In the congested streets of Dhaka, daily commuting has become increasingly difficult due to heavy traffic and parking challenges. The recent fuel crisis, triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, has further worsened the situation, pushing many vehicle owners to look for alternative transport options.
Mohammad Emrul Kayes, a Supreme Court lawyer, recently purchased an electric motorcycle (e-bike) from Runner Motors Limited. He said the decision was not meant to replace his car or petrol-run bike but to solve everyday problems related to fuel availability.
“For me, it was about avoiding the hassle of long queues at fuel stations,” he said, adding that uncertainty around refueling pushed him toward a more convenient solution.
He described the e-bike as “quick, simple, and stress-free,” reflecting a growing shift in urban mobility during the crisis.
Industry data shows a sharp rise in e-bike sales since the fuel shortage began. Monthly sales increased from around 800–1,000 units to nearly 2,200 units in March—more than double the usual figure. If the trend continues, sales could reach 3,000 units, according to market insiders.
Several companies, including Walton, PRAN-RFL Group, and Runner, are expanding their presence in the growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
Nazrul Islam, managing director of Runner Group, emphasized the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels. He said e-bikes offer clear advantages, including lower operating and maintenance costs.
Runner currently offers 12 models of Yadea-branded e-bikes, priced between Tk 90,000 and Tk 315,000. Islam noted that households using solar power can operate these vehicles at minimal cost compared to fuel-based alternatives.
He also explained that e-bikes have simpler structures, using only a motor and battery, which reduces maintenance needs significantly.
Despite the benefits, adoption remains relatively low, with annual sales ranging from 12,000 to 16,000 units—just 2 to 3 percent of the overall motorcycle market.
Concerns about charging infrastructure, battery life, and travel range still exist. However, industry leaders say these issues are gradually improving. Charging an e-bike costs around Tk 14–15 and can be done overnight, similar to charging a mobile phone.
At Walton, sales of TAKYON e-bikes surged by up to 85 percent during the March fuel shortage, said Md Touhidur Rahman Rad, chief business officer of Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited.
He added that e-bikes can travel between 80 and 130 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the model.
Meanwhile, Kamruzzaman Kamal of PRAN-RFL Group said sales of their RYDO e-bikes rose by about 60 percent during the crisis. He highlighted the need for supportive policies, noting that high import duties on parts increase production costs, while cheaper imported finished products create pricing challenges.
He also stressed the importance of developing charging infrastructure to support wider adoption.
As fuel uncertainty continues, e-bikes are emerging as a practical and cost-effective solution for urban transport in Bangladesh.
Source: The Daily Star