Buying Guide
What to check before buying an e-bike in Pakistan
An e-bike is a 3–5 year commitment. Five minutes of checking at the dealership — EDB certification, battery health, warranty terms, test ride — can save you PKR 20,000–50,000 in problems down the line.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
12 things to verify before signing
Confirm EDB certification
Ask for the EDB registration number. Cross-check on pave.gov.pk approved list. Without EDB certification, the bike does not qualify for government subsidies and may not meet local safety standards.
Verify the battery type and capacity
Ask for the battery specification sheet: voltage (V), ampere-hours (Ah), and chemistry (lithium-ion or lead-acid). The sticker on the battery should match what the dealer says. Unscrupulous sellers swap cheaper lead-acid packs into frames advertised with lithium-ion.
Check motor specifications
Motor wattage determines performance and load capacity. Government scheme bikes are typically 250W–1,000W hub motors. Ask for the rated and peak wattage. More watts = more power for hills and loading, but also more electricity use.
Get warranty terms in writing
Frame warranty, battery warranty, and motor warranty should each be stated separately in the purchase document. Verbal promises mean nothing. Ask specifically: what is covered, for how long, and which workshop handles claims.
Confirm the charger is included
Government scheme bikes include a manufacturer charger. Verify it is included in the price. A compatible charger costs PKR 2,000–5,000 if you need to buy one separately — this can be a hidden cost.
Ask about authorised service workshops
Where will you get it serviced? Is there a dealer-authorised workshop in your city? Remote buyers should confirm this before purchasing — some brands have limited service coverage outside major cities.
Check if the model is on the scheme's approved list
For government scheme bikes, confirm the exact model (not just the brand) appears on the current approved catalogue — pave.gov.pk for PAVE, the portal for CM Punjab. Approved lists are updated; a model may have been added or removed.
Test ride before payment
A short test ride reveals: acceleration smoothness, brake feel, handlebar comfort, seat height, and any unusual sounds from the motor. Most dealers allow test rides — if they refuse, be cautious.
Check the display and instrument cluster
Turn on the bike and check the display: does it show battery level, speed, and assist mode? Does everything respond correctly? A non-functioning display may indicate a wiring or controller issue.
Inspect the wiring and build quality
Loose wiring, sharp cable edges, exposed connectors or rattling panels are signs of poor assembly. Government scheme bikes should have clean, secured wiring runs. Pull gently on main wire looms to check they are properly secured.
Verify registration and documentation process
Ask how registration is handled — is the dealer handling it, or do you visit MTMIS yourself? Get a receipt for any registration fees paid. The bike should come with a bill of sale you can use for registration.
Confirm payment receipts and subsidy paper trail
For scheme bikes: get a printed receipt showing the subsidy was applied. You should not pay the full pre-subsidy price and receive a refund later — the discount is applied at the point of sale. If the process seems different, ask why.
At the Dealership
Questions to ask the dealer
What is the EDB registration number for this model?
Is this bike on the current PAVE or CM Punjab approved list?
What are the exact battery voltage and Ah specifications?
Is the battery lithium-ion or lead-acid?
What does the warranty cover and for how long?
Which workshop handles warranty repairs in my city?
Is the charger included? What voltage/amperage is it?
How long does delivery take after payment?
Can I do a test ride first?
How is the subsidy applied — at point of sale or later?
Warning Signs
Red flags that should make you walk away
Dealer cannot provide an EDB registration number
Price is significantly below market (battery may be swapped to cheaper spec)
Refuses to allow a test ride
Cannot provide warranty terms in writing
Asks you to pay full price and claims subsidy will come later as a cheque
Bike looks like a scheme model but is not on the official approved list
Online seller (not a physical dealer) asking for transfer to personal account
No physical showroom or contact address verifiable independently
For scam protection, see our dedicated e-bike scam avoidance guide.
Quick Answers
Buying guide FAQs
How do I know if an e-bike is EDB-certified in Pakistan?
EDB (Engineering Development Board) certified bikes appear on the approved list published at pave.gov.pk. The bike should also carry an EDB certification sticker/label. Ask the dealer for the EDB registration number — they should be able to provide it immediately. If a dealer cannot confirm EDB certification, the bike may not qualify for government subsidies and may not meet local safety standards.
What is a fair price for a government scheme e-bike in Pakistan?
After the PAVE Rs 80,000 subsidy, EDB-approved bikes typically cost PKR 70,000–160,000 depending on battery capacity and features. Under the CM Punjab zero-interest scheme, the same bikes may require only a PKR 16,000–30,000 down payment with PKR 2,000–4,500/month installments. Compare the dealer price to others — if one dealer is significantly cheaper, check if the battery or components are the same specification.
Should I buy the bike with the biggest battery?
Bigger is not always better. A larger battery adds weight, costs more and may be oversized for your commute. If you ride 20–30 km daily, a 48V/26Ah pack is sufficient. If you regularly do 50+ km, a 60V/32Ah or larger pack gives comfort margin. Over-speccing the battery adds cost with no practical benefit for your usage pattern.
What warranty should a government scheme e-bike come with?
EDB-approved bikes typically include a minimum 1-year frame warranty and 6–12 months battery warranty from the manufacturer. Some brands offer 2-year comprehensive warranties. Always get the warranty in writing, confirm which dealer handles warranty claims, and check if the warranty is voided by using a third-party charger (it usually is).
Buying through the government scheme? Check eligibility first.
Government scheme bikes come with EDB certification, manufacturer warranty, and subsidised pricing. The safest e-bike purchase in Pakistan.