• Consumers sound durability & environmental concerns 

The National Consumer Front (NCF) organisation urged the Government and the relevant authorities to halt the import of electric motorbikes equipped with lead acid batteries, citing concerns over their environmental impact and durability.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (12), the NCF Leader Asela Sampath claimed that most imported electric motorbikes with lead acid batteries lack sufficient durability, leading to multiple issues for consumers. He urged the Government to impose strict regulations over the import of these motorbikes. 

“These electric bikes with lead acid batteries are not durable, and as a result, many consumers face difficulties. People who are inclined to purchase electric vehicles may be discouraged due to these problems,” Sampath explained. Sampath also emphasised the environmental concerns linked to the use of lead acid batteries in electric motorbikes. He noted that various environmental organisations have raised the alarm over the harmful effects of these batteries. “Several institutions working on environmental issues have expressed concerns about the impact of lead acid batteries, claiming that they significantly contribute to environmental pollution,” Sampath remarked. 

Hence, he called on the Government to regulate the import of electric motorbikes with lead acid batteries, and urged the authorities to explore alternative, eco-friendly options. Further, he revealed that the Imports and Exports Controller General (CG) had recently approved the import of these electric motorbikes, despite objections from institutions such as the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), which had previously raised concerns over their detrimental environmental effects. The NCF further reiterated the importance of sustainable practices, encouraging the Government to take immediate action to minimise the environmental harm and ensure consumer protection.

Several attempts made to contact the Imports and Exports CG and the CEA proved futile.