Electric bike prices hike Rs5,000 as demand surges amid petrol shortage fears

Electric bike assemblers in Pakistan have increased prices by Rs5,000 following a surge in demand amid rising petrol costs and concerns over supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

The price adjustment, effective from April 3 for some companies and April 10 for others, applies to electric bikes with varying battery ranges and motor types, now priced between Rs125,000 and Rs350,000. Assemblers attributed the hike to higher sea freight charges, logistics costs from Karachi seaport to factories, and escalating diesel-fueled transport expenses.

A letter from one assembler indicated that goods transporters have raised rates by 30%, while the Transporters of Goods Association announced a 60% increase in fares, citing diesel price surges as a necessary step to maintain supply chains.

Market expert Mohammad Sabir Sheikh said growing consumer concern over petrol shortages is driving a shift towards electric bikes. He noted that high demand has caused temporary shortages, slightly slowing sales of petrol-driven bikes, though they remain preferred for daily use by owners of expensive cars and SUVs due to operating cost considerations.

Sheikh added that electric bikes, despite drawbacks like low road clearance and mediocre resale value, are increasingly attractive as a cost-saving alternative. He predicted that resale values may improve as sales volumes rise.

The surge in electric bike sales was highlighted by a recent milestone, with an assembler’s sales team reporting over 7,000 units sold in March alone. Petrol-driven bikes continue to record strong sales, but March figures from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association are expected to clarify emerging trends amid price pressures and the growing shift toward electric mobility.