Electric bike assemblers have raised prices by Rs5,000, citing higher freight, logistics and diesel-linked transport costs. Industry observers say demand has increased as consumers look for alternatives amid rising petrol prices.
KARACHI: Electric bike assemblers have increased prices by Rs5,000 as demand rises following a sharp jump in petrol prices.
The assemblers have linked the increase to higher sea freight charges, growing logistics costs for moving imported parts from Karachi seaport to factories, and increased transportation expenses driven by higher diesel prices. Some companies began applying the revised prices from April 3, while others are set to enforce them from April 10.
After the latest increase, electric bikes with varying battery ranges, including graphene and lithium options, and different motor capacities are now priced between Rs125,000 and Rs350,000.
One assembler told dealers in a letter that goods transporters had raised their rates by 30 per cent. However, the Transporters of Goods Association announced a 60pc increase in fares after the rise in diesel prices, saying the move was needed to cover transportation costs and keep the supply chain functioning. The association also called on importers and exporters to help ensure uninterrupted operations.
Demand rises as consumers shift
Bike sector expert Mohammad Sabir Sheikh said the market was undergoing a shift, with many consumers moving towards electric bikes while anticipating a possible petrol shortage in the context of the Middle East war.
He said electric bikes could become dominant if the conflict intensifies and petrol prices climb further. According to him, consumers who had earlier been reluctant are now finding comfort in electric bikes because they offer substantial savings, despite concerns including average resale value and low road clearance, particularly on Karachi’s damaged roads.
Sabir Sheikh said he believed resale values would improve once electric bikes reached higher sales volumes. He also said strong demand had created a shortage of electric bikes, which had slightly affected the sales pace of petrol-powered motorcycles.
He further observed that even owners of costly cars and SUVs prefer to use petrol-driven bikes for routine travel because operating four-wheel vehicles has become expensive amid elevated fuel prices.
Sales momentum in the market
Recently, the sales team of an electric bike assembler marked a milestone after selling more than 7,000 units in March alone.
At the same time, sales of petrol-powered bikes in Pakistan remained strong during the first eight months of FY26. However, the March data to be released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association is expected to offer a clearer indication of market direction as prices rise and interest in electric bikes grows.
