Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Bank offering discounted loans for green E-bikes

Bank offering discounted loans for green E-bikes

Yann Vaudin has convinced Acleda to offer loans with discounted interest rates to buy his E-bikes. George Nickels
Yann Vaudin has convinced Acleda to offer loans with discounted interest rates to buy his E-bikes. George Nickels

Bank offering discounted loans for green E-bikes

In a first for Acleda Bank – if not Cambodia – Green E-bike, the company that rents out eco-friendly electric and pedal-powered bicycles in Siem Reap, has just partnered up with the institution to offer reduced-interest rate loans on the vehicles in the hope of promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to transport.

The company was founded by Yann Vaudin in 2014, a year after he first came to the Kingdom on holiday.

“When I visited the temples by normal bike, it was really exhausting and dangerous for people: hot and far!” he recalled.

He was inspired by the visit, and the green bikes he rents out to tourists are becoming more common on Siem Reap’s streets. Now he’s hoping to reach a much wider audience than temple-touring travellers and, in the process, promote a message of environmental awareness.

Three months ago, he wrote to Acleda Bank with his idea for reducing the interest for loans on E-bikes and, he said, they jumped on board immediately. “It is a victory for me . . . and a first in Cambodia,” said Vaudin.

So Phonnary, Acleda’s executive vice president and group chief operations officer, said: “This is the first time that we have created a loan like this . . . we have to start to protect the environment, so when he wrote to us, we agreed that it was a good idea and sent him the offer letter.”

“It also helps to meet our customers’ expectations, who are thinking more about the environment.”

Made in China, but designed to European specifications, Vaudin says the green bikes are power-assisted by rechargeable lead acid or lithium batteries, with motors that can run at 500 to 1,200 watts. According to Vaudin, it costs as little as $2 per month to power them, which is done by removing the battery and plugging it into a socket. A full battery has a range of up to 65km.

Vaudin also hopes that hotels and tour operators will jump on the back of his green bike plan. “They can make a profit, and market themselves as green,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Newest horror film showcases unique Khmer culture, identity

    At first glance, the trailer to new horror sensation The Ritual: Black Nun looks like a western-produced feature film. As the story reveals itself to the viewers, it becomes clearer that this is a Khmer film, with a strong Cambodian identity and close links to

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the