Pakistan’s electric mobility startup EzBike has unveiled the country’s first electric scooter ‘Electron’ with swappable batteries.
The launch of EzBike’s electric scooter on November 6, 2023, was accompanied by the establishment of a network of 40 battery swap stations in Islamabad. This move marks a new era of accessible, convenient, and eco-friendly transportation in Pakistan’s electric vehicle (EV) industry.
EzBike co-founder and CEO Mohammad Hadi called it a “pivotal moment for the transition to electric vehicles in Pakistan” that represents the “first EV ecosystem in the country, comprising electric scooters with swappable batteries” and Pakistan’s battery swap station network.
Launched by Islamabad-based startup Roamer Technologies, EzBike is the startup that first introduced Pakistan’s fully electric bike service in Islamabad. Founded by Mohammad Hadi and Ali Moeen, ezBike offers affordable, fast and eco-friendly transportation in Pakistan — the South Asian country of 241 million people.
EzBike sets up 40 battery swap stations
The launch of Electron scooter was accompanied by the establishment of a network of 40 battery swap stations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
While this may be new for Pakistanis, many companies across Asia have embraced electric scooters using batteries that can be quickly swapped on the go, tackling range worries and speeding up the shift to electric vehicles. EzBike co-founder said that his team was pleased to bring this trend to Pakistan as the battery swapping concept is gaining traction across Asia and Africa for its affordability and operational feasibility.
Electron Scooter
EzBike’s flagship scooter, the Electron, boasts an array of impressive features, including a stylish design, regenerative anti-lock braking, and a waterproof seat. With a top speed of up to 65 kph and a range of up to 75 km, it’s a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for commuters. The 2000-watt motor and LiFePo4 battery type offer excellent performance and reliability.
The company says that it takes less than 30 seconds to swap out the batteries for another 75 km of range. EzBike claims that the Electron e-scooter is 259% cheaper to buy and 50% cheaper to operate than the popular Honda CD70.
Price: The starting price for the Electron electric scooter is PKR 225,000 ($800).
Specs
- Top Speed: Up To 65 kph
- Range: Up To 75 km
- Motor Power: 2000 watts
- Battery Type: LiFePo4
- Charging Time: 2 hours
- 3 Modes: Eco, Normal, Sport
Electrifying two-wheelers in Pakistan
EVs are gradually gaining traction as a cleaner and more efficient mode of transport in Pakistan. Leading this electric mobility revolution is the country’s first EV company, Jolta Electric. Another local electric scooter company, Evee, is on a mission to spark a mass-market transition to electric mobility by introducing stylish yet affordable scooters.
For those seeking a more modern design, Vlektra offers powerful electric motorbikes equipped with lithium-ion batteries that are slightly more expensive than their competitors. A Lahore-based electric mobility, Zyp Technologies, recently raised $1.2 million for its battery swapping electric motorbikes with a production capacity of 8,000 units annually.
At least six companies in Pakistan are currently manufacturing or assembling electric motorbikes, with licenses issued to 31 companies to achieve the mass adoption of EVs. These developments signify a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s journey towards more sustainable mobility.
Why Pakistan needs electric bikes and scooters?
As of 2023, Pakistan boasts one of the most significant motorcycle ownership rates in Asia alongside Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India and Thailand, and the Philippines. Approximately 43% of households in Pakistan possess at least one motorcycle.
Ranked as the eighth most vulnerable nation to the climate crisis by the Global Climate Risk Index, Pakistan faces significant environmental challenges. The electrification of two-wheelers — scooters, bikes, and motorcycles — and three-wheeler rickshaws hold the potential to contribute significantly to emissions mitigation and make the transportation network more efficient.
With rising fuel prices and increasing costs of maintaining a car, electric vehicles (EVs) provide a budget-friendly and greener transportation alternative to conventional gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicles.
Global Electric Two-Wheeler Market
- The global electric motorcycle market size is anticipated to be valued at US$121 billion by 2030, according to a study by Grand View Research Inc.
- In 2023, the global two-wheeler market is pivoting toward electric vehicles due to increased environmental awareness, urban congestion, and fluctuating fuel prices.
- The surge in demand for electric scooters and motorcycles reflects a growing preference for sustainable and cost-effective mobility solutions in densely populated urban areas.
- Innovations in battery technology and connectivity features are also driving this transformative shift in the industry.
