Electric Scooty Boom Turns Into A Repair Nightmare

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2026) Pakistan's electric scooty boom was supposed to offer relief from soaring fuel costs. Instead, for a growing number of owners, the affordable two-wheeler is becoming an expensive lesson in poor after-sales support, costly spare parts and unreliable repairs. Imported electric scooties have rapidly appeared on Pakistani roads as consumers seek cheaper alternatives to petrol-powered transport. Female students and working women are increasingly turning to electric scooties for commuting and daily mobility but the rush to buy affordable models has exposed a growing problem, not every cheap scooty is a reliable one. For working woman Naila Shahvez, the promise of saving fuel and time quickly turned into an embarrassing ordeal. Travelling from Iqbal Town, Rawalpindi, to the beauty parlour where she works in G-9 Markaz Karachi Company Islamabad, her electric scooty suddenly stopped on the road, leaving her unsure what had gone wrong or where to get it repaired. The breakdown was particularly stressful as she was due to do a bride's makeup on her wedding day. Unable to leave the scooty unattended on the road, she had to hand it over to someone and deal with the situation, putting her work commitment at risk. Comments from owners, mechanics and dealers point to a simple message: the electric scooty can cut daily travel costs, but buyers need to look beyond the showroom price and check battery quality, warranty, spare-parts availability and after-sales service before making a purchase. For middle-income families struggling with fuel costs, an electric scooty remains an attractive option. Federal Government employee Abdullah described it as a blessing, saying it significantly reduced his daily petrol expenses. However, he advised buyers to look beyond price, shape and colour and focus on battery quality, warranty and the company's reliability. A buyer should first check the battery, its quality, warranty and the company behind it. Spending a little more on a good lithium battery can save you from repeated trouble later, he told APP. Abdullah said he learnt this lesson after a cheaper battery from a lesser-known company failed within two months, highlighting the need for consumers to understand battery technology, replacement costs and after-sales support before buying. The market includes brands such as Evee, Metro, Yadea, Jolta, Revoo, United, Crown and Vlektra, with models using different battery technologies, including lead-acid, graphene and lithium-based batteries. The government is also seeking to expand the sector. Under the New Energy Vehicles Policy 2025-30, 58 manufacturers had obtained licences to produce electric two- and three-wheelers by December 2024, while the government aims for new energy vehicles to account for 30 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2030. The growing number of vehicles is also creating demand for specialised repair services. At CK-EV Lab,in Dhok Kashmirian, Rawalpindi an electric scooter repair workshop, scooters of different makes stand waiting for repairs, with body panels removed and electrical components spread across workshop shelves. Mechanics say batteries and controllers are among the components requiring frequent attention, while motor, wiring and charging faults are also common reasons for workshop visits. Mechanic Mannan, Manan Autos Kurri Road Rawalpindi said proper charging could help extend battery life. Users should avoid repeatedly allowing the battery to fall to a very low charge, he told APP, advising riders to recharge on time and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Another dealer said chargers were often overlooked despite their importance. People spend a large amount on a vehicle and battery but sometimes compromise on the charger, he said, stressing that a suitable charger was important for battery performance. Mechanic Nauman said women made up a significant share of his customers because electric scooters were easy to ride and had low daily running costs. Battery choice remains another major consideration. Lithium-ion and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4 or LFP) batteries can differ significantly from lead-acid and graphene variants in terms of weight, price, charging characteristics, expected life and . On Murree Road, seller Sikandar said college students and working women were among the customers showing strong interest in electric scooters. Most customers first ask how far it will travel on one charge and how much they will save compared with petrol, he told APP. He said price competition should not come at the expense of quality and called for clearer information on battery type, warranty, spare parts and after-sales service, along with proper quality and safety checks. The NEV policy envisages more than two million electric two-wheelers during the five-year policy period, alongside wider charging infrastructure. The government is also working with the International Finance Corporation on reforms for the electric two- and three-wheeler sector, including regulatory and standards-related work involving the Engineering Development Board, NEECA and the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority. Pakistan's EV shift can deliver real savings and lasting benefits only if authorities ensure quality products, reliable spare parts and strong after-sales service. /379