Photo : BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, Sept 14, 2025 (BSS) - Battery-run Easy Bikes could significantly ease traffic congestion and save electricity if they consistently carried full passengers, according to a study conducted by Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET).

The research team, led by Nibir Mondol, Assistant Professor in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering (ESE) at KUET, observed Easy Bike movement at key points in Khulna city-including Gollamari, Sonadanga Bus Station, Shib Bari, Moilapota, Royal and PTI junctions-from September 7 to 10.

On September 10 alone, the study counted 3,253 Easy Bikes passing through PTI junction in just one hour. Of them, only 5 percent carried the full six passengers, 10-15 percent carried 4-5 passengers, while the majority-80-85 percent-carried only 2-3 passengers, despite the maximum capacity of six.

The researchers argued that this underutilization increases the number of vehicles on the road, worsens traffic congestion, and puts additional pressure on electricity consumption.

Khulna City Corporation sources said 10,000 Easy Bikes are licensed to operate in the city. However, over 45,000 unauthorized Easy Bikes are also plying, creating immense congestion and hampering the daily movement of around 3 lakh commuters. These electric vehicles consume 450 megawatts of electricity daily, exerting tremendous pressure on the local power grid.

Talking to BSS, Nibir Mondol said the number of Easy Bikes on the road and the consumption of electricity could be reduced by 50-70 megawatts per day if the vehicles consistently carried their full passenger load.

He suggested that strict traffic rules, regular social awareness campaigns for both drivers and residents-particularly in educational institutions-and training programmes for drivers could help reduce Easy Bike numbers and traffic jams.

Mondol further noted that battery-run Easy Bikes are environmentally friendly, but warned that without proper scientific management of battery disposal, they could cause severe environmental pollution, as used batteries release harmful carbon into the air.

"First of all, the huge number of Easy Bikes is creating traffic congestion due to the lack of proper route management and drivers' unawareness of traffic rules," he added.

Talking to BSS, Khondokar Hossain Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP), said many small traders, students and homemakers are now operating Easy Bikes to earn money.

He informed that KMP has provided training to 7,010 Easy Bike drivers and distributed certificates in the last two months. The programme is currently paused but will resume soon.

Professor Anwarul Kadir, Executive Director of Sundarban Academy, said drivers should be given immediate training to prevent frequent traffic jams and accidents in the city. He also urged the authorities to take strict action against unauthorized Easy Bikes to free the city from gridlock and ensure smoother movement for residents.