The ‘eco-series’ write-up features of my blog continues with
an article I saw very recently on the launch of the indigenous “PHILIPPINE
BAMBOO BIKES” in the market. Yes, this
innovative ‘invention’ is finally made available to the consumers. Now the question shifts to determining if
society is ready for such.
This initiative is made possible thanks to KawayanTech (for
my foreigner readers, Kawayan is the Filipino word for bamboo) whose main goal
is to introduce to the mainstream market alternative means of transport and
these include the bamboo bikes and even bamboo skateboards. The company was founded by members of the
famous University of the Philippines Mountaineers Club in 2009. Original members who founded KawayanTech were
the following:
Eric Cadiz – a motorcycle dealer and an electrical engineer
John Climaco – an educator who is US-based
Hecky Villanueva – an urban anthropologist
Eng Chan – a visual artist
Boy Siojo – a resort operator and dive
instructor
THE CHALLENGE
Just like any innovative product in its baby steps, the main
challenge the Bamboo bikes will face will be how the consumes will learn about
the product and dispel decades or even a century worth of information that the
‘metallic bicycles’ are more durable and sturdier than these new offerings.
THE ADVANTAGES
- Supports local livelihood programs and bamboo farmers or sellers.
- KawayanTech gets from various bamboo suppliers thus promoting more employment and business opportunities.
- Highly durable as only the sturdy variety used for construction and furniture.
- Alternative means of transportation minus the toxic fumes.
- It is a work of Art; every bike frame is handcrafted, thus, every frame may be said as something that is highly unique in the world.
- Bamboo is said to have the natural property of absorbing shocks from movement.
- The company only manufactures the main bicycle frame so you can customize the other components to suit your personality.
According to the article reference from Manila Bulletin KawayanTech has sold more than 80 different units including a bike tailored-fit for kids and toddlers (more popularly known as 'Push Bikes')which currently has a market value of PhP5,000. The bike frames for mountain bikes fetch as high as PhP20,000 while commuter bikes costs PhP10,000. Additional trivia, the same company also made the first ever electric bamboo bike. What's next? Skateboards and even Wheelchairs! Hmm.. wonder how it will look?
So there you have it, a cool new feature of an up and coming business venture that I do hope we all support. Still to the theme of Earth Hour on Saturday, I hope their idea sells well.
