Rickshaw? Bike? Plot Twist: It’s Both. Metro Premium+ Steals the Spotlight at PAPS 2025

At this year’s Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS), a parade of innovation rolled through the halls, but few caught the eye quite like the Metro Premium+. This eccentric little e-vehicle had attendees squinting, snapping photos, and debating its identity on the spot. With a silhouette suspended somewhere between a rickshaw and a motorcycle, it quickly became one of the show’s most talked-about unveilings.

Design and Seating: Compact with a Twist

Up close, the Premium+ reveals a surprisingly practical interior. Under its semi-covered hood sits a two-person bench paired with a small child seat up front, an arrangement tailor-made for small families or ultra-short city hops. Its canopy offers shade and light rain protection, though the open sides have already sparked spirited discussion about safety and weather readiness.

Features and Performance: Simple, Light, and Urban-Focused

The Metro Premium+ packs:

• A top speed of 35 km/h
• Automatic transmission
• Digital display with speed, battery level, and gear info
• A wallet-friendly price of PKR 300,000

It’s clearly built for congested streets and low-speed commutes, and that’s exactly where it shines.

Public Reaction: Half Applause, Half Side-Eye

Once photos hit social media, the Premium+ ignited an instant split verdict:

• Fans applaud it as a budget-friendly electric alternative amid rising fuel costs.
• Critics see it as an over-glorified mashup; part bike, part rickshaw, part… something else. One Instagram user even christened it a “caraksha,” and the nickname has stuck.

Aesthetics aside, many have noted that, despite the roof, the open sides leave passengers exposed, arguably offering less protection than a standard rickshaw. Additionally, many criticised the Metro Premium+ price, claiming it is too expensive at PKR 300,000. 

Final Take

Love it or laugh at it, the Metro Premium+ is a bold new entrant in Pakistan’s evolving e-mobility scene. Its price, practicality, and quirky charm give it real potential, yet its unconventional looks and half-sheltered design have sparked debate. 

So: Is it a Bike-shaw or Rick-cycle? You decide.