Nepal’s two-wheeler market is expanding rapidly, with imports rising sharply in the first four months of the current fiscal year despite growing global momentum toward electric mobility.
According to the Department of Customs, Nepal imported 106,768 units of motorcycles and scooters, including both assembled and completely knocked down (CDK) units, during the first four months of the current fiscal year 2025/26. This marks a 25.68 percent increase, or an additional 21,800 units, compared to the same period last year. In the first four months of 2024/25, the country had imported 84,890 units.
The latest import data shows that the domestic appetite for petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters remains strong, as concerns over affordability, quality, and infrastructure continue to deter consumers from switching to electric two-wheelers.
Automobile industry people say the surge reflects a rebound in economic activity as mobility improves and consumer confidence gradually returns. Two-wheelers remain one of Nepal’s most preferred personal mobility options, particularly in urban areas where public transport is not dependable.
A significant portion of this year’s imports, or 81 percent, were unassembled units. Nepal imported CDK units 86,339 in the four-month period. Nepal currently assembles more than a dozen motorcycle and scooter brands domestically. Selected models from popular brands like Royal Enfield, Bajaj, TVS, Yamaha, Hero, Honda and CFMoto, among others, are imported as CDK units and assembled locally. Local assembly has created jobs and helped reduce prices down to some extent.
During the period, Nepal imported 20,351 units of fully-built two-wheelers, according to the department. While electric vehicles (EVs) have gained traction in Nepal’s four-wheeler segment, the same momentum has not been seen in the two-wheeler market. Traders say consumers remain hesitant to transition to electric motorcycles and scooters due to factors like higher upfront costs, limited model choices, concerns over battery reliability, and a lack of widespread charging infrastructure.
Dealers also say electric two-wheelers are still expensive compared to their petrol counterparts which make them less appealing to middle-income buyers who dominate the two-wheeler market.
