The Ministry of Energy is pushing for the promotion of e-bikes
Power Division has pushed for the promotion of e-bikes in Pakistan amid soaring fuel prices and crippling inflation.
According to details, the division has submitted a draft constitution which seeks a comprehensive plan regarding the promotion of electric bikes. It noted that recently, bikes use $3 billion in fuel annually.
The Power Division told the Business Recorder that e-bikes will benefit Pakistan's economy as well as its environment by curbing excessive fuel consumption. The government is currently comparing the performance, prices, range and cost of ownership of petrol bikes and e-bikes.
The department found that the motorcycles have an average fuel consumption of 52 km/litre while the daily travel average is 31 km. In addition, petrol bikes also contribute significantly to pollution due to carbon and noise emissions. However, due to their efficiency, reliability and affordability, people resort to buying them instead of e-bikes.
The performance division highlighted the following inhibitors in the standardization of e-bikes:
Unavailability of external charging infrastructure.
The cost of e-bikes is much higher than comparable competitors.
Absence of formal sector financing products that include some incentives from the government.
Limited charging capacity due to technological limitations in battery replacement.
High energy costs.
The department has vouched for an e-bike friendly policy that could persuade people to switch from petrol bikes to e-bikes.