Punjab has revised its electric bike scheme for students, making it easier for eligible young people to obtain bikes by removing the previous down payment requirement.
Under the updated plan, students will be able to receive an electric bike through monthly instalments of around Rs. 3,000. The Punjab government will bear the interest and insurance costs, reducing the financial burden on participating students.
Authorities have been directed to reopen the e-bike registration portal this week. Once the process resumes, successful applicants are expected to receive their bikes within six weeks.
The scheme will also include basic safety support for recipients. Each student will receive a free helmet and safety rod, while two days of electric bike riding training will be provided to help new riders understand safe handling and road practices.
The changes are aimed at making electric bikes more accessible to students while encouraging affordable and environmentally friendly transportation.
The provincial government is also exploring the possibility of expanding the programme beyond students. Employees, government departments, members of the public and delivery riders could potentially be included in future phases.
The revised payment structure could make the scheme more attractive to students who previously faced difficulty arranging an upfront payment.
With the portal reopening and the government covering additional costs, the initiative is expected to provide more young people with access to personal transportation.
The expansion plans could eventually take the programme beyond education and support a wider group of people who rely on motorcycles for commuting and work.
The latest changes represent an effort by Punjab to make the electric bike programme more accessible while promoting safer and more sustainable mobility across the province.
