ARE ELECTRIC BIKES AND SCOOTERS BECOMING AN ALTERNATIVE TO CARS?

Rising fuel prices, increasing traffic congestion, and a growing lack of time are pushing citizens to seek alternative modes of transportation. As a result, demand for electric bikes and scooters is on the rise—although their prices are no longer negligible.

At first glance, the financial calculation may seem straightforward, but in practice, the decision is often more complex. This is illustrated by the example of a resident of Banja Luka who decided to leave his car in the garage but ultimately gave up on buying an electric bike due to rising costs.

“I decided to redirect the money I spend on fuel into purchasing an electric scooter or bike. About two months ago, I paid around 1,700 KM for a scooter. Now, similar models are 100 marks more expensive,” said the Banja Luka resident, who wished to remain anonymous.

He also planned to purchase an electric bike, but while comparing models and prices, he encountered an unpleasant surprise.

“They went up by more than 100 euros in just one month—both here and on international online stores. That’s why I gave up on the purchase,” he added.

Demand Growing, But Not for New Models

Some retailers confirm that interest in electric two-wheelers is increasing, with more citizens opting for this type of transport due to high fuel prices. However, this does not necessarily translate into increased sales of new models.

According to Nikola Soković from the Banja Luka shop “M-Bajk,” people are looking for more affordable solutions.

“Bikes and scooters are increasingly in circulation, but sales of new electric bikes remain relatively low. Those trying to save on fuel usually opt for used bicycles or take old ones out of storage and make minimal repairs to get them roadworthy,” Soković told Glas.

He noted that service centers are seeing more electric bikes, mostly second-hand, while younger people are increasingly using traditional bicycles and scooters.

Market Offer Changing

“When it comes to prices, cheaper scooters have almost disappeared. Models that used to cost between 600 and 800 KM are no longer available. The most affordable ones now start at around 1,400 to 1,500 KM. The market is dominated by more powerful and better-equipped models, which are also in higher demand,” Soković explained.

He added that sales of traditional bicycles have surged this season, with demand in March surpassing all previous records.

“Children’s and teenage models are the most popular, while electric bikes are mainly intended for off-road use,” he concluded.

Growing Interest in Southern Regions

In the southern part of Republika Srpska, sales of electric two-wheelers are booming. A retailer from Trebinje, “TehnoPlus,” reports a sharp increase in demand, driven by both high fuel prices and traffic congestion.

“People working in Dubrovnik leave for work as early as four or five in the morning and often wait for hours at border crossings. That’s why they choose to buy a bike or scooter—to avoid wasting time,” the retailer told Glas.

Interestingly, prices in this region have not increased—in fact, they have dropped.

“An average electric scooter can be found for around 550 KM, while electric bikes cost about 1,050 KM after discounts,” they said, adding that younger workers are the most common buyers, motivated by both fuel savings and time efficiency.

Doboj Shows Little Interest

On the other hand, in Doboj, interest in electric two-wheelers remains minimal. A representative from the shop “King” says demand is almost nonexistent.

“Currently, there is no real demand for electric bikes or scooters. People are used to driving everywhere and find it hard to change those habits,” they said.

They added that high fuel prices have not yet significantly influenced consumer behavior in the area.

“In cities like Sarajevo or Tuzla, there may be more interest, but here it’s weak. We’ve sold only a few scooters, and there are almost no inquiries for bikes,” the retailer noted.

Hybrid Vehicles on the Rise

Extremely high fuel prices have also led to increased demand for hybrid vehicles on the domestic market. Companies, in particular, are rapidly renewing their fleets with hybrid models to reduce costs.

According to previous data from the Indirect Taxation Authority, last year saw 1,335 more hybrid vehicles imported compared to 2024, when 2,408 units entered the market. The total value of these vehicles exceeded 216 million KM, marking an increase of around 87 million KM compared to the previous year.