclub on a Saturday night. But there is one way to beat the traffic, without burning up your lungs in the process, and that is the premise of Grood, a new venture that is putting e-bikes on the streets of Phnom Penh.
There is no such thing anymore as a quick trip for anything in Phnom Penh. As the number of vehicles registered across Cambodia continues to climb by hundreds of thousands each year, the capital’s streets are as congested as a nightclub on a Saturday night. But there is one way to beat the traffic, without burning up your lungs in the process, and that is the premise of Grood, a new venture that is putting e-bikes on the streets of Phnom Penh.
Grood e-bikes are designed to cut the endless frustration out of moving about the city without working up a boiling sweat before you get to your destination. With an electric motor that allows you to reach up to 32km/h, an e-bike allows you to leave the traffic jams in your dust, while having a minimal impact on the environment.
Speaking to Le Petit Journal earlier this year, Grood founder Veasna Srey says he sees Cambodia as an Asian Holland, a flat country perfect suited to bicycles. “We want to make Cambodians want to ride bicycles again. It is a means of transport that is dear to them, and an excellent solution in the fight against pollution. The idea is to make it possible to get around Phnom Penh easily and cleanly, and for an affordable price”.
Globally, the market for e-bikes is exploding, with the biggest growth to be found in the largest market, the Asia-Pacific region. In 2017, the region accounted for 43% of global sales of $17.12 billion, a figure that is expected to rise to more than $25 billion by 2025.
Grood’s e-bike is not just on trend and sensible, it is also pretty smart. With a sleek urban design, and a battery that could be mistaken for a water bottle, this is a bike that should not only feel good, but looks good too. We’ll see you on the streets.
