A sharp rise in petrol prices is driving more people in Pakistan towards electric scooters and bikes, creating shortages and longer waiting times in the local market.
Dealers say demand has jumped quickly in recent weeks, as fuel costs make daily travel harder for many households. For low income commuters, running a petrol bike is becoming difficult, which has made electric options more attractive.
Supply falls short as bookings rise
With demand climbing, many popular electric models are now in short supply. Buyers are being asked to pay additional “own money” ranging between Rs10,000 and Rs15,000 to secure early delivery. Even then, waiting periods have stretched to around 30 days.
The shortage is linked to limited availability of completely knocked down kits, which are imported for local assembly. Dealers say shipments of key models such as T5-L, Velax and M3-H have not kept pace with rising demand.
According to Business Recorder, market estimates suggest around 40,000 electric two-wheelers were sold across the country in April, with scooters making up nearly 90 percent of the total. However, sellers believe actual demand is much higher than the available supply.
Hamza Asad, Director Sales and Marketing at Evee, said assemblers have already increased orders for imported kits from China. He added that supply is expected to improve between late May and early June as new shipments arrive.
He also noted that if supportive government policies continue, electric two-wheeler sales could reach 500,000 units by the end of December 2026.
Fuel price hike adds pressure
The shift towards electric bikes comes after another increase in fuel prices. The government recently raised petrol by Rs6.51 per litre to Rs399.86, while high speed diesel saw a larger jump of Rs19.39 per litre to Rs399.58.
These increases have added to transport costs, pushing more riders to look for cheaper alternatives.
Call for better designs and policies
Industry voices say there is still room for improvement in both product design and government support.
Motorcycle dealer Muhammad Sabir Shaikh said many buyers want electric scooters that look more like traditional motorbikes. He suggested larger wheels, stronger suspension and batteries that can cover at least 100 kilometres on a single charge.
He also urged policymakers to introduce more practical incentives under the upcoming New Energy Vehicles policy. Suggestions include allowing commercial battery imports at lower taxes and easing some requirements for setting up assembly units.
Currently, electric scooters and bikes in Pakistan are priced between Rs250,000 and Rs600,000, depending on model and features. Smaller bikes for children are available at lower prices, typically between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000.
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