Another e-bike in the market? How does this differ from the others?
If you’ve ever had to wait for hours in line to catch a ride to work, struggled to find transport to do daily errands, and felt like you’re throwing away your hard-earned money on ridesharing services, listen up. Have you ever considered using an e-bike instead?
While many e-bikes are designed for leisure, Hatasu focuses on accessibility for Filipinos with its budget- and beginner-friendly offerings. Its base model costs less than P20,000, and you can pay for that over 12- or 18-month installment plans if you don’t have immediate cash on hand.
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I don’t know how to drive a traditional motorcycle. Can I use these e-bikes?
Not everyone wants fancy tech and premium features for something that’s meant for short-range rides. If you’re afraid of getting on an e-bike because you think it requires technical know-how or special driving skills, Hatasu’s models will prove you wrong.
I tried out using two Hatasu models, namely the NERO and the MAKO 2, on quick test rides around the dealership of houseware store chain Home Along on Mayon Avenue in Quezon City, just to see how they perform.
What’s it like driving the Nero?
The Nero is a nifty two-wheeler e-bike that offers upgraded specs from the basic entry-level KUMI. The Nero makes use of a 400w Dynamo Motor, can carry a capacity of 110 kgs, and can run a max speed of 25 kph.
This model comes with a panel board, a front basket to carry small items, and a passenger saddle. It rolled smoothly on the pavement and wasn’t too jerky. It was quiet, but pretty responsive every time I twisted the throttle or used the brakes. It felt very light, straightforward, and easy to use.
This e-bike would be a good daily urban commuter for those who have to travel short distances regularly since you can make use of bike lanes. Because of its compact size, it’ll be easy to park and stash in homes even those without a garage.
What about the three-wheeler Mako 2?
Three-wheelers are good options for those who don’t know how to balance a bike or need to transport more people or goods regularly. Because of the Mako 2’s length and width, it felt bulkier to use but was still easy to operate. All you have to do is twist the throttle to get going and press the brakes to stop. I felt like I was driving a golf cart.
The Mako 2 was also quiet, except for the loud signal sound and horn to help alert other road users. This all-around e-bike has a 650w differential motor, can carry up to 250kg, and comes with a roof and compartment storage. It can seat three people, so it’s ideal for families with small kids who need to travel short distances regularly.
It doesn’t go very fast, so I did feel like the cars and faster vehicles behind me were getting impatient when traversing the narrower roads and at intersections, where they couldn’t overtake.
The back seat converts to spacious storage, which could be good for hauling bulkier items that would be difficult to transport on a traditional motorcycle or bicycle. No wonder this model is popular in smaller towns and provinces, where residential areas are often far from commercial areas like markets.
How far can I travel on these e-bikes?
The Nero can travel 40-50km on a single charge, while the three-wheeler Mako 2 has a range of 60-70km. While the specs differ slightly per model, all of Hatasu’s e-bikes run with a max speed of 25kph, so you can expect very chill and easy rides.
How much will I save by getting an e-bike versus a traditional motorcycle?
As previously mentioned, Hatasu’s most affordable base model is less than P20k, while the priciest three-wheeler costs P65k. Here’s the exact price range for all their models for reference:
- Kumi two-wheeler e-bike ideal for beginners – P19,900
- Nero two-wheeler e-bike with upgraded specs – P28,990
- Haru compact three-wheeler with upgrades – P36,990
- Mako 2 three-wheeler e-bike – P59,990
- Hero – All-new three-wheeler e-bike – P64,990
Aside from the initial price being just a fraction of the cost of traditional motorcycles and cars, you won’t need to spend on gas at all, or shell out for regular maintenance fees.
Based on the manufacturer’s estimates, it’ll cost just P20 to fully charge an e-bike (charging time of 6-8 hours), enough for a week of short-range use. You could also save on public transport costs (not to mention time) if you have a vehicle at your disposal. How much is the minimum fare for a single tricycle ride these days?
It starts at P20k? Ang mura! But can I pay that in installments?
You bet you can. Aside from being able to buy it straight cash or via a credit card, the Hatasu e-bike is being offered in various installment plans.
Home Along offers a range of flexible payment options like GCash and low monthly payments through installment partners such as Home Credit, AEON, Tonik, and Salmon, to name a few.
Based on my quick test ride, the Nero feels like a strong value-for-money offering for short-range use in smaller neighborhoods and urban areas, while the Mako 2 would be a good option for family service and small business use in provincial areas. Both offer safer and more sustainable alternatives to traditional motorcycles.
