MUSCAT: Muscat is set to get a new electric mobility option as Muscat Municipality, in partnership with Thimar Company, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and Nama, prepares to launch an e-bike sharing service supported by a network of battery swapping stations across the capital.
The initiative aims to provide a clean, affordable and convenient transport alternative for the Municipality workers as Oman approaches the cooler months, when outdoor movement and recreational activity increase.
According to officials who spoke to the Observer on the sidelines of the Oman Climate Week, the project will ultimately include 56 battery swap stations across Muscat Governorate. The first phase will see 14 stations become operational in key areas including Al Qurum, Al Ghubra and Al Khoudh. The bikes and the swap infrastructure have been supplied by Thimar Company, which has tied up with a Chinese manufacturer for the technology and equipment.
“E-bikes will help our team members to reduce carbon emissions in central areas and support the green, sustainable initiatives of the Muscat Municipality,” said Dr Khalid al Balushi, General Manager for Administration and Finance at Muscat Municipality.
Haitham al Bahrani, Adviser at Muscat Municipality, said the municipality is working closely with MoTC and Nama to integrate the stations with existing urban infrastructure and ensure seamless access for the users with no hassles and prompt and efficient services.
On its technical front, Ali al Badi, Manager of Operations at Thimar said that each e-bike will be powered by two swappable LFP batteries, with each battery rated at 2.8 kWh. The combined 5.6 kWh capacity gives the scooter a range of 140 to 160 km per full battery swap, officials said.
“The e-bikes have a top speed of 120 km/h, but the ministry regulations prohibit riding on roads with speed limits exceeding 100 km/h. On the safety aspect, we have paid more attention to this crucial area and these batteries use LFP chemistry, which is non-flammable and explosion-proof. The safety of the battery is a key priority for us,” he said.
Each battery is also equipped with an IoT system and an Omantel SIM card. This allows both Thimar and the ministry to track and manage the batteries in real time through a unified battery-swapping platform. The swapping stations themselves will require a multi-phase power connection. Nama is supporting the roll-out to ensure the required electrical infrastructure is in place.
While a formal launch date has not yet been announced, officials said testing is underway at the 14 initial sites. Users will be able to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones at any station, eliminating long charging wait times.
The project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 goals for sustainable transport and smart city development. Muscat Municipality officials said it will monitor usage data from the IoT platform to decide on future expansion locations.
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