ISLAMABAD, September 20, 2026: Pakistan’s rapidly expanding electric scooty market is facing growing concerns over after-sales service, spare-parts availability, battery reliability and repair costs, raising questions about the long-term ownership experience for consumers.
An article published by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Sunday highlighted the difficulties faced by some electric scooty owners, particularly those who purchased cheaper, lesser-known models in an effort to reduce their daily transport expenses.
With petrol prices placing pressure on household budgets, electric two-wheelers have emerged as an increasingly attractive alternative to conventional motorcycles. Female students and working women are also increasingly using electric scooties because of their ease of operation and comparatively lower running costs.
However, consumers and mechanics say a low purchase price does not necessarily guarantee affordable or trouble-free ownership.
Electric scooty breakdown leaves worker stranded
For working woman Naila Shahvez, the expected savings in fuel and commuting costs turned into a difficult experience when her electric scooty broke down while she was travelling from Iqbal Town, Rawalpindi, to her workplace at a beauty parlour in G-9 Markaz, Karachi Company, Islamabad.
The breakdown occurred on a day when she was scheduled to provide bridal make-up for a wedding. Unsure about the cause of the failure or where the vehicle could be repaired, she had to hand the scooty over to someone rather than leave it unattended on the roadside.
Her experience reflects a broader concern among owners that finding qualified repair services for some electric models can be difficult, particularly outside established dealership networks.
Buyers urged to look beyond price
Owners, mechanics and dealers have advised prospective buyers not to base purchasing decisions solely on showroom price, appearance or advertised mileage.
They say battery quality, warranty coverage, spare-parts availability and after-sales support can have a major impact on the overall cost of owning an electric scooty.
For middle-income households seeking relief from rising petrol expenditure, electric two-wheelers nevertheless remain an appealing option.
Federal government employee Abdullah described his electric vehicle as a blessing because it had significantly reduced his daily petrol expenses. However, he advised potential buyers to conduct detailed research before purchasing an electric scooty.
“First check the battery, its quality, warranty and the company behind it,” he told APP, recommending that consumers consider paying more for a quality lithium battery if it offers greater reliability.
Abdullah said he had experienced problems himself after purchasing a cheaper battery from a lesser-known company that failed within two months.
Battery technology affects ownership costs
Pakistan’s electric scooty market includes brands such as Evee, Metro, Yadea, Jolta, Revoo, United, Crown and Vlektra, with models using different battery technologies.
These include lead-acid, graphene, lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries.
The different technologies can vary significantly in terms of purchase price, weight, charging characteristics, operating range, durability and replacement costs.
For buyers, understanding these differences is important because the battery is one of the most significant components affecting an electric two-wheeler’s performance and long-term ownership cost.
Repair network remains a key concern
The rapid expansion of electric two-wheelers has also created greater demand for specialised repair and maintenance services.
At CK-EV Lab in Dhok Kashmirian, Rawalpindi, electric scooters of different makes can be found awaiting repairs, with body panels removed and electrical components and other parts placed around the workshop.
Mechanics said batteries and controllers were among the components requiring frequent attention. Motor problems, wiring faults and charging issues were also cited as common reasons for workshop visits.
Mechanic Mannan of Manan Autos on Kurri Road, Rawalpindi, said proper charging practices could help extend battery life.
He advised users to avoid repeatedly allowing batteries to discharge to extremely low levels and recommended charging vehicles at appropriate intervals while following manufacturers’ instructions.
Another dealer highlighted the importance of the charger, saying some consumers spend heavily on the vehicle and battery but compromise on charger quality.
Using a suitable charger, he said, was important for maintaining battery performance and longevity.
Mechanic Nauman said women represented a significant share of his customers because electric scooters were relatively easy to operate and offered lower daily running costs.
Students and working women drive demand
Seller Sikandar, who operates on Murree Road, said college students and working women were among the strongest customer segments for electric scooties.
“Most customers first ask how far it will travel on one charge and how much they will save compared with petrol,” he told APP.
He cautioned that intense price competition should not come at the expense of product quality. Consumers, he said, needed clearer information about battery technology, warranty conditions, spare-parts availability and after-sales services.
He also called for appropriate quality and safety checks as the market expands.
Government targets major electric vehicle expansion
Pakistan’s government is seeking to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles under the New Energy Vehicles Policy 2025-30.
According to the supplied APP report, 58 manufacturers had obtained licences to produce electric two- and three-wheelers by December 2024. The government has set a target for new energy vehicles to account for 30 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2030.
The policy also envisages more than two million electric two-wheelers during its five-year implementation period, alongside the expansion of charging infrastructure.
The government is working with the International Finance Corporation on reforms for Pakistan’s electric two- and three-wheeler sector. The initiative includes regulatory and standards-related work involving the Engineering Development Board, the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
After-sales support crucial to electric mobility
Pakistan’s shift towards electric mobility could help consumers reduce transport costs and lower dependence on petrol. However, the market’s long-term development will depend not only on increasing sales but also on the quality of products and services available to owners.
Reliable batteries, affordable spare parts, qualified technicians, suitable chargers, transparent warranties and accessible after-sales networks could become increasingly important as more Pakistanis adopt electric two-wheelers.
Without stronger support systems, the low upfront cost of some electric scooties could translate into higher ownership expenses for consumers who face repeated repairs or expensive component replacements.