KATHMANDU: Nepali consumers are increasingly shifting from motorcycles to scooters. The share of scooters in total two-wheeler imports has been rising steadily over the past six years.
The growing use of ride-sharing, food delivery and courier services has also increased the demand for two-wheelers. Limited public transport options have further encouraged people to rely on private two-wheelers.
According to the Department of Transport Management, more than 6.25 million vehicles were registered across Nepal as of last mid-March. Around 80 percent, or more than 5 million, are two-wheelers.
Customs data shows that nearly 1.1 million two-wheelers were imported in the past five and a half years.
Among two-wheelers, scooters are gaining ground against motorcycles. Six years ago, scooters accounted for around one-third of total two-wheeler imports. Their share is now close to half.
Scooters are easier to ride and more practical for daily use. They are particularly suitable for urban areas. Storage space, better mileage and modern features have also increased their appeal.
New-generation scooters are also becoming more powerful and feature-rich. This has helped them attract a wider range of customers.
Motorcycles remain popular among touring enthusiasts and younger riders. However, scooters are increasingly preferred by daily commuters, new riders, women, students and older customers.
More than three dozen scooter brands, including petrol and electric models, are currently available in Nepal. However, only around a dozen brands have established a strong presence in the market.
Scooter share nears 50%
The share of scooters in Nepal’s two-wheeler imports has moved closer to 50 percent. Both imports and sales have increased in recent years.
The two-wheeler market slowed down during the COVID-19 period but has recovered over the past three years. Scooter imports have grown faster than motorcycle imports. Electric scooters are also included in the scooter category in this calculation.
In FY 2021/22, motorcycles accounted for 65.24 percent of total two-wheeler imports, while scooters accounted for 34.76 percent. A total of 303,237 two-wheelers were imported that year, including 105,402 scooters.
In FY 2022/23, 139,240 two-wheelers were imported. Scooters accounted for 65,394 units, or 46.96 percent.
The scooter share crossed 50 percent in FY 2023/24. Out of 119,658 two-wheelers imported that year, 66,243 were scooters. They accounted for 55.36 percent of total imports.
The share declined to 45.42 percent in FY 2024/25. During the year, Nepal imported 187,209 two-wheelers, including 85,032 scooters.
The share increased again in FY 2025/26. Out of 250,657 two-wheelers imported, more than 119,000 were scooters. Their share reached 47.58 percent.
In the first four and a half months of FY 2026/27, scooters accounted for nearly half of total two-wheeler imports. Between April 1 and August 15, Nepal imported 69,385 two-wheelers, including 34,091 scooters.
Scooters accounted for 49.13 percent of total two-wheeler imports during the period.
Electric two-wheelers are also growing
Electric vehicles have gained a strong position in Nepal’s passenger car market. However, their share remains much lower in the two-wheeler segment.
More than 70 percent of new passenger cars sold in Nepal are currently electric. In the two-wheeler market, the EV share has only recently crossed 10 percent.
However, electric two-wheelers are gaining ground every year.
In FY 2021/22, EVs accounted for only 0.80 percent of total two-wheeler imports. Nepal imported 2,441 electric two-wheelers out of 303,237 units that year.
The EV share increased to 4.03 percent in FY 2022/23. Of the 139,240 two-wheelers imported, 5,613 were electric.
In FY 2023/24, EVs accounted for 4.33 percent of imports. A total of 5,187 electric two-wheelers were imported out of 119,658 units.
The share increased sharply in the following years. In FY 2025/26, Nepal imported 11,495 electric two-wheelers out of 250,657 units. EVs accounted for 4.59 percent of total imports.
The share has increased further in the current fiscal year. In the first four and a half months of FY 2026/27, 9,502 electric two-wheelers were imported out of 69,385 units.
Their share reached 13 percent during the period.
Most electric two-wheelers imported into Nepal are electric scooters. Electric motorcycles still account for only a very small share of the market.
