National Assembly panel reviews quality regulations, testing facilities, and safety standards for Pakistan’s growing electric scooter industry.
Pakistan is intensifying efforts to strengthen quality and safety regulations for electric scooters as lawmakers and regulators review the standards governing the rapidly expanding sector.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production, chaired by Mehrin Razzaq Bhutto.
The session focused on the regulatory framework, safety requirements, and quality standards needed to support the growing adoption of electric motorcycles across the country.
Committee members emphasized the importance of developing a unified and effective standards regime to ensure consumer safety and industry growth.
The meeting highlighted the roles of key regulatory bodies, including the Engineering Development Board (EDB) and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), in overseeing compliance and quality assurance.
Officials informed the committee that Pakistan’s electric motorcycle industry has expanded significantly, with around 60 manufacturers currently operating in the market.
The sector is attracting increasing consumer interest as demand for environmentally friendly and cost-effective transportation solutions continues to rise.
A major topic of discussion was battery safety and quality assurance. Committee member Naz Baloch raised concerns regarding battery-related incidents and potential risks associated with electric motorcycles.
In response, EDB officials acknowledged the need for stronger testing and certification mechanisms to ensure the safety and reliability of batteries and electric drive systems.
The committee was informed that Pakistan currently lacks dedicated testing laboratories for electric motors and lithium batteries.
As a result, local manufacturers largely depend on Chinese testing standards and certification procedures when assessing the quality and safety of their products.
Officials also highlighted the challenges posed by the high cost of imported lithium batteries. A 30-ampere lithium battery costs approximately $300, contributing significantly to vehicle prices.
Although the government’s subsidy of Rs80,000 has helped lower costs for consumers, the average price of an electric motorcycle remains above Rs250,000.
Meanwhile, PSQCA officials told the committee that the authority has developed 172 standards related to electric motorcycles. The organization is responsible for monitoring compliance with these standards at manufacturing facilities to ensure products meet required quality benchmarks.
The EDB further informed lawmakers that proposed legislation currently under consideration in Parliament could enhance regulatory oversight by granting the board stronger legal powers to address quality and safety concerns within the sector.
Industry experts believe that establishing robust electric motorcycle standards in Pakistan will be crucial for building consumer confidence, improving product reliability, and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.
While petrol-powered motorcycles still account for nearly 80% of total motorcycle sales, the electric segment is expected to expand steadily as regulatory frameworks and industry standards continue to evolve.