Industry Desk: Electric motorcycles, commonly known as e-bikes, are rapidly gaining popularity in urban areas of Bangladesh as rising fuel costs and supply disruptions push consumers toward more affordable transportation alternatives. Industry data shows a steady increase in e-bike sales in recent months. In February this year, a total of 2,195 units were sold, which rose to 2,561 units in March marking an increase of nearly 17 percent within a month. Overall, 6,532 e-bikes were sold during the first quarter (January-March), with 1,776 units sold in January.
Consumers are increasingly turning to electric motorcycles due to their significantly lower operating costs. Hasan Shahriar Khan, an architect from Dhanmondi, shared his experience after purchasing a Chinese Yadea electric motorcycle for Tk 157,000 earlier this month. Having used a 2000cc SUV for 16 years, he said the switch was driven by practicality during the ongoing fuel crisis. According to Khan, the operating cost of an electric motorcycle is less than Tk 0.20 per kilometre, compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles that cost Tk 2-3 per kilometre. He added that while his SUV previously offered a mileage of 7-8 kilometres per litre, his e-bike can travel over 100 kilometres on a single charge. "I had to wait nearly six hours in line for fuel during the crisis. Now I can move around the city much more conveniently," he said. Retailers are also witnessing a surge in demand.
A Yadea flagship showroom at Mohammadpur reported selling 45 units in March, up from 32 units in February. In just the first week of the current month, 21 units have already been sold.
Executive Khairul Alam said the sudden spike in demand has nearly exhausted their stock, prompting efforts to increase supply. Users note that e-bikes are particularly suitable for short-distance travel in cities. Depending on battery capacity, many models can travel between 150 and 200 kilometres on a full charge. With fewer mechanical components mainly a motor and battery maintenance costs are also considerably lower.
Additionally, e-bikes are environmentally friendly and can reduce travel expenses by up to 80 percent compared to traditional motorcycles. The market has also expanded with the entry of several international and local brands. Chinese brand Revo began commercial operations in Bangladesh in September 2024 and now operates in over 20 countries. The company currently has 60 sales outlets in Bangladesh.
Revo Bangladesh Executive Director Wen said the fuel crisis in March and April played a major role in boosting sales, with the company recording nearly 30 percent growth in March alone. "The e-bike market is growing rapidly in South Asia and West Africa, and Bangladesh holds strong long-term potential," he noted. Local manufacturer Walton, through its subsidiary Digi-Tech Industries, produces electric motorcycles under the 'Tachyon' brand. The company currently offers seven models priced between Tk 89,000 and Tk 172,000. Sales nearly doubled from around 200 units in February to approximately 400 units in March.
Walton Digi-Tech's Chief Business Officer Touhidur Rahman said that while the sector had been growing at 7-10 percent annually over the past three years, March saw an exceptional 80 percent surge in sales, largely driven by the fuel shortage.
At present, more than 10 companies are involved in importing, assembling, and marketing electric motorcycles in Bangladesh. The market is dominated by Chinese brands such as Revo and Yadea, alongside local and regional players including Walton, Akij, Aima, Salida, and Tailg. Prices range from Tk 50,000 to Tk 300,000 depending on brand and specifications.
Import data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) also reflects the growing demand. Between July 2024 and March 2025, Bangladesh imported 7,658 e-bikes worth approximately Tk 36 crore.
In the corresponding period of the following year, imports rose to 12,330 units valued at around Tk 62 crore-an increase of over 61 percent.
Despite the rapid growth, e-bikes still account for only about 3 percent of the country's total motorcycle market. Industry insiders cite concerns over charging infrastructure, battery quality, and driving range as key barriers to wider adoption. However, they believe that continued instability in the fuel market could further accelerate the shift toward electric mobility in the coming years.
