NITK to launch multi-utility, convertible e-scooter series

Mangaluru: Continuing its efforts towards developing a carbon-neutral campus, NITK Surathkal will launch another multi-utility, convertible two-wheeler (electric) VidhYug 2.2 series, on Thursday evening. This e-scooter will be the latest model in the VidhYug 2.2 series.
The e-scooter 2.2 has four series (1,2,3 and 4) and is funded by the NITK Surathkal Alumni Association (Mumbai chapter). Pruthviraj U, assistant professor, department of water resources and ocean engineering, said the current project series is designed and developed by the Centre for System Design (CSD), NITK Surathkal. The e-scooter will be put to various uses around the NITK campus.
Pruthviraj, who is also the CSD’s E-mobility project head, explained that VidhYug 2.2.1 e-scooter was designed for electrical engineers, to conduct site visits, supervise ongoing works, and attend to and resolve an emergency or non-priority-based complaints around campus. The second edition was designed for civil engineers, to inspect building construction sites, supervise ongoing civil works, and attend to and resolve civil work-related issues. The third series will help powerhouse technicians to monitor various powerhouse-related tasks, attend to emergency issues, and turn on campus streetlights, among other things.
The latest series has been designed for pump operators to operate the pump at appropriate hours, perform gate valuation works, monitor overhead or sump tanks, and also to open wells and pump wells. “This bike can accommodate a ladder, that comes in handy during the work,” said Pruthviraj.
The bike’s features include a 72V 25Ah lithium-ion battery, powering a 1,000W BLDC hub motor, a range of 60km, a top-speed of 55kmph, and gradability of 12 degrees. It comes with a telescopic front suspension, a mono-shock rear suspension, swappable seat/storage, and a multi-utility carrier.
The team behind the project are K V Gangadharan, coordinator, CSD, department of mechanical engineering, NITK Surathkal; Mohit P Tahiliani, IoT integrator, and assistant professor, computer science and engineering, NITK Surathkal, and Prasad Krishna, director, NITK Surathkal. Other team members are Rajath C Kotekar, Stevan Lloyd, Rakshith Kotian, Thomas Alvin, Karthik Shetty, Sushan K, Dheeraj G K, and Shubhadeep.