Electric scooters struggle in Nepal despite EV boom

KATHMANDU: The adoption of four-wheeler electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal has surged, driven by government policies, tax exemptions, low operating costs and the availability of models with advanced technologies at affordable costs.

Although Nepal ranks among the world’s leaders in EV adoption, with approximately 65% of private four-wheeler vehicle sales now electric, the two-wheeler EV market, particularly electric scooters, lags significantly behind. Only 3% of around 125,000 two-wheelers sold in Nepal annually are electric.

This low rate of electric two-wheeler adoption is not due to a lack of option, though. As many as 74 electric scooter brands have been launched in Nepal since 2019. However, only about 18 of them have managed to survive. Most of the electric scooters currently available in Nepal are from Chinese brands.

Electric scooters have failed to build trust among consumers like electric four-wheelers because of factors like lack of reliability compared to gasoline scooters, limited range, high prices and inadequate charge infrastructure.

Abhik Jyoti, chairperson of the Two-Wheeler Committee of the NADA Automobile Association of Nepal, said pricing and range were key barriers to low adoption. “Petrol scooters offer greater reliability and flexibility, while electric scooters are costlier and limited by range and charging availability,” Jyoti told Mero Auto. “One can confidently travel anywhere on a petrol scooter or bike, but that is not the case with electric two-wheelers. Most electric scooters offer range of only 50–60 km. There are not enough charging stations, and charging takes time. How can consumers be confident under such conditions?”

He believes affordable, long-range electric scooters could attract consumers. “People are now showing interest in electric cars because of their affordability and range,” he said. “Scooters with long range and affordable prices must be introduced to attract customers.”

Jyoti also criticized the trend of importers testing the market with a few units before abandoning brands, which erodes consumer confidence. “Since the government has not set any standards for electric scooters, traders have become profit-driven, leading to an explosion in the number of brands,” he added.

Currently, only about 5% of electric scooters sold are from reputed brands.

Jyoti urged the government to set standards, requiring importers to establish charging stations and service centers as well as ensure the availability of spare parts before selling scooters.

Although scooters account for about 40% of total two-wheelers sale in Nepal, electric scooters represent less than 5% of this segment.

Over Two Dozen Brands Exit Market

Of the 74 electric two-wheeler brands introduced since 2019, over two dozen have ceased operations in Nepal.

Brands such as Okinawa, Ampere, Hero, Pure EV, Odysse, UGBest, Enigma, e-Ashwa, Bounce, Tunwal, Greta, Jessix, Jetty, KSR, AIMA, LVNENG, OKLA, EVTRIC, Aroma Miku, Benling, Miyama have more or less exited the Nepali market. Most of these brands have not made any imports in the past three years. Some have brought two to four units to prevent the closure of their business.

Some Brands Are Thriving

Despite challenges, brands like Ather, NIU, TailG, Segway, TVS, and Yadea are gaining momentum. These companies have been ramping up imports in recent years.

Ather has been the most aggressive lately, focusing on expanding charging stations and service centers. TailG has also gained consumer attention by offering a lifetime free service. It also has plans to expand its charging network.

Gogoro, a recent entrant, has built 45 battery swap stations in the Kathmandu Valley before launching its sales.

Sanjeev Shilpakar, director of Yom Ma E Motors Pvt, Ltd, the authorized distributor of TailG, said their emphasis is on strong after-sales support. “Selling two-four units is not a big deal. What matters most is providing a consistent service after the sale,” Shilpakar told Mero Auto. “Charging infrastructure and spare parts availability are key to building trust with consumers.”

Electric Scooter Imports (2019–February 2025)