Islamabad: E-vehicles, especially e-scooters, have gained worldwide popularity due to their environmental and economic benefits. It provides a sustainable solution to traffic congestion with low waste volume and low cost and gives freedom to women passengers. As Islamabad embraces this trend, the city is moving towards a cleaner and more inclusive future.
E-scooters are also breaking down barriers for women in the federal capital, allowing them to travel to classes, offices and other activities without relying on time-consuming public transport or expensive transport services.
A total of 62,397 motorcycles were registered between May 2023 and May 2024, according to data shared with this news agency by the Customs and Excise Department. Interestingly, from this number, 780 motorcycles are registered in the name of women. The increase in registration among women represents a significant change in transportation trends, which reflects the increased interest and participation in motorcycle ownership among women during this period.
Zainab, a student at Riphah University, who rides a new electric scooter, has done an internship with APP. “After months of arguing with my family about the rising petrol prices and car maintenance costs, I was finally allowed to buy an electronic scooter,” he said.
Instead of going to the gas station and waiting for the tank to fill up, Zainab said she now plugs in her e-scooter at home. He said that the change made his life easier and more convenient, he was able to reach all his destinations on time without the frustration of long waits at the bus stop for local transport. This newfound independence gave him a sense of freedom and ease.
Similarly, working journalist Farah Naz, who has been using E-Scooter for many years, said that working professionals, especially women, find e-scooters a practical solution for their daily commute. They save time and money by avoiding long waits at bus stops and traffic jams. This new movement did not reach its goal; it’s about empowerment and independence.
Kashif Javed, Business Development Manager, Metro E-Vehicles told this reporter that the rapid shift from petrol bikes to E-Vehicles has led to an increase in market share. He noted that there is a growing interest among people, especially students and professionals, in buying e-scooters to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment. Conversion of traditional fuel-powered bicycles to electric scooters is also increasing.
“As the city grapples with air pollution and environmental degradation, the transition to electric vehicles becomes essential. E-scooters emit zero tailpipe emissions, helping to improve air quality and reduce the effects of climate change. This move is certainly poised to contribute to Islamabad’s efforts towards a brighter future cleaner and safer,” he said.
Sustainable Development Program (SDP) Head of Energy, Dr. Khalid Waleed, together with Tuaha Adil, Research Economist at the Policy Institute for Market Economy (PRIME) to answer questions about the economic and environmental benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). They noted that the transportation sector will consume 17.4 million tons of oil and 21.945 million cubic feet (mmcft) of gas in fiscal year 2022, accounting for 76 percent of the country’s total oil consumption. This has put enormous pressure on foreign exchange reserves, with Pakistan’s import bill for petroleum products reaching around $18 billion.
E-scooters are more than just vehicles; they changed the way we travel to the city. Empowering women, saving money and promoting environmental cleanliness in Islamabad. With more adoption of this electric trend, the future of transportation in the capital looks brighter and cleaner.
