Electric bikes are quickly gaining popularity in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), especially in Peshawar, as rising fuel prices push commuters toward cheaper alternatives. However, a lack of charging infrastructure, frequent power outages, and unclear registration systems are raising questions about the future of this emerging trend.
In Peshawar, the e-bike market is expanding rapidly, particularly in areas like Gulbahar, Kohati Gate, Sarki Gate, Saddar, Tehkal, and Ring Road. Yet despite this growth, charging infrastructure remains virtually non-existent across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa – with no facilities in public parks, bus terminals, markets, or key city entry points.
Neither the government nor private companies have made any planning for e-bike charging infrastructure, which has put the future of the newly emerging small-scale e-bike industry at risk, despite investors from K-P investing millions of rupees into the sector. On the other hand, the Excise Department of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has not yet started registering e-bikes, although hundreds of electric bikes have appeared on the roads in recent weeks.
Asif Khan, who has been riding an electric bike in Peshawar for the past three months, revealed that he purchased an e-bike worth Rs200,000. “There was no load shedding during winter, but now unannounced electricity outages have made it very difficult to charge the bike for five to six continuous hours. Due to incomplete charging, the bike does not perform as expected. Now we only use it for going from home to the tandoor or nearby market,” said Khan.
Abdul Ghani, who runs an e-bike showroom in Peshawar, informed that three types of electric bikes are being imported from China to Pakistan. “Electric bikes priced at Rs90,000, Rs150,000, and Rs250,000 are being sold in Peshawar’s market. These bikes can travel 70 to 80 kilometers, while their batteries need six to seven hours of continuous charging. However, if the batteries are not fully charged, the bikes do not deliver proper performance. These bikes can only work if they are fully charged, but in areas with load shedding or low voltage, they are not very effective,” noted Ghani.
According to information gathered by The Express Tribune, southern districts of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa face 18 to 20 hours of load shedding, while Malakand experiences eight to 10 hours. Similarly, urban areas of Peshawar face 10 to 12 hours of load shedding, while suburban areas experience 14 to 18 hours. In regions with prolonged power outages, charging these bikes remains the main and most basic issue.
Naveed Khan, who bought an electric bike for commuting to college, told The Express Tribune that electric bikes are good for short-distance travel. “If charging units were established at colleges, universities, and public places, these bikes could become a very useful mode of transportation,” urged Khan.
Surprisingly, hundreds of electric bikes are operating on the roads of Peshawar, but none of them have any formal registration. Just as Peshawar has around 400,000 to 500,000 motorcycles, of which only about 150,000 are registered while the rest operate without registration, electric bikes are now also being used without any formal registration.
Masood Khan, Excise and Taxation Officer of the Excise Department in Peshawar, noted that the same laws that apply to motorcycle registration will also apply to e-bikes. “Citizens will be able to register their e-bikes with the Excise Department, and a comprehensive plan is currently being prepared for this purpose,” claimed Khan.Latest News, Breaking News & Top News Stories | The Express TribuneAhtesham Khan  Read More
