If you’ve been hearing about the PM Electric Loaders & Rickshaws Scheme and wondering how it works, here’s a clear, grounded breakdown from someone who’s followed the rollout closely. The Government of Pakistan has launched this initiative under the wider Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification (PAVE) Program to provide electric three-wheelers (rickshaws & loaders) and two-wheelers (for reference) via subsidies and loans. According to official sources, the goal is to move toward greener transport, reduce fuel dependency, and open up new income opportunities for young and unemployed people.
Key Features of the Scheme
Here’s what the scheme offers in practical terms:
- Huge target numbers: ~116,000 e-bikes and ~3,170 electric rickshaws/loaders in fiscal year 2025-26.
- Subsidies and interest-free/zero-markup financing: For three-wheelers, loans up to ~PKR 880,000, and subsidies up to ~PKR 200,000 (or higher depending on model) are included.
- Age and licence eligibility: For rickshaws/loaders, applicants must be 21-65 years old (for e-bikes it’s 18-65). Valid licence required for three-wheelers.
- Special quotas: Women, students, commercial delivery riders, fleet operators get priority or reserved share. Eg: 25 % of two-wheelers reserved for women, up to 30 % of rickshaws for fleet operators.
Table: Benefits at a Glance
| Vehicle Type | Subsidy Amount | Loan Size | Repayment Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Rickshaw/Loader | Up to ~PKR 200,000 (some sources say up to PKR 400,000) | Up to ~PKR 880,000 (or slightly above) | Up to 3 years |
| (For comparative two-wheelers) | Up to ~PKR 50,000-80,000 subsidy | Up to ~PKR 200,000 | Up to 2 years |
Who Should Apply?
If you’re thinking of applying, here’s whether you qualify:
- Pakistani citizen (including AJK & GB) with valid CNIC.
- For rickshaw/loader: age must be between 21 and 65; must have valid licence for such vehicle type.
- You should be willing and able to operate the vehicle (especially for loaders/rickshaws). Some priority given to unemployed youth and small business operators.
- You’ll need to apply online through the official portal. Documents: CNIC, passport-size photo, licence (if applicable), bank account details.
How to Apply – Step-by-Step
- Visit the official portal (this is the central portal under PAVE).
- Register / create your account by providing CNIC, mobile number, email.
- Log in and choose the scheme for “three‐wheeler electric rickshaw/loader”.
- Upload required documents: CNIC front/back, valid driving licence (for rickshaw/loader), photo, bank account.
- Select vehicle type, district, quota (if applicable), and submit.
- Wait for e-balloting/draw (selection process is computerized).
- If you’re selected, you’ll receive instructions from partner bank on loan disbursement, delivery of vehicle and repayment schedule.
Things to Watch Out For
- The scheme is digital and transparent, so avoid offers from “agents” promising guarantee of selection. The draw is computerized.
- Make sure the vehicle model you plan to buy is approved under the scheme (check approved list).
- Confirm all costs: while the scheme covers subsidy and interest markup, you may still be liable for insurance, principal payment installments, and any equity/own contribution if required.
- Maintenance and charging infrastructure: Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, but you must still consider where you’ll charge the vehicle and maintenance costs.
- Delivery timeline: Once you’re selected the process takes time (bank verification, vehicle supply) plan accordingly.
Why This Scheme Matters
- For you, an electric rickshaw/loader under this scheme can open up self-employment. Instead of leasing a conventional rickshaw, you own an electric one, lower fuel costs, lower maintenance, better earnings.
- For the country, this supports green mobility, reduces fossil fuel dependence and local emissions. As reported, the government sees this as part of broader EV policy work.
- For the industry, it stimulates local manufacturing of EVs, chargers, battery production, etc.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eligible and motivated to use this as an opportunity, the scheme offers a strong path to owning an electric vehicle for commercial purposes with relatively manageable financing. Do your homework: check the portal, understand the numbers, compare with your expected income, and go for it. This could be a real stepping stone to both self-employment and cleaner transport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the age limit for applying for a three-wheeler under the scheme?
A: You must be between 21 and 65 years old for rickshaw/loader vehicles.
Q2: Is the loan really interest-free?
A: Yes. The scheme is structured so the government pays the markup/interest; you pay only the principal and insurance.
Q3: How many rickshaws/loaders are going to be provided?
A: The target is about 3,170 electric rickshaws/loaders in the FY2025-26 cycle.
Q4: What quotas exist for women and other groups?
A: For e-bikes 25 % quota for women; for three-wheelers up to 30 % quota may go to fleet operators.
Q5: Which vehicles qualify under the scheme?
A: Electric two-wheelers and electric three-wheelers (rickshaws and loaders) which meet the approved standards under the PAVE programme.
Q6: What is the repayment period for a three-wheeler loan?
A: Up to 3 years for rickshaws/loaders.
Q7: Do I need to pay an upfront down-payment?
A: The scheme has an 80:20 debt-to-equity ratio; in many cases, if the subsidy covers your “equity” portion, you may not need to pay anything upfront.
Q8: Can students apply?
A: Yes, in some targeted streams, top students are eligible for support under this scheme particularly for two-wheelers; for three-wheelers preference may be given to unemployed youth.
Q9: Where do I apply?
A: Via the official portal of the PAVE programme.
Q10: What happens after I submit the application?
A: After submitting you’ll go into e-balloting/draw. If selected, your bank will contact you with further steps for loan approval, vehicle delivery and installation.
