Can the humble motorcycle be replaced by electric two-wheelers?

Pakistan's bustling streets are dominated by motorcycles, with around 2 million sold annually and a fleet of over 30 million. Electric two-wheelers promise lower operating costs, but the upfront price remains a significant hurdle. A modest Honda CD 70 retails for Rs168,000, while a comparable electric bike costs more than Rs300,000. Despite the savings in fuel expenses, adoption of electric bikes has been limited, with only around 150,000 sold last year, representing less than 10% of the total annual sales.

Quality concerns, a fragmented market, and battery capacity issues further impede growth. Battery size accounts for a significant portion of the bike's cost, and limited charging infrastructure exacerbates the problem. Delivery riders, whose income depends on efficient travel, face additional challenges as many charging points do not support their vehicles.

Foodpanda's delivery workers, who spend their days on motorcycles, represent a promising market for electric bikes. However, uptake remains slow, with only around 150 bikes currently in use. While battery swapping technology could alleviate some concerns, the lack of reliable chargers and limited compatibility with existing bikes present formidable obstacles to wider adoption.