KARACHI: Electric bike assemblers have increased prices by Rs5,000 in response to surging demand driven by rising petrol costs, signaling a growing shift toward alternative mobility solutions.
Industry players attribute the price hike to escalating sea freight charges, higher logistics expenses for transporting imported components from Karachi port to manufacturing units, and increased transportation costs due to expensive diesel. While some assemblers implemented revised prices from April 3, others are set to follow from April 10. Following the adjustment, e-bike prices now range between Rs125,000 and Rs350,000, depending on battery type and motor capacity.
Transporters have also significantly raised freight rates, with goods carriers increasing charges by up to 30%, while the Transporters of Goods Association has announced a 60% hike to sustain operations amid rising fuel costs.
Market experts, including Mohammad Sabir Sheikh, note a clear shift in consumer behavior, with many buyers turning to electric bikes amid fears of further petrol price hikes and potential supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Despite concerns such as limited resale value and low ground clearance—particularly on Karachi’s uneven roads—electric bikes are gaining traction for their cost-efficiency. Analysts believe resale values will improve as market volumes grow.
Strong demand has even led to supply shortages, slightly impacting sales of petrol-powered bikes. In a notable development, one assembler reported selling over 7,000 units in March alone, highlighting the accelerating transition toward electric mobility in Pakistan.
Story by Aamir Shafaat Khan
