Electric motorcycles remain rare on Singapore’s roads, composing just 0.2% of motorcycles compared to electric cars’ 10% share among vehicles. Facing technical and regulatory hurdles at home, several Singaporean electric motorcycle firms have turned to Southeast Asia and beyond for opportunities.
- Electric motorcycles make up only 0.2% of Singapore's motorcycle population.
- Firms target Indonesia and Southeast Asia where motorcycles dominate transport.
- New models designed to use EV charging stations aim to ease local adoption.
What happened
Singapore’s electric motorcycle market remains small, with only 433 electric bikes on the road as of July 2026. High prices and limited battery capacity have made adoption difficult among everyday riders. In contrast, electric cars exceeded 69,000 units, representing over 10% of Singapore’s car population.
One early local initiative, a battery swap and charge program launched in 2022, was discontinued after firms like Mo Batteries withdrew due to regulatory challenges and investment demands. In response, companies have sought to expand overseas, particularly in Indonesia where motorcycles dominate transport, before returning with new strategies for the domestic market.
Why it feels good
Singaporean electric motorcycle firms are leveraging Singapore’s strengths as a financial and operational base while tapping into larger regional markets. Indonesia’s massive two-wheeler population offers a scale and demand that local challenges in Singapore cannot match, fueling growth and innovation for these companies.
This regional expansion not only showcases Singapore’s role as a technology and investment hub but also furthers efforts to reduce carbon emissions in countries heavily reliant on motorcycles. The move promises cleaner transport solutions fit for diverse urban environments.
What to enjoy or watch next
Back home, companies are now exploring motorcycles that use existing electric vehicle charging infrastructure instead of relying on battery swapping, which faced regulatory obstacles. Collaborations, like that between Leo Electric and Kilats, plan to introduce such models in Singapore by the end of the year, aiming to reduce upfront costs and increase long-term savings for users.
Looking ahead, the expansion into other Southeast Asian markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia signals accelerating regional adoption. Singapore’s efforts to electrify all vehicle segments by 2040 mean that electric motorcycles may soon have a more prominent place on its roads.