Bicycle prices in the country continue to increase as many workers are going ‘bike to work’ amid limited public transportation.
Some shops in Quezon City have raised prices and have run out of bikes and parts.
There are long queues at bicycle shops on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Retailers say they have a hard time getting supplies now since there has been a shortage in stocks.
“Since wala pong stocks na pang-masa, kinuha na lang namin iyan, para may pang-masa na stocks… Shortage tayo ng stocks ng mountain bike at spare parts,” said Marilou Roquero, a bike shop owner.
(We took that since there were no more stocks for the masses. We have a shortage of mountain bikes and spare parts.)
If demand is high and supply is scarce, bicycle prices will undoubtedly increase too, she said.
Guard Fanny Moreno also bought a bike even if it is expensive.
“P10,500 wala pang accessories… Eh walang magagawa, walang masakyan papuntang Quiapo, no choice ako walang magagamit… Dapat ‘yan mga P6,000 lang daw iyan doon eh, dinoble na diyan ngayon,” said Moreno.
(It costs P10,500 with no accessories included. I have no choice. There’s no ride going to Quiapo. They said it only costs P6,500, but the price doubled now.)
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In other stores, prices didn’t increase because they had a lot of stocks, and they didn’t sell much because of the lockdown.
The price range of bicycles in the Commonwealth area will increase from P1,000 to P2,000 depending on the class.
Electric scooters and e-bikes are also in demand for those who have a higher budget.
“Surprisingly, ‘yung clients ngayon are not just looking for the cheapest model. Mas nagiging wise sila kasi alam nila ‘yung road condition… Portability, ‘yung magaan, puwede nilang isakay sa bus, ipasok sa loob ng office, ilagay sa ilalim ng table,” said Eugene Martinez, owner e-scooter store.
(Surprisingly, today’s clients are not just looking for the cheapest model. They become wiser because they know the road condition. They are looking for something portable, lightweight, one they could carry inside the bus, inside the office, or put under the table.)
There has been no change in the price of e-scooters and e-bikes ranging from P29,000 to over P100,000.
Some “bike to work” employees is also urging motorists not to ignore them on the streets, especially that many of them are new.