Ratan Mahanta’s bike covers 120 km for just Tk5

A mechanic from Ranishankail in Thakurgaon has drawn attention by converting an old motorcycle into a low-cost electric vehicle that travels 120 kilometres on electricity costing only Tk5.

Ratan Mahanta, son of Suren Mahanta from the Moholbari area, works as an auto-van mechanic and runs a spare parts shop on College Road. He bought a used 100cc Suzuki motorcycle in 2019, but mechanical faults and rising fuel costs quickly made it difficult to maintain.

Frustrated with repeated breakdowns and fuel expenses, Ratan decided to remove the engine entirely. He installed four 12-volt batteries and a powerful motor from an auto-rickshaw, transforming the bike into an electric vehicle.

“At first people laughed and called it a toy,” Ratan said. “But I did not give up. Now the same people praise me when they see the fuel queues.”

Ratan said his innovation sharply reduces travel costs. He said a petrol bike would need about Tk400 to cover 120 kilometres, while his electric version needs only a few taka worth of electricity. It also removes the need for fuel station visits and oil changes.

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Neighbour Jalal Ahmed praised the innovation, saying it offers relief during fuel shortages. He said many locals now consider switching to similar battery-powered systems for their vehicles.